Looking Out, Looking In

Ron Adler is professor emeritus at Santa Barbara City College, where he developed programs in interpersonal communication, business and professional communication and communication theories. He has co-authored and edited several textbooks that address communication contexts and topics including interpersonal communication, small group communication, public speaking, assertiveness and social skills. In addition to writing and teaching, Professor Adler works with professional and business people to improve their communication on the job.

Russell F. Proctor II is a professor at Northern Kentucky University, where he has taught since 1991. He primarily teaches courses in interpersonal communication, interviewing and communication pedagogy. In 1997 he won the university's Outstanding Professor Award. Professor Proctor is the author of numerous articles and textbooks focusing on interpersonal communication and communication education, with a particular interest in the use of feature films as instructional resources.

Jimmie Manning is chair and professor of communication studies at the University of Nevada, Reno. A reformed people-pleaser, he has published or produced more than 120 essays, books, documentary films and other publications, and his work has won several research awards. He is also a skilled teacher, having recently received the National Communication Association Ecroyd Award, arguably the highest teaching honor that can be earned in his discipline. Professor Manning was also recently honored by the Central States Communication Association where the top paper award for the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Caucus is now called the Jimmie Manning Award. When he is not doing his academic work, Professor Manning spends time going to concerts, working with community advocacy groups to solve communication problems, and occasionally performing in stand-up comedy shows. He also spends significant time with his husband, 16-year old son and their dog and two cats.