Lecture Focuses on Communication Behaviors, Highlights New M.A.

Jon Nussbaum, a globally recognized expert in communication behaviors, will give the inaugural lecture in the ODU Presents series Tuesday, Sept. 27. His talk, entitled "Communication Changes Across the Life Span," starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Big Blue Room of the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

Nussbaum's talk follows the launch this fall of a new Master of Arts program in lifespan and digital communication, which focuses on the study of human communication and digital media. Students in the program will explore the areas of relational communication, information gathering and conflict management, and also offer instruction on how social media use differs among, within and between people at various stages of life, from childhood to elder adulthood.

"Communication is one of life's most vital processes. And, like life itself, how we communicate changes as we age," said Tom Socha, professor of communication and the graduate program. "This lecture will celebrate the start of ODU's new forward-looking master's program and explore the rapidly changing landscapes of human and digital communication" he said.

Widely recognized as an expert in communication studies and considered the father of life span communication studies, Nussbaum is the author of 13 books and more than 80 journal articles and book chapters. He is a professor of communication arts and sciences and human development and family studies at Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on communication behaviors and patterns across the life span, including studies on family, friendship and professional relationships with well and frail older adults.

Nussbaum's current research centers on quality health care of older adults, health care organizations and intimacy across a person's life span. His latest books are "Brain Health and Optimal Engagement for Older Adults," "Communication and Intimacy for Older Adults" and "The Routledge Handbook of Health Communication."

The ODU Presents series will bring speakers from a wide range of disciplines to campus for talks that focus on the university's various research initiatives and outreach efforts. The lectures are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and guests are encouraged to RSVP by calling 683-3116 or visiting www.odu.edu/ao/unievents (enter event code PJN11).