School of Communication

Cheri VanKuren-Bales

Instructor

216 Sprau Tower
(269) 387-4578

Education:
Master of Arts in Communication 1993 Western Michigan University (Cum laude)
Bachelor of Business Administration 1987 Nazareth College, Kalamazoo (Cum laude)
Associate of Arts in Business Administration 1982 Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek, Michigan (Cum laude)
Areas of Expertise: Nonverbal communication, language development, early childhood

Courses I teach:

COM 305

This course will provide an overview of how effective publications (brochures, newsletters, annual reports, fliers and others) are designed and provide: 1) the basics of the mechanics of type, grammar and layout; and 2) hands-on experience editing and developing publications in Adobe PageMaker.

Course Objectives:

To gain a solid understanding of the use of type, graphics and white space in creating eye-pleasing and reader friendly publications.
To understand the connection between type and layout, and comprehension.
To demonstrate knowledge of appropriate formats for different types of communication vehicles.
To gain a working knowledge of publications present in the business environment.
To create and modify—using information learned in class—publications of differing formats.
To design a personal-image package inlcluding logo, letterhead, envelope and business card.

COM 472 Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is the study of nonverbal behaviors that reinforce, repeat, regulate, substitute, or contradict the verbal message. These behaviors, or cues, have a profound effect on the reception and the outcome of communication events. This course will provide general instruction in the principles of nonverbal communication as well as the following course objectives:

To differentiate between verbal and nonverbal messages.
To become more aware of the influence of nonverbal communication in our lives.
To study the role of nonverbal communication in human development.
To examine some nonverbal extensions of ourselves, such as personal space, use of time, artifacts and more.
To study body and facial messages.
To examine some of the individual differences in our abilities to interpret nonverbal messages.

Teaching Philosopy:

I believe students in today’s world are looking for proof. “Prove to me that this is something that I can use later in life,” would sum it up succinctly. As a result, in teaching these young adults, I look for a way to bring the lessons and lectures to a personal level for each of them. To do this, I feel it is necessary to go beyond only lecture and PowerPoint slides to hands-on, interactive, groupwork, and out of class experiments while relying on students’ self-directed curiosity and the input of their peers to influence learning. Strong leaders are able to unite the group and lead them toward the goal, and I take that challenge to heart.

And we have fun.

Some students seem surprised that learning can be fun, but for me, it’s all about watching them grow from timid individuals at the beginning of each semester, to small groups of friends who support each other in class disucssions and assignments, to a cohesive group striving toward a common goal. By utilizing all the talents and experiences available within this vast pool of resources, I am a better teacher and they are better learners.

My greatest reward is when students tell me of the impact I’ve had on their lives. From the single father who presented me with a signed photograph of his four-month-old daughter after semester full of personal upheaval and in spite of such, to the young woman who brings me an six-pack of Diet Coke to say, “Thank you for taking the time to care,” each semester brings its rewards disguised as challenges.

Having recently been named a Lambda Pi Eta Mentor by a student, I recognize that beyond my fulfillment and satisfaction with teaching lies a much greater responsibility to students like her. If, like with this student, I can ignite a spark, prompt a question, raise an eyebrow or provoke a controversy, then I have touched at least one student and that one student’s life may change for the better as a result.

Professional Affiliations:

Member, Communication Alumni Advisory Committee 2001 to present Western Michigan University School of Communication
Michigan School Public Relations Association 1991 to present Annual Conference Committee—1996, 2000, 2002; Crisis Response Team—2000-present
Professional Women Communicators 1998 to present Board of Directors—1999 to 2001; Communication/PR Vice President—1999-2000
InterCom, The Association of Professional Communicators 1989 to present Board of Directors—1992 to 1995 Job Bank Manager—1990 to 1994

Grants, Awards & Achievements

President’s Laptop Initiative Recipient 2002 Western Michigan University School of Communication
Distinguished Communication Graduate 2001 Western Michigan University School of Communication
Commendable Award—”Fitz Facts” brochure 2000 Michigan School Public Relations Association
Commendable Award—”Comstock Public Schools—There's No Better Place to Learn" historical perspective 2000 Michigan School Public Relations Association
Medallion of Excellence Award, Runner-Up 1996 Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation, Vine Street Alternative High School Yearbook Club
Distinguished Electronic/Media Award—Video Newsletter 1996 Michigan School Public Relations Association
Distinguished Program Award—Community Corporate Games 1996 Michigan School Public Relations Association
Communicator of the Year, Honorable Mention 1995 Women In Communications, Inc.
Communicator of the Year, Honorable Mention 1992 Women In Communications, Inc.

Professional Presentations/Consulting Topics:

Public Relation Campaigns
Successful Public Speaking
Job Search and Résumé Development
Crisis Communications
Creating Professional Publications for PR Communication/Public Relations Audits Focus Group Facilitation Public Relations and Marketing for Nonprofits Public Relations vs. Advertising for Child Care Homes and Centers Marketing Matters—A Workshop for Those Who Wear Many Hats Marketing on a Shoestring Working with the Media Women’s Business Development Center, Third Thursday Professional Development Seminars—various topics.

Personal Interests:

I am married to a wonderful man, Bob. We have two young children, Max, 10 and Blake 5. I enjoy reading, volleyball, softball, playing board games and traveling with my family and by myself. I am thrilled to be back at Western working with students and look forward to each and every class.

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