Thesis and Dissertation Advisors - Communications

DEBRA FISHER

Scope: distance education, web-based learning, online learning, instructional design, heuristic inquiry paradigm, qualitative research designs, mixed-methods research designs, research methodology, education, higher education, educational leadership, religious studies, theology, spirituality, multiple intelligences theory, emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence, brain-based learning, adult learning theory.

DEBRA FISHER , M.S.Ed, B.A., is president and owner of an independent education, learning, and communications consulting company that serves both individual graduate learners and institutions of higher education. When working with graduate learners, Debra perceives her role as that of a personal writing coach and academic advisor, providing guidance and encouragement during the prospectus, proposal, analysis, and publication phases of scholarly writing. Whether helping clients brainstorm a researchable thesis; providing theoretical guidance relative to research focus and/or positional development; recommending structural and organizational revisions to enhance the clarity and cohesion of an argument; or editing for grammar, mechanics and punctuation, she customizes her services to meet the specific needs of her clients. More than achieving the completion and committee approval of a scholarly manuscript, clients appreciate Debra’s emphasis on the development of skills that help them communicate effectively using all the techniques of good writing—skills that serve them well beyond their graduate program. Debra has enjoyed coaching-advising relationships with hundreds of learners who represent a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, and all have been awarded their graduate degrees.

LES FOXMAN

Dr. Les Foxman has been a public relations professor at Utah State University and the University of Utah. He received his Ph.D. in journalism and mass communication from Ohio University.

He empathizes with those undertaking extensive writing projects, and he is willing to help writers meet the challenge at virtually any stage of the writing process - from selecting topics to framing good research questions to organizing content and to presenting results and conclusions in clear, detailed language. He is comfortable in a fairly wide realm of topics, which extend beyond public relations, including journalism history, popular culture, music, criticism, integrated marketing communication, public policy issue management, crisis communication, and media message planning and management for organizations.