Communication Studies

Lori Britt – M.A. 2005

Lori Britt, MA, 2005, came to UNCG after a 20-year career in communication including journalism, public relations, non-profit management, and marketing. Her involvement as a community volunteer spurred an interest in how to improve the communication and work of community groups, and how community is formed. Her studies at Greensboro opened her eyes to the potential of dialogue and deliberation as tools to reengage people in making choices together.

She earned her PhD (2010) from the University of Colorado-Boulder, focusing on how communication processes and commitments to constructive interaction can be used to counter cynicism and promote engagement to shape and maintain strong, vital organizations and communities capable of addressing complex issues and identifying opportunities for sustainable change.

Britt is now an Assistant Professor at James Madison University and co-director of the Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue. She continues to research and engage in community building through her work with area nonprofits and nonprofit collaborations, and teaching students about organizational communication that empowers collaboration, and traiing students to facilitate public dialogue and deliberation.