Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford moved to Middle Tennessee State University in early 2022 to serve as the Vice Provost for Academic Programs. She also has an appointment as a professor of communication, a discipline she has loved since her first speech contest at the age of 14. Today, Amy is a well-known communication scholar and practitioner, with specific focus on activism, social justice, allyship, not-for-profit organizations, and leadership. She utilizes qualitative methods, including interviewing, journal entries, and observations to do her work. She has served as a reviewer for multiple national journals and has published dozens of book chapters, journal manuscripts, and articles for national administrative newsletters.

Amy’s book From Thought to Action: Developing a Social Justice Orientation, in its second edition, is utilized in classrooms and book clubs throughout the world. It often appears on Amazon’s Top 100 list of bestselling political advocacy books. A TEDx speaker and curator, she is frequently asked to present at national conferences and to university audiences and local community groups. Amy is the current chair of the Social Justice and Activism Division of the National Communication Association and past president of the Central States Communication Association.

Amy earned a PhD in communication studies from the University of Iowa in 2006. She has received many local, state, and national awards, including two 40 Under 40 awards, YWCA Corpus Christi’s Y Women in Careers, Communication University Educator of the Year in both Texas and Oklahoma, and Outstanding Administrator from the National States Advisory Council of the National Communication Association. In 2023, she was awarded the Jack Kay Award for Community Engagement and Applied Scholarship from the Central States Communication Association.

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Sanford, A. A. (in press). “Until we are all free”: Acting in Solidarity with Marginalized Communities. In Baca, I., Hinojosa, Y. I., & Villa, J. (Ed.), Communities in Action: Creating Spaces of Social Change. Parlor Press.

Sanford, A. A., Banda, R., Tejeda-Delgado, C., Hernandez, P. L., Vampran-Foster, D., & Walker, A. (in press). “I looked in the mirror. I was like, ‘Where?’”: Grappling with ethnic and racial identity after receiving direct-to-consumer genetic test results. https://doi.org/10.1080/1041794X.2023.2165702

Sanford, A. A. (2024). From Thought to Action: Developing a Social Justice Orientation. Cognella Academic Publishing. (2nd edition). 

Sanford, A. A., Grafnetterova, N. & Loa, R. J. (2023). Alysia, Allyson, and Nike’s ‘Band of Brothers’: Exposing the Hypocrisy between Corporate Marketing and Internal Practices. Rentner, T. & Burns, D. (Ed.), Social Issues in Sport Communication: You Make the Call.

Sanford, A. A. (2022). Communication Studies and Social Justice: 25 Years and Counting. In Beck, C. (Ed.), Communication in the 2020s: Viewing our world through the eyes of communication scholars. (pp. 204-213). Routledge. http://doi:10.4324/9781003220466-25

Sanford, A. A., & Smith, K. W. (2020). From the halls of Harvard to the Age of the Networker: 140 Years of educational development in U.S. higher education. In Freeman, J. P., Keller, C. L., & Cambiano, R. L. (Ed.), Higher Education Response to Exponential Societal Shifts (pp. 201-225). IGI Global. http://doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-2410-7.ch010

Sanford, A. A., (2020). Selling out or cashing in: Common fears of and advice for critical/cultural scholar-administrators. In Myers, B. & Brower, J. (Ed.), Critical Administration in Higher Education: Negotiating Political Commitment and Managerial Practice (pp. 9-22). Lexington Books.

Sanford, A. A., & Copeland, K.D. (2020). Communication is . . . Empowering. In Tyma, A. W., & Edwards, A. P. (Ed.), Communication is…: Perspectives on Theory (pp. 217-228). Cognella Academic Publishing.

 Sanford, A. A., Rudick, C. K., Nainby, K., Golsan, K. B., Rodriguez, S. R., & Claus, C. J. (2019). ‘I was gonna go off, but my best friend is white...’: Hispanic students’ co-cultural Reasoning in a Hispanic Serving Institute. Communication Quarterly 67(2), 158-177. https://doi.org/10.1080/01463373.2018.1557723

Sanford, A. A. (2018). Classroom ideas for promoting social justice: Encouraging student activism in intercultural and gender communication courses. Journal of Communication Pedagogy 1(1). https://doi.org/10.31446/jcp.2018.13

Copeland, K. D. & Sanford, A. A., (2018). Beyond the classroom walls:  Sharing institutional problems and proposed solutions at public symposia. In Rudick, C K., Golsan, K. B., & Cheesewright, K. (Ed.), Teaching from the Heart & Learning to Make a Difference: Teaching the Introductory Communication Course through Critical Communication Pedagogy (pp. 140-145). Cognella Academic Publishing.

Sanford, A. A. & Emami, J. V. M., (2018). Addressing cultural intersections: Critical feminist communication pedagogy. In Atay, A. & Toyosaki, S. (Ed.), Critical Intercultural Communication Pedagogy (pp. 195-215). Lexington Books.

Rudick, C. K., Sollitto, M., Claus, C. J., Sanford, A. A., Nainby, K., & Golsan, K. B. (2017). Comparing Hispanic-to-white co-cultural communication at Hispanic Serving and Predominately White Institutions. Communication Reports 30(2), 104-115. https://doi.org/10.1080/08934215.2016.1268638

Rodriguez, S. R. R., Sanford, A. A., Rudick, C. K., & Martin, J. V. (2016). Expanding academic development at professional conferences: An assessment of a compressed Faculty Learning Community. Learning Communities Journal 8(1), 51-69.

Sanford, A. A., Ross, E. M., Blake, S. J., Cambiano, R. L. (2015). Finding courage and confirmation: Resisting impostor feelings through relationships with mentors, romantic partners, and other women in leadership. Advancing Women in Leadership, 35, 33-43. http://advancingwomen.com/awl/awl_wordpress/archives/

Sanford, A. A. (2014). Feminist students’ perceived barriers to feminist activism in the Heartland. Iowa Journal of Communication 46(2), 204-224.

Sanford, A. A. (2010). ‘I can air my feelings instead of eating them’:  Blogging as social support for the morbidly obese. Communication Studies 61(4), 567-584.  https://doi.org/10.1080/10510974.2010.514676

Imes, R.S., Bylund, C.L., Sabee, C.M., Routsong, T., & Sanford, A.A.  (2008).  Patients’ reasons for refraining from discussing internet health information with their healthcare providers.  Health Communication. 23(6), 538-547. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410230802460580

Bylund, C.L., Gueguen, J.A., Sabee, C.M., Imes, R.S., Li, Y., & Sanford, A.A. (2007). Provider-patient dialogue about internet health information:  An exploration of strategies to improve the provider-patient relationship.  Patient Education and Counseling, 66(3), 346-352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2007.01.009

Sabee, C.M., Bylund, C.L., Imes, R.S., Sanford, A.A. & Rice, I.S. (2007).  Patients’ attributions for health-care provider responses to patients’ presentation of internet health research. Southern Communication Journal, 72(3), 265-284. https://doi.org/10.1080/10417940701484217

Bylund, C.L., Sabee, C.M., Imes, R.S., & Sanford, A.A. (2007).  Exploration of the construct of reliance among patients who talk with their providers about internet information.  Journal of Health Communication. 12(1), 17-28. https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730601091318

Aldridge, A. N. (2004). The block game. Communication Teacher, 18(2), 70-73. https://doi.org/10.1080/1740462042000191964

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Presenter - Sanford, A. A., CSCA 2023, "The Department Chair/Director Experience: Bringing all voices into the Conversation (Top Panel for Undergraduate Education and Administration Section)," Central States Communication Association, St Louis, MO. (March 2023).

Organizer & Chair - Sanford, A. A., CSCA 2023, "Acting in Allyship and Solidarity: Learning to be Bold and Correctable (ERICC Caucus Spotlight Panel)," Central States Communication Association, St Louis, MO. (March 2023).

Presenter - Sanford, A. A., THEC New Academic Programs Convening, "Effective Strategies and Innovative Programs," Tennessee Higher Education Commission. (March 2023).

Organizer & Chair – “Living Life as a Scholar-Activist: Finding One's PLACE Inside and Outside the Academy,” National Communication Association, New Orleans. (November 2022).

Organizer & Chair – “Transformative Pedagogy: Facilitating Social Justice Consciousness through Instructional Design,” National Communication Association, New Orleans. (November 2022).

Co-Author & Presenter - “Top Paper: ‘I looked in the mirror. I was like, ‘Where?’’: Grappling with ethnic and racial identity after receiving direct-to-consumer genetic test results,” CSCA annual meeting, Central States Communication Association, Madison, WI. (March 2022).

Presenter - "Shifting Roles from Faculty to Administration: Inspiring Others Within and Beyond the Classroom," CSCA annual meeting, Central States Communication Association, virtual. (March 2021).

Presenter - "Top Panel: Transforming Communication Classroom Experiences through Inspirational Readings, Assignments, and Pedagogies that Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion," CSCA annual meeting, Central States Communication Association, virtual. (March 2021).

Presenter - "Leadership Pitfalls: Resisting Imposter Feeling and Practicing Self-Care," TWHE Annual Conference, Texas Women in Higher Education, Virtual. (March 2021).

Presenter - "Addressing student activism: Practical and theoretical implications for higher education," NCA Conference, National Communication Association, Baltimore. (November 2019).

Presenter - "Strategies for Improving Communicating STEM on Your Campus," Central States Communication Association, Omaha, NE. (April 5, 2019).

Presenter - "Between intellectual pursuits and institutional forces: Negotiating the tension between critical scholarly orientations and academic administration," NCA Conference, National Communication Association, Salt Lake City. (November 2018).

Presenter – “Long-term Academic Mentoring Relationships: Leaving a Legacy,” Central States Communication Association, Milwaukee, WI. (April 2018).

Presenter - "Preparing Students for Career Success by Connecting Education and Work," AASCU Academic Affairs Winter Meeting, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, San Antonio, TX. (February 2018).

Author & Presenter – “Bridging the Gap: Sustaining Difficult Conversations Interpersonally, Pedagogically, and Personally,” NCA Conference, National Communication Association, Dallas. (November 2017).

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Finalist, Marisa Richmond Civic Advocacy Award (March 2023). Presented by the LGBT+ College Conference, this award serves to recognize individuals for their outstanding civic works in support of the LGBT+ Community through civic related advocacy efforts. Examples include an individual whose personal or professional efforts focus on legislation, building grassroots coalitions, or providing leadership to overall strategic advocacy.

Jack Kay Award for Community Engagement and Applied Communication Scholarship (March 2023). Presented by the Central States Communication Association, the award recognizes communication scholars who have achieved notable records of success in applying their work to confront issues of social injustice, inequality, intolerance, and prejudice. The award, thus, recognizes and celebrates a significant body of engaged, applied, and/or activist communication scholarship.  

University Communication Educator of the Year (October 2018). Presented by the Texas Speech Communication Association, the award is given annually to a TSCA member for career contributions to college teaching in the discipline of communication.  

Spirit of MLK Exemplary Award (February 2018). Presented by the Islander Cultural Alliance to a student, faculty, staff, or alumni whose extraordinary commitment and dedication to community service, social justice, and or civil rights has significantly impacted or advanced TAMU-CC and/or the surrounding community.   

Administrator of the Year (November 2017). Awarded by the National States Advisory Council of the National Communication Association, the award recognizes an administrator who has made significant contributions and support for communication arts, forensics, and/or theatre activities.  

Y Women in Careers (March 2017). Since 1979, the Corpus Christi YWCA has recognized local women who have made a significant impact in their career fields while exemplifying the mission of the YWCA to eliminate racism and empower women.  

Corpus Christi Under 40 (January 2016). CCU40 is an event honoring the accomplishments of men and women under 40 years of age who have made significant contributions in their professional fields as well as through service in the community.  

Amigos de la Isla, Student Engagement & Success (May 2015). This award annually honors one faculty member and one staff member who have gone above and beyond their roles on campus to accomplish goals and serve students.  

Outstanding Islander, TAMU-CC Marketing & Communication (May 2015). Recognizes outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni that make Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi the first-choice destination for many students throughout the world. An average of three awards are given monthly.  

Outstanding Service Award, AAUW Tahlequah (June 2013). The recipients have provided exemplary service to the branch over a period of at least ten years. They have made tremendous contributions to AAUW’s mission – to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change.  

Josh Lee Service Award, Oklahoma Speech Theatre Communication Association (September 2012). Named for the Oklahoma teacher/statesman, college debate champion, professor of speech at the University of Oklahoma, U. S. Representative and U. S. Senator. Lee was head of the Speech Department at OU for several years. Award is given for career contributions to speech, theatre, communication in Oklahoma.  

Northeastern Student Government Association “Faculty Member who made a Difference” (May 2011). Each student leader of NSGA is allowed to recognize one faculty member of his/her choice at an annual luncheon.  

International Faculty Development Fellow to Amman, Jordan, Northeastern State University (June 2011). Five faculty members are awarded a $7,000 fellowship to attend a Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) faculty seminar.  

Northeastern Student Government Association “Faculty Member who made a Difference” (May 2010). Each student leader of NSGA is allowed to recognize one faculty member of his/her choice at an annual luncheon.  

“The Journal Record’s” Achievers Under 40-Class VII (June 2010). Thirty-nine young professionals under the age of 40 who are working to make Oklahoma a better place. They have not only proven themselves in their professions, they clearly demonstrate a commitment to the communities where they live.  

DaVinci Fellow (March 2009). The DaVinci Institute Board of Directors recognizes creativity, broadly defined, among Oklahoma’s higher education faculty. Acting on the premise that creative thought and insight are fundamental components of extraordinary scholarship, invention, teaching, and performance across academic disciplines, the DaVinci Institute seeks nominees whose accomplishments reflect a high degree of innovation.  

NSU Inaugural Centurion, given during NSU’s Founders’ Day (March 2009). Adapted from the word “centurion,” the commander of a century (100 men) in the Roman army, the Northeastern State University Centurion is an individual whose leadership and commitment, in the course of helping others, has allowed them to make a significant impact during the past 100 years of NSU history. Other centurions include Carrie Underwood and Drew Edmondson.  

Fred Tewell Outstanding College Communication Educator, awarded by the Oklahoma Speech Theatre Communication Association (September 2008). Tewell was a long-time professor of communication at Oklahoma State University, where he taught and coached debate for 25 years. Tewell was an active member of OSTCA for many years. Award is given for career contributions to college teaching in the discipline of communication.

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