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Dr. Alicia Wireman

Alicia Wireman
Chair of Humanities and Communication Arts, Associate Professor of Communication

College of Arts and Sciences

Phone: 260.344.5042

Email: akwireman@indianatech.edu

Office: Snyder Academic Center, 264

Bio

Dr. Alicia Wireman is a distinguished leader in higher education, currently serving as Chair of Humanities and Communication Arts and Associate Professor of Communication at Indiana Tech. With a career spanning over a decade at the university, she has been instrumental in advancing academic excellence, fostering innovation, and enhancing student engagement.

Dr. Wireman holds a Ph.D. in Global Leadership with a focus on Higher Education Administration from Indiana Tech, complemented by an M.A. in Professional Communication from Purdue University Fort Wayne and a B.A. in English Language and Literature from Grand Valley State University. Her diverse educational background is further enriched by certifications in graphic design, TESOL, and intercultural communication.

Additionally, Dr. Wireman has significantly expanded Indiana Tech’s communication program, introducing specialized tracks in journalism and broadcasting, graphic design, and sports media. By integrating industry professionals into the classroom, she ensures that students gain practical, real-world experience alongside academic instruction. 

Her commitment to pedagogical innovation was recognized with Indiana Tech’s 2023 Leepoxy Award for Teaching Innovation. This accolade reflects her dedication to creating dynamic learning environments that prepare students for the evolving demands of the communication field. 

Beyond her departmental responsibilities, Dr. Wireman contributed to the university’s strategic direction as a member of the Strategic Plan Task Force. Her involvement underscores her commitment to aligning academic programs with industry standards and workforce requirements. 

Dr. Wireman’s multifaceted contributions to Indiana Tech exemplify her dedication to academic leadership, student success, and the continuous advancement of higher education.

My Office Hours

Summer 2025: By appointment only

Classes I Teach

COMM1250 Foundations of Communication

COMM1400 Public Communication

COMM2150 Visual Meanings

COMM2210 Design Fundamentals

COMM2350 Interpersonal Communication

COMM2460 Typography and Layout

COMM2650 Video Storytelling

COMM2750 PR for Sports

COMM3450 Multimedia Journalism

COMM3600 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism

COMM3750 Radio and Podcasting

COMM4200 Media Ethics and Law

COMM4250 Crisis Communication

COMM4300 Publication Design

COMM4500 Contemporary Media Studies

COMM4950 Communication Internship

COMM4960 Senior Capstone

My Academic Advising Roles

Communication/Digital Graphics and Design

Educational Background

  • Graphic Design Certification, American Graphics Institute, 2024
  • CITI Human Subjects Research Certification, CITI Program, 2023
  • Ph.D.: Global Leadership (Higher Education Administration), Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN, 2017
  • Global Competencies Inventory Administrator Certification, Intercultural Communication Institute, 2015
  • TESL/TESOL/TEFL Certification: Oxford Seminars, Indianapolis, IN, 2014
  • M.A.: Professional Communication, Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN, 2011
  • B.A.: English Language and Literature, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, 2009
  • Arabic Language Certification: University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, 2009

Professional Experience

  • January 2018- Present: Associate Professor/Chair of Communication, Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN
  • 2015-2018: Assistant Professor in Intensive English Program, Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN
  • 2012-2015: Adjunct Faculty, Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN
  • 2014: Writing Center Initiative, Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN
  • 2011-2014: Adjunct Faculty, Brown Mackie College, Fort Wayne, IN
  • 2013: Registrar, International Business College, Fort Wayne, IN
  • 2012-2013: Adjunct Faculty, International Business College, Fort Wayne, IN
  • 2011: Writing Center Orientation Chair/Lead Consultant, IPFW, Fort Wayne, IN
  • 2009: Freelance Writer, Shakespeare Squared, Chicago, IL
  • 2009: ESL Tutor, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
  • 2009: Editor in Chief, Grand Valley Lanthorn, Allendale, MI
  • 2005-2006: Spanish Tutor, Lafayette Adult Resource Academy, Lafayette, IN

Publications/Presentations

  • April 2024: “‘Textual Abundance’ as Resistance to Neo-Liberal Education: English Courses as Complicators of Preprofessional Majors,” Conference on College Composition and Communication, Spokane, WA
  • February 2023: “On the Spectrum: A Guide to Helping Autistic Students in the Classroom,” Fort Wayne Teaching and Learning Conference, Fort Wayne, IN
  • February 2022: “Gen Z-ers: Meeting the Needs of this Innovative Population,” Fort Wayne Teaching and Learning Conference, Fort Wayne, IN
  • November 2021: “Gen Z-ers: Meeting the Needs of this Innovative Population,” Lilly Conference on College Teaching, Oxford, OH
  • February 2020: “A Student Perspective: Restructuring Education to be more Creative and Interdisciplinary,” Fort Wayne Teaching and Learning Conference, Fort Wayne, IN
  • February 2019: “Beyond the Policies: Getting Students to Interact with the Syllabus,” Fort Wayne Teaching and Learning Conference, Fort Wayne, IN
  • November 2018: “The Asteroid Game: Engaging Students in Writing Effective Arguments,” Lilly Conference on College Teaching, Oxford, OH
  • Tolstikov-Mast, Y., Bieri, F., Walker, J. L., Wireman, A., Whitaker, B. L., Vaiman, V. (2018). Global leadership studies and doctoral education: Advancing the discipline through a targeted curriculum. In J. S. Osland, M. E. Mendenhall, M. Li (Eds.), Advances in Global Leadership, volume 11 (pp. 313-343). United Kingdom: Emerald Publishing.
  • April 2018: “Comparing Values in Universities’ Mission Statements: Analyzing Forbes’ Top and Bottom ‘Best U.S. Colleges for International Students’”
  • October 2017: “International Students and Faculty in Complex Classroom Environments: Exploring the Need for Global Leadership,” International Leadership Association, Brussels, Belgium
  • February 2017: “The Asteroid Game: How to Make Writing Effective Arguments Fun for Students,” IPFW Teaching Conference, Fort Wayne, IN
  • February 2016: “What Do Students Want?: Exploring Current Literature on Students’ Needs from Instructors in the College Classroom,” IPFW Teaching Conference, Fort Wayne, IN
  • February 2015: “Airing the Frustrations: How to Develop Teaching Methods to Meet the Needs of International Students,” IPFW Teaching Conference, Fort Wayne, IN
  • March 2012: “Betraying Feminism: A Cluster Analysis Examining Margaret Sanger’s Shift in Ideals,” Central States Communication Association, Cleveland, OH
  • March 2011: “360 Degrees and 3-D: A Holistic Assessment of Writing Centers,” East Central Writing Center Association, Kalamazoo, MI
  • 2011: “Zahida,” Confluence Literary Magazine, Fort Wayne, IN
  • 2011: “Wanting,” Confluence Literary Magazine, Fort Wayne, IN
  • 2011: “Untitled,” Confluence Literary Magazine, Fort Wayne, IN

Why I Teach

At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the belief that education should be transformative—empowering students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. I view the classroom as a collaborative space where learning is dynamic, inclusive, and relevant to real-world challenges.

I am deeply committed to experiential learning, incorporating applied projects, partnerships with industry professionals, and multimedia tools to bridge theory and practice. By designing curricula that respond to evolving trends in communication and media, I ensure students are not only academically prepared but professionally equipped.

Student engagement is central to my approach. I strive to create an environment that fosters curiosity, dialogue, and mutual respect. I challenge students to take ownership of their learning, encouraging them to explore diverse perspectives and develop their unique voices.

Innovation is a cornerstone of my pedagogy. Whether through the use of emerging technologies, flipped classrooms, or interdisciplinary collaboration, I seek to continually evolve my methods to meet the needs of today’s learners. My goal is to model adaptability and a growth mindset—skills that are vital in both academic and professional settings.

Ultimately, my role as an educator extends beyond content delivery; it is about mentorship, empowerment, and inspiring lifelong learning. I aim to cultivate not only skilled communicators but also ethical leaders and thoughtful citizens.

Additional Information

Dr. Wireman’s background includes experience in print journalism, freelance reporting and digital communication development. In addition to serving as editor-in-chief of the Grand Valley Lanthorn, she developed digital content for various online platforms. She is currently a member of the Society for Professional Journalists, the Central States Communication Association, the National Communication Association and the Public Relations Society of America. She publishes in peer-reviewed journals that focus on leadership and communication and presents at conferences every year.

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