Press Room

Jeanetta D. Sims, Ph.D., a tenured professor and a former dean at the University of Central Oklahoma, is NCA’s new Second Vice President. Her four-year term began January 1, 2023.

Sims, an award-winning Communication scholar, attended her first NCA Annual Convention while a graduate student in 1994. She said it is what sparked her active service with the Association and the leadership roles she pursued, including her recent term on the NCA Executive Committee.

During her tenure as Second Vice President, Sims said, “I look forward to bringing energy in developing new ways to transparently share the work of our Association, to support you, and to work alongside you as a regarder, someone who watches, takes notice, and cares for our discipline.” In her role, Sims’ responsibilities will include planning the 2024 NCA convention in New Orleans, Louisiana as First Vice President. In 2025, Sims will serve as NCA president, and in 2026 as the Immediate Past President. All officers serve on the Legislative Assembly, Executive Committee, and Leadership Development Committee.

In December 2022, NCA members also elected these new representatives to the Leadership Development Committee, Nominating Committee, and Legislative Assembly—At Large. Their terms began on January 1, 2023.

Leadership Development Committee

Elected to serve a two-year term  

· Damariyé L. Smith, San Diego State University

· Sean J. Upshaw, University of Texas-Austin

Legislative Assembly – At Large

Elected to serve a three-year term

· Melissa Harris, Marymount University

· Mia Long Anderson, Sam Houston State University

· Keven James Rudrow, Syracuse University

Nominating Committee

Elected to serve a one-year term 

· Rukhsana Ahmed, University at Albany, State University of New York

· Colleen McGoff Dean, Whatcom Community College

· Carline Romain, Borough of Manhattan Community College, CUNY

· Sandra Romo, California Baptist University