
New CST professor an expert in digital realm
BY CRISTINA MARTINEZ / VN STAFF WRITER
Dr. Matthew Hale, Detroit Mercy’s first new communication studies professor in more than a decade, comes by way of Austin Peay State University in Tennessee.
A proud millennial, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in digital disciplines, including media, culture and humanities.
“If I had to describe him in one word I would say ‘engaging,’” said department chair Cynthia Langham, a member of the hiring committee. “He is a very good fit for our university, academically and personally.”
Hale has a PhD in communications and culture and a second PhD in folklore, both from Indiana University.
He has always been interested in teaching and has been teaching since he was around 15 years old.
“When I was a teen, I learned how to play guitar, so I started teaching guitar lessons,” said Hale.
Since then, he has not stopped teaching.
“I feel very comfortable teaching,” said Hale.
Hale had to go through a hiring process that included a teaching demonstration.
“He spoke so fluidly that you would not know when he was teaching and when he was having a normal conversation,” said Victoria Taylor, one of the students invited to the demonstration. “He checked all the boxes of what I think is a great professor.”
Hale is teaching public speaking this semester.
Two of his classes are online and one face to face.
He creates video lessons and uploads them on YouTube. (Search “digital pedagogy.”)
Topics range from public speaking to popular culture.
Some are personal, describing his tattoos, the day-to-day life of a professor and adventures in cosplay.
“What I like about putting my classes on YouTube is that everyone can benefit from them,” said Hale. “I like to teach and create material that can be used in many different countries.”
Hale’s expertise in social media will take center stage in the winter semester when he teaches a seminar in social media strategies, which will have students doing various projects, including creating memes.
One thing he does to disconnect and relax is editing and making memes for his students.
“He was very relatable,” said Taylor. “His lessons were so engaging, it made me want to learn more about the subject.”
Even though Hale is new to Detroit Mercy, he said he feels comfortable and welcomed at the university.
“When you go through a hiring process, normally you feel like it is you versus the people who are interviewing you,” said Hale. “However, when I was interviewed, I immediately got a good feeling. I felt very supported. They understood and were interested in the stuff that I do.”
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More VN News Articles
- 'Avatar' sequel is excellent
- 'The Menu' has all the ingredients for a great movie
- Not My Fault hopes to raise awareness about sexual assault
- Life inside Lansing-Reilly
Recent VN News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR VN

'Avatar' sequel is excellent By Jada Moorehead

'The Menu' has all the ingredients for a great movie By Jennifer Raptoplous

Titans continue to struggle against rival Oakland By Jorge Reyna, Jr.

Junior runner bounces back from devastating stroke By Kara Wolfbauer
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST VN NEWS
- Near tragedy turns into fortune for NFL safety
- Seniors should give to class gift campaign
- Lions fans have much to look forward to
- Relaxing flight turns into smelly situation
- 'Avatar' sequel is excellent
- 'The Menu' has all the ingredients for a great movie
- Detroit Mercy athletes find success with NIL deals
RECENT VN CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Stay Safe As You Get Back Outside
- Better Indoor Air Quality
- People Protesting Predatory Pornography
- Many In Primary Care Want Patients To Share Mental...
- New Year, New You: Making Resolutions You Can Keep For A...
- New Year, New You: Making Resolutions You Can Keep For A...
- California’s New Flavored Tobacco Law Will Save K...
- New Year, New You: Making Resolutions You Can Keep For A...
- New Year, New You: Making Resolutions You Can Keep For A...
- Supplement Your Dental Care Routine
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Keep Rocking This Year with Maaco’s Rock On In 2023 S...
- Technology is reshaping warfare
- Are You Heart Smart? What to Know for a Healthier Heart
- ¿Es usted inteligente con el corazón? Lo que debe saber p...
- Better Health with Budget Friendly Peanuts
- See the Great Cities of Europe on a Mediterranean Cruise
- La Oficina del Defensor de Inmigrantes Detenidos ofrece...
- Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman delivers...
- Cherrish Every Moment with Cherries from Chile
- Right Place, Right Time: Device Delivered by Medical...
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ITS 2023 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
- Ellucian Launches New Student Ambassador Community
- DoorDash and Chegg Partner to Give College Students More Fuel for School
- Taylor & Francis Announces Environmental Sciences Call for Papers as a Call to Action to Save the Planet
- Chegg Announces Inaugural Student Mental Health Week to Address Growing Student Anxiety in the Age of Covid and Beyond