Dr. Carlos Alemán grew up near Fresno, CA. He earned his B.A. and M.A. in Speech Communication at Cal State Fresno, and his Ph.D. in Communication Studies at the University of Iowa. He is an associate professor of Communication Studies, and a member of the graduate faculty for the M.A. in Communication and Advocacy. Carlos’ areas of expertise in teaching, research and outreach include communication theory, interpersonal and cultural communication, discourse and identity in communities and in popular culture, and diversity and multicultural initiatives in educational institutions. He is one of eight JMU professors awarded partial teaching release to serve at area middle and high schools as Professor in Residence. He works with underserved students at Harrisonburg’s Thomas Harrison Middle School, and has developed the Shenandoah Valley Scholars’ Latino Initiative at Harrisonburg High School. Carlos enjoys time with his family, laughing with students of SV-SLI, and proudly representing Mexican-Americans of CALIFORNIA!