Dr. Ellis’ teaching career began as a competitive speech and debate coach, English teacher, and theatre arts director. Additionally, she developed peer-teaching workshops for faculty members and worked as the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Speech & Debate Coordinator in Texas high schools. Her high school speech and debate students were regional and state winners. Her theatre company also placed in the Texas regional and state One Act Play contests.

After completing her Master of Science Degree in Communication Studies at the University of North Texas, she began teaching communication courses at the college level and later completed her Doctorate of Education with an emphasis on curriculum, instruction, and supervision. Throughout her experiences, she has been especially interested in developing ways to enhance communication skills across the curriculum. Encouraging positive communication skills is her career passion.

In the summers, if she’s not home with her family in Texas, she is teaching congressional debate, freshmen scholars, and/or political communication for Junior Statesmen of America, a national organization designed for intellectually curious, politically savvy high school students.

She is married to Barry Ellis, associate professor of finance at the University of Central Oklahoma. She has one son, Branson Stephens (OBU class of 2000) and one daughter, Nola Stephens.

Dr. Ellis has a special affection for celebrating Jesus’ birthday. Without question, her collection of Christmas ornaments is inspiring. Click here to see one of her favorite links.

Dr. Ellis' Curriculum Vitae

Educational Background:

Courses Taught:

• CMAR 1092: Introduction to Communication
• APCM 2283: Public Speaking
• APCM 2283: Organizational Communication
• APCM 3653: Family Communication
• CMAR 3505: Communication Research
• APCM 3323: Persuasion
• APCM 4323: Capstone in Applied Communication
• APCM 4329: Special Topics Courses---Humor Factor in Communication; Persuasive Campaigns, Argumentation: Victory and Defeat

Selected Publications and/or Professional Activities:

2012 Ellis, V. S. & J. Wells (2011). Jordan’s well made play for impeachment. Paper presented at the Southern Speech Communication Association’s Convention in April 2012.

2010 Ellis, V. S. (2010). Blessed assurance for Linda Ruchell’s Son: A Faculty for compassion. Paper presented in panel discussion in NCA’s Instructional Development Division—96th Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA.

2009 Ellis, V. S. & Cross, N. P. (2009). Recalling subject centered enthusiasm: The essence of great teaching. A Journal of the International Community of Christians in Teacher Education (ICCTE), 4(2), Retrieved from http://icctejournal.org/issues/v4i2/v4i2-ellis-cross/

2009 State Superintendent’s Federal Programs Conference: Keynote address, “Shameless Enthusiasm.” Moore Norman Technology Center, South Penn Campus, Oklahoma City—January 21

2008 Oklahoma State Department of Education: Keynote address, “Laughing our way to Retention.” State Superintendent’s Northwest Regional Curriculum Conference—June 19; Breakout session leader, Oklahoma City Metro Area Regional Curriculum Conference—June 18.

2008 Ellis, V. S. Contributing author, “Getting Back to Camp” and “Sacrificial Giving” in Solomon was a Businessman: Advice from the Wealthiest Man on Earth. Baker, A., & Whitlock, D. (Eds.) Eugene, OR: Resource Publications.

2008 Ellis, V.S. & Harlin, N. M. (2008). Designing teacher-student rapport: An all-out effort in techno driven communities. International Design Principles and Practices-An International Journal, (2)4, p. 25-36.

2008 Ellis, V. S. &, Harlin, N. M. Designing teacher-student rapport: An all-out effort in techno driven communities. Paper presented at Design Principles & Practices Conference, University of Miami Conference Center, Miami, FL.

2007 Ellis, V. S. & Travis, J. (Dec., 2007). Professional titles in higher education: Do they matter to students? College Student Journal, Part B, 41(4).