Hi Leeanne, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned in school and why that lesson is important to you?

I always loved school and never expected to get a PhD but over the course of 9 years you learn that showing up matters. As we live in a post pandemic world, it has become harder to show up. We are use to being isolated for the last two years. From my experience, most of my accomplishments have come from showing up to events and places that I did not need to be at but found a networking opportunity. Showing up matters.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in a small steel mill town called West Leechburg, PA. My father, grandfathers, and almost everyone I knew worked in the steel mill. I was fortunate enough to have a family that encouraged my love of learning. I knew I wanted to go to college but I did not know what I “really” wanted to do with my life.

After my undergraduate education, I decided to continue my education because I still was not sure what I wanted to do in life. I learned that I loved school and never wanted to leave. I have been at Stevenson University for the last 15 years.

I am professor in the Department of Communication at Stevenson University. I have co-authored four books, Communication Ethics Literacy: Dialogue and Difference (in a second edition), Conflict Between Persons: Origins of Leadership (in a second edition), Event Planning: Communicating Theory and Practice (in a second edition), and Communication Ethics: Activities for Critical Thinking and Reflection (in a second edition). I have published excerpts in Integrated Marketing Communication: Creating Spaces for Engagement, Exploring Communication Ethics: Interviews with Influential Scholars in the Field, The Encyclopedia of Social Identity and The Encyclopedia of Communication Ethics. Dr. Bell McManus has also published in Atlantic Journal of Communication, Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, Communication Annual: Journal of the Pennsylvania Communication Association, Communication Education, Journal of the Association for Communication Administration, and Review of Communication.

My greatest accomplishments include
Being name Teacher of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Maryland Chapter
Being a Teaching Fellow for the Eastern Communication Association.

My role as President of the Eastern Communication Association.

I teach and conduct research in communication ethics, event planning, conflict, leadership, instructional communication and interpersonal communication.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The pandemic made most people pivot. As a college professor and mom of two little kids figuring out how to manage life was tough. I made schedules that allowed me to help my kids navigate preschool and first grade and teach my college classes online. We all learned life lessons during the tough period but I learned the importance of family.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe interpersonal communication skills are key. I am a people person. I love interacting with others and I love creating space for conversations.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: leeanne_bellmcmanus
• Facebook: Leeanne Bell McManus
• Linkedin: Leeanne Bell McManus