Leigh Heisel

Leigh Heisel, an Associate Teaching Professor, joined the Department of Communication in 2001. She earned a BS in Communication, a BA in Education with a specialization in English from West Liberty State College and an MA in Communication from West Virginia University (1998). In addition, she has completed 30 hours of post-graduate work in specialized content areas. She is a former middle school teacher who maintains certification to teach language arts in middle and high school. Since 2009, she has served as the Advanced Credit Program (ACP) Departmental Liaison Officer for UMSL adjuncts in high school classrooms in the region.

Leigh strives to empower students with purposeful instruction that is practical and readily applicable. She wants her students to experience real-time changes as they apply what they are learning in her classes. She primarily teaches (2231) Communication in the Organization online and on campus. Through her efforts to reduce the financial burden for her students, this course is notable for using Online Educational Resources (OER), which are provided to students at no cost. During her 20 years of service at UMSL, Leigh taught a wide range of introductory and advanced undergraduate courses for the department. Her interest areas include communication with individuals of different abilities, instructional communication, organizational leadership, and training and development. Leigh is a strong proponent of service to the community and often incorporates service learning into her classes. In her classes, students gain confidence in interacting with individuals with disabilities, improve effectiveness in organizations and society, and contribute to the overall quality of life in the region.

Leigh co-advises Able-Disable Partnership. Her service to the university includes CoA&S Council on Inclusivity, A&OER Committee, First Year Experience, the Comm & Media Scholarship Committee, and the Alternate Test Admissions Committee. She has completed professional development training in RESPOND, Green Zone, Alive and Well, and Inclusive Design from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Leigh is currently completing ACUE certification in Effective Online Teaching Practices.

Courses developed and taught include: (3520/21) Communication Barriers I and II, (3353) Communication and Advocacy, (3510) Communication and Conflict, and (2232) Business Communication.

Contact Information