Leigh M. Heisel, M.A.

Leigh Heisel, a 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 (now University) 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. She served as the Advanced Credit Program (ACP) Departmental Liaison Officer for UMSL adjuncts in high school classrooms in the region for 15 years.

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 25 years of service at UMSL, Leigh taught a wide range of introductory and advanced undergraduate courses for the department. Her interest areas include disability communication, journalism, 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 advises Able-Disable Partnership and The Current. Her service to the university includes faculty senator, CoA&S Council on Inclusivity, A&OER Committee, First Year Experience, the Comm & Media Committees for Scholarships, Curriculum, and Spaces, and the Alternate Test Admissions Committee. She has completed professional development training in RESPOND, Green Zone, Alive and Well, and Inclusive Design. Leigh maintains ACUE certification in Effective Online Teaching Practices and is a certified TiLT Faculty Advocate. 

 

Education:

M.A., West Virginia University
B.S., B.A. West Liberty State College (now University)

Courses Taught:

• COMM 1030: Interpersonal Communication*
• COMM 1050: Intro to Mass Media
• COMM 2180: Introduction to Writing Digital Content*⁺
  
• COMM 2231: Communication in the Organization*⁺
  
• COMM 2232: Introduction to Business Communication: Tools for Leadership⁺
• COMM 3332: Intercultural Communication
• COMM 3400: Language and Behavior⁺
• COMM 3510: Conflict and Communication⁺
• COMM 3520: Diverse Communication and Disability*⁺
• COMM 3353: Communication and Advocacy⁺
• Honors 1130: Is Interpersonal Communication Still Personal?⁺

*Most recently, ⁺developed