Faculty Present at Ohio Communication Association Conference

The Ohio Communication Association (OCA) welcomed educators and scholars from across the state, including Central Ohio Technical College’s (COTC) Assistant Professor Hsun-Yu (Sharon) Chuang, PhD, and Dean of Arts and Sciences James Jarc, EdD. As part of this year’s theme, Communication Rocks: Amplifying the Discipline, Chuang and Jarc presented their research, contributing to the statewide conversation on communication, equity and innovation in education. OCA’s 88th Annual Conference was held on Oct. 4 and 5, 2024, at Cleveland State University.

Chuang presented “A Breath that Saves Two Lives: An Immigrant Woman’s Vulnerable Transition to Motherhood,” an autoethnographic reflection on her experience navigating childbirth as an immigrant in the U.S. healthcare system. Her work explored the intersection of privilege and disadvantage in healthcare, advocating for more culturally sensitive maternal health services. Chuang’s research provided valuable insights for those interested in health communication and intercultural studies, sparking thoughtful discussion among attendees.

Jarc led a session titled “Distance Ed Done Well…An Inventory of How Ohio’s Community Colleges Are Working to Improve Outcomes.” His presentation showcased the strategies used by Ohio community colleges to promote student success and address equity gaps in online education. This research project is part of a larger initiative through the Ohio Association of Community Colleges’ (OACC) Teaching and Learning Coalitions of Practice. It will support efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of online learning across the state.

“We are incredibly proud of both Sharon and James for representing COTC at this year’s conference,” said COTC Provost Greg Ferenchak, EdD. “Their research highlights COTC’s commitment to academic excellence and equity in education, and their contributions reflect the college’s leadership in these important areas.”

The OCA, founded around 1932, is the oldest academic organization for communication studies in the United States. OCA is dedicated to fostering the exchange of knowledge and ideas among communication scholars, educators and professionals throughout Ohio and beyond. Each year the association hosts its annual conference to promote scholarship, collaboration and innovation in the field. Additionally, OCA publishes the peer-reviewed Ohio Communication Journal annually.