Dr. Kristin Lacey is joining the Communication Department this fall, as a Lecturer of Writing and Public Speaking, where she will teach sections of Comm 375: Writing as Communication and Comm 260: Public Speaking. She will also serve as Course Director, supervising the graduate instructors of these courses.
Born and raised in California, Dr. Lacey completed her undergraduate studies in the Smittcamp Family Honors College at California State University, Fresno. She earned both her master's and Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Boston University, followed by two-years of postdoctoral teaching at Northeastern University.
Dr. Lacey is excited about teaching here at a public institution and explains, "It's really important to me that higher education is accessible and geared toward the community it serves." She is also enthusiastic about working with graduate students, adding, "Throughout my time in graduate school and at Northeastern, I loved collaborating with other grad students and postdocs, building networks, and discussing teaching strategies. I'm thrilled to continue that work here."
As a proud first-generation college student, Dr. Lacey aims to inspire others on similar paths, helping them navigate the balance between academic demands and working-class backgrounds.
Dr. Lacey is particularly enthused about the welcoming atmosphere in the UMASS Communication Department and looks forward to meeting everyone in the upcoming semesters.