President's Message

As I reflect on our 2025 convention in Buffalo, I am filled with gratitude for the inspiring scholarship, the meaningful connections, and the strong sense of community that defined our time together.

ECA 2025, themed “Contemporary Problems, Creative Solutions,” brought together scholars, teachers, and students who are committed to using communication as a tool for addressing complex challenges. From panels on media literacy and artificial intelligence to sessions exploring clinical communication, workplace dynamics, and disinformation, the energy throughout the convention made one thing clear: our field is rising to meet this moment with insight, creativity, and purpose. With strong engagement in our receptions, Short Courses, and Undergraduate Scholars Conference events, the Buffalo conference underscored the value of gathering together. 

Now, as we turn toward the future, I am excited to build on this momentum. ECA is a strong, values-driven association with a proud history and even greater potential ahead. This year, I look forward to advancing several key initiatives:

  • Strategic Planning: Advancing the work of our Strategic Doing initiative into a formal, actionable roadmap for ECA’s future—one that is inclusive, innovative, and intentional.
  • Membership Growth and Engagement: Through the work of our newly formed ECA Membership Committee, strengthening outreach and retention, particularly with graduate and undergraduate programs, and ensuring that new members feel welcomed and supported.
  • Resource Depository: Launching a digital collection of teaching and learning materials created by and for ECA members to support year-round professional development.
  • Mentorship Circles: Creating structured opportunities for members across career stages to connect, share experiences, and grow together.
  • Website Redesign: Reimagining our digital presence to better reflect the creativity, energy, and excellence of our association.

ECA is more than a conference, it’s a community. And that community is built not only through scholarship, but through collaboration, mentorship, and shared purpose. I look forward to working with ECA members to continue building a strong, inclusive, and forward-thinking ECA.

It is an incredible honor to serve as President of the Eastern Communication Association. I am excited for all that lies ahead, and I hope you are too!

Jordan Atkinson, Ph.D.
Program Director and Professor of the Practice
University of Kansas
President, Eastern Communication Association