Samford University’s Department of Communication and Media recently celebrated a unique scholarly collaboration between Niya Pickett Miller, assistant professor of communication studies, and Samford alumna Erin Basinger, associate professor of communication studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Basinger, a 2008 communication studies graduate and daughter of Dana Basinger, assistant dean of the Howard College of Arts and Sciences, led the project alongside a national team of scholars, including Miller.
Their publication, “Dialogue on Difference: Fat Liberation in Communication,” was published in the January 2025 issue of Communication Monographs. It focuses on dismantling body-based oppression, a topic that Miller has explored extensively in her research. Her previous work includes a book and a journal article highlighting the communicative acts of entertainer Lizzo, emphasizing bodily autonomy and self-identity.
“Dr. Basinger reached out to me after discovering my work on fat Black resistance,” Miller said. “Collaborating on this publication felt serendipitous, especially once we realized our shared connection to Samford.”
Miller underscored the significance of exploring body liberation within the communication studies field.
“Communication in all its forms—written, spoken and nonverbal—is a powerful tool for conveying liberation and resisting oppression,” Miller said. “It’s essential to understand how these acts are accomplished through strategic and intentional messaging.”
The project required collaboration across differing time zones and schedules, with writing and editing completed through email and virtual meetings.
“We even managed to meet over Zoom while I was on a beach vacation in Florida,” Miller said. “Balancing work and leisure was a pleasure, especially knowing the Gulf waters were waiting after our call.”
Miller additionally hopes the publication inspires a more equitable and inclusive approach to communication studies.
“I want readers and scholars to see the importance of understanding all bodies as socially constructed and worthy of scholarly attention,” Miller said.
This project is a testament to the strength of Samford’s communication studies program and its ability to foster meaningful connections between faculty and alumni.
“Erin’s foundation in communication studies began right here as a student, learning from the same fabulous faculty who’ve mentored me as a professor,” Miller said.
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