Justin Rudnick, Associate Professor, Department of Communication Studies

Hometown

• Thorp, WI

Schools Attended

• University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
• Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Ohio University

Things we can talk about

Anything you want! Food, music, outdoor activities, classes, speeches, performances, tv shows, research, advocacy and activism, gender and sexuality, how to succeed in college, you name it.

I am available for

• Phone calls
• Email conversations
• Zoom calls
• Personal meetings in office or for coffee

Please feel free to contact me and we’ll find a way to have a conversation!

Why I want to be a Maverick Firsts Advocate?

I was a first-generation college student, and grew up in a small farming community in rural Wisconsin. I am still the only person in my immediate family to complete a college degree. My parents always encouraged me to go to college, but I remember having to figure out a lot of things myself (like filing the FAFSA form, getting financial aid, taking care of paperwork, figuring out how to register, what classes I needed, etc.). My college career got off to a bumpy start, and when I was a 3rd year student my GPA sucked and I changed my major! It took me 5 years to graduate with my bachelor’s degree, and I also came out as a queer person after my 4th year. I think I’ve learned some things along the way that could help you if your background is similar to mine!

Things I’m connected with that might be of interest to you

The MNSU Speech & Debate team, the LGBT Center, our Twin Cities CMST major, the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus.

Other Items of Interest

I try to maintain a little faculty website where you can find information about the classes I teach and the research I do, in case you’re interested! https://faculty.mnsu.edu/justinrudnick/

I love working with students on research projects, and I’m familiar with a wide range of research practices. I’m a big fan of interview-based research exploring people’s identities. Research is a great way to build relationships with faculty members and build your expertise in a topic area—let me know if you’re interested in doing a project or joining one of mine!

Finding “your people” on campus will completely improve your college experience. When I was in school, those people were on the speech & debate team, and at the LGBT center. We have both of those things here at MNSU! Check out the Speech & Debate Team, or the LGBT Center.