Faculty and Staff Highlights: Jensen, Jensen, Mahfood, Trachtova, Tuncel

Webster University faculty and staff highlights offers a roundup of recent Webster faculty and staff activity and achievements. 

Gina Jensen Presents at Central States Communication Association Conference, Awarded Top State Journal Award, Appointed Historian of Pi Kappa Delta National Council 

Gina Jensen, forensic and debate head coach and adjunct professor, presented at the Central States Communication Association Conference, held in St. Louis from March 30-April 1. Jensen was part of a program that highlighted Webster’s partnership with The GCI Inc.

Jensen was awarded the Top State Journal award as editor of the refereed Journal of the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri.   

Additionally, Jensen was appointed to Pi Kappa Delta’s National Council as Historian. She is a former national president of the organization, the nation’s largest collegiate honor society. 

Scott Jensen Selected for Missouri State High School Activities Association Service Award, Presents at Central States Communication Association Conference, Receives Forensic of Pi Kappa Delta Service Award 

Webster Professor of Sports Communication Scott Jensen was selected as a recipient of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) 2023 Distinguished Service Award. Jensen served on the tournament management team for the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) state theatre, speech, and debate championships from April 21-22. 

Jensen attended the Central States Communication Association Conference in St. Louis as a program planner for the Sports Communication and Argumentation and Forensics interest groups. He was also a presenter in five programs.  

As part of The Forensic of Pi Kappa Delta, Jensen was presented with a service award as a local arrangements coordinator. He is also a former president and entering his last year as a council member, currently serving as editor.  

Mahfood Presents at Organization of Information and Education Environment for Teacher Training: Problems and Solutions Conference 

On April 20, School of Education adjunct professor Sebastian Mahfood presented his paper, “Role-Play for Transformative Learning,” at the Organization of Information and Education Environment for Teacher Training: Problems and Solutions Conference. The conference was hosted by the Syrdarya Regional National Center for Training Pedagogues to New Methods. Mahfood was the only speaker to deliver his presentation in English. The other conference presenters spoke in Russian or Uzbek.  

Trachtova Presents at TESOL 2023 

Carolyn Trachtova, program director of English as a second language, presented at the TESOL 2023 International Convention held March 22-24 in Portland, Oregon. The presentation was titled "Six Effective Strategies for Controlling Chaos in Breakout Rooms."  

Trachtova received Webster Staff Alliance professional development funds which enabled her to attend the conference.

Ece Tuncel Publishes Article on Group Decision Making 

Ece Tuncel, professor of organizational behavior programs in the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology, published an article titled, "Mixed Feelings: Effects of Mood Diversity on Groups’ Discussion of Disconfirming Information and Evaluation of Alternatives” in the journal Group Decision and Negotiation. The article examines how dynamics within groups influence their discussions and decision making.