Kopenhaver Center- Our Team

Dr. Melissa Harris, Assistant Professor

Director

Dr. Harris joined the faculty of Marymount University in 2021. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degrees in Communication Studies from California State University, Fresno she relocated to Washington, D.C. where she obtained her Ph.D. in Communication, Culture, and Media Studies from Howard University.  Her research interests are located at the intersections of culture, media, and gender studies. Currently, Dr. Harris is conducting research on the cultural communication rite of passage known as “The Talk” within Black families and the implications of such conversations on gender, media, and the public and private sphere.

Dr. Harris serves as the faculty advisor for the student communication honor society through the National Communication Association, Lambda Pi Eta. Additionally, she is the co-director for the Marymount University Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication (MULLKC).  Dr. Harris is actively involved in various national and regional communication associations.

Contact: meharris@marymount.edu