Advisory Council

Steven A. Beebe

Steven Beebe served as the Department Chair for 28 years and Associate Dean for 25 years at Texas State University, where he was also a faculty member for 33 years. He joined Southwest Texas State University in August 1986 and has been a part of the Texas State community ever since, with 25 years spent in Centennial Hall. Beebe holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (1972) and a Master of Arts in Speech Communication (1973) from the University of Central Missouri, as well as a Ph.D. in Speech Communication from the University of Missouri-Columbia (1976). Now semi-retired, Beebe continues to stay active in his professional pursuits, working on five books and several articles while also engaging in speaking opportunities both online and in person, including programs like the Governor's Executive Development Program. He is eager to support Texas State’s students and faculty in any way he can, including continuing his financial contributions to the university. Beebe has enjoyed serving as a guest speaker for classes and may consider teaching in the future if it would be beneficial to the department.

Trish Bode

Trish Bode is a proud alumna of Texas State University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication Studies. During her time at Texas State, she was actively involved in speech and debate competitions as an undergraduate and competed under the mentorship of professors LBJ and Elton Abernathy. Bode was also a lab instructor for COMM 1310 and served as an assistant coach for the speech and debate team. Her leadership extended to student government, where she was President of the Associated Student Government (ASG). Additionally, she worked as a communication advisor for a brief period before transitioning into her current career. Bode’s most profound memories from Texas State stem from her involvement with the speech and debate team, which, alongside her student government experience, played a significant role in shaping her career path. Her time as a lab instructor and advisor also provided her with fundamental skills in communication that continue to serve her in her professional life. After graduating, Bode pursued a career in corporate communications and has worked in the lobby/government relations field for over a decade. In addition, she serves as a locally elected Trustee for a school district in Texas. Bode contributes to Texas State in multiple ways, including financial support, connecting students with internships at her company, and helping them navigate job opportunities at the Capitol and state agencies. She also participates in speaking panels when asked, sharing her expertise with current students.

Ernie Dominguez

Ernie Dominguez is a proud Texas State University alumnus, having graduated in 2004 with a degree in Communication Studies. During his time at Texas State, he served as a Teaching Assistant from 2002 to 2003 and was an active leader, notably as the Student Government President from 2003 to 2004. One of his most cherished memories from his time at Texas State was being involved in the university’s transition from Southwest Texas State to Texas State, a significant event that holds a special place in his heart. Dominguez was honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2015 and served as the President of the Alumni Association from 2017 to 2018, and he continues to serve on the Board of Directors. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Texas State University in 2004 and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas in 2006. Currently, Dominguez is the Executive Vice President of the American Black Hereford Association. He is eager to contribute to the Advisory Board, faculty, and students by learning about their needs and offering his assistance through time, resources, or other areas where he can be of help.

Justin Garcia

Justin Garcia is a 2010 graduate of Texas State University with a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies. He began his college journey on academic probation, participating in what was then called the Gold Star Program, and recalls it as a significant challenge. His favorite memory is overcoming that early obstacle to ultimately graduate, a testament to his perseverance. Garcia currently works at Amazon Web Services, where he leads a team of seven Demand Generation representatives supporting the Canadian Public Sector. Having been with Amazon for over four years, he plays a key role in coaching, guiding, and developing his team, most of whom are early-career professionals. Garcia also serves as a "Bar Raiser" at Amazon, a position that involves providing an objective third-party perspective during the hiring process. He has conducted over 170 interviews at Amazon and is eager to share his expertise with students, particularly in helping them navigate successful interviews. Additionally, Garcia is open to mentoring students as they transition from college into their post-college careers.

Anne Grady

Anne Grady attended the graduate program in Communication Studies at Texas State University from 1997 to 1999, serving as a Teaching Assistant during that time. One of her favorite memories from her time at Texas State includes guest bartending at the Tap Room with Dr. Berkholder. However, it was her experience as a TA that truly shaped her career path, and she recalls her training with Dr. Beebe as a pivotal "A-Ha" moment. Her exit project on speaking apprehension, titled "Do You Really Have to See Them Naked?", left a lasting impact. Though the uphill walk to teach at Old Main during the summer wasn’t her favorite part, the overall experience was highly formative. Grady earned her B.A. in Speech Communication and Business in 1997, followed by an M.A. in Organizational Communication in 1999. Currently, she is an author, entrepreneur, speaker, and facilitator, working with major companies such as Google, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, ADP, and Dell. Grady is eager to contribute to the Advisory Board, faculty, and students by offering her insights into curriculum development, particularly in areas that address the challenges businesses face today. She is especially interested in supporting students and helping them bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world business needs.

Jeff Hahn

Jeff Hahn is a 2015 graduate of Texas State University, where he earned his Master’s in Communication Studies. Prior to this, he completed an Associate of Arts in Personnel Management from the U.S. Air Force Community College in 1987, a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from UT San Antonio in 1990, and a Master’s in Communication Studies from Texas State in 2015. Hahn was a former Advisory Board member during Dr. Beebe’s tenure and also sponsored CoSearch, the cross-university research program championed by Dr. Houser. One of Hahn’s most memorable experiences was the transformation he felt after returning to graduate school, where he went from feeling like he was "getting dumber" in his job to feeling intellectually stimulated and smarter every week. Currently, Hahn is the owner of Hahn Marketing & PR, a 70+ person creative agency. He is also the author of Breaking Bad News: 12 Essential Crisis Communication Tools, and is known for his work in using data and creativity to promote and protect brands in the food and energy sectors. Hahn brings expertise in crisis communication and is interested in contributing case studies from his current client work to showcase rhetorical applications of persuasion. He is also keen to offer an employer’s perspective on the capabilities and competencies that graduate students should possess for potential hiring.

David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez has a deep and multifaceted connection to Texas State University. He was a member of the debate team under Wayne Kramer, played football for the university, and served as the Student Body President during the 1999-2000 academic year. Rodriguez was also a refounder of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and served on the Board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Additionally, he is a registered donor to Texas State Athletics. Among his many memorable moments, being elected Student Body President stands out as one of the most impactful. Rodriguez earned a Bachelor of Finance and a Bachelor of Economics from Texas State University. Professionally, he is a Senior Marketing Representative for Federated Mutual Insurance, where he has worked for 24 years. In his role, he sells commercial insurance directly to businesses, managing the solicitation, onboarding, and ongoing relationships with accounts. For 15 years, he served as the hiring manager for Central, South, and West Texas, recruiting primarily from Texas State and hiring several Bobcat graduates who remain with the company today. Rodriguez’s extensive leadership experience in the private sector equips him with a strong perspective on a variety of topics, which he is eager to share with the Advisory Board, faculty, and students.

Madison Rich Banks

Madison Rich Banks earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Texas State University, where she was also a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the Communication Studies honor society. One of her most memorable moments at Texas State—though not one she would have chosen—was falling and scraping her knees in the middle of the quad on her first day of college. Despite that, she looks back on her time in San Marcos with great fondness, especially cherishing the friendships and connections she made that contributed to her personal growth. After completing her undergraduate degree, Banks earned an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman's University. She is currently the Director of Hospital Operations at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, where she oversees the logistics for a $167 million campus expansion and construction project. Her responsibilities include managing service line and program growth, such as pediatrics, neurosciences, and orthopedics, leading the hospital's annual strategic planning process, and handling various process improvement and project management initiatives. Banks also plays a key role in facilities management, physician recruitment, and serves as a team lead in the innovation committee (iCouncil). She is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt in training and actively participates in several leadership initiatives within Memorial Hermann Health System, including the Women Leaders of Memorial Hermann Steering Committee and Incident Command Logistics. Banks is eager to contribute her expertise and ideas to the Communication Studies department at Texas State, and she looks forward to connecting with students, participating in department events, and offering speaking opportunities.

Shana Shultz

Shanna Schultz earned her BA in Political Science (2009-2012) and MA in Communication Studies (2013-2015) from Texas State University. During her time as an undergraduate, she was active in the LBJ Debate Society, Student Government Association, Student Foundation, and worked at the university bookstore. As a graduate student, she was a Teaching Assistant for the LBJ Debate Society and COMM 1310. Shultz has fond memories of forming lifelong friendships at Texas State, including spending a week camping in the free speech zone while running for student body president.

Currently, Schultz is a Communication Specialist at Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE), where she helps create narratives and content that support internal culture and connect employees. She also teaches courses in speech and communication at San Jacinto College and Texas Tech University, including Introduction to Public Speaking and Business Communication. Shultz is passionate about career readiness and regularly speaks to students about applying communication skills in the corporate world. She also provides mentorship, guest lectures, and contributes to curriculum development.

Shawn Turner

Shawn Turner is a 2002 graduate of Texas State University, where he earned his B.A. in Communication Studies. He later earned his M.A. in Communication Studies from George Mason University in 2005. Turner has fond memories of walking through Old Main as a student, imagining the footsteps of LBJ and reflecting on his historical impact on the nation.

Currently, Turner wears multiple hats. He is the General Manager of WKAR Public Media, Central Michigan's PBS and NPR affiliate, where he leads a team of 60 public media professionals managing five TV channels and two radio stations with a combined audience of 250,000. He is also a professor of practice at Michigan State University, teaching courses in crisis and national security communication while leading research on the psychology of mis, dis, and mal-information. Additionally, Turner is an on-air national security analyst for CNN, providing analysis on defense and intelligence issues.

Turner is eager to contribute to Texas State by connecting students with post-graduation opportunities, offering feedback on curriculum and projects that prepare students for the workforce, and leveraging his network to connect the department and faculty with professionals in government and industry.