DALE CYPHERT
College of Business Administration
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0125
(319) 273-6150
dale.cyphert@uni.edu
www.cba.uni.edu/cyphert
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
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Ph.D. The Pennsylvania State University, Speech Communication (coursework completed for a
minor in Cognitive Psychology). Dissertation, “A Dance of Decision-Making: An Examination of
Rhetorical Processes in an Oral Workplace Community,” completed under the direction of Dr.
Richard B. Gregg.
California State University at Sacramento, certification in Adult Basic Education
M. A. University of California at Davis, Rhetoric
B. A. San Diego State University, Speech Communication, Minor in Public Relations
Graduated summa cum laude and with Special Distinction in the Major
A. A. San Diego Evening College, Physical Science (Physics)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Rhetorical Theory: Focusing primarily on how communities adjust their inducement and decisionmaking norms to accommodate internal and external change; current projects explore the decisionmaking norms in virtual organizations and rural communities. Corporate Discourse: Using rhetorical
criticism as the methodology, analysis of business speakers, corporate apologia, and the discourses of
sustainability and corporate citizenship. Communication in the Disciplines: Pedagogical research and
curriculum development in applied communication, primarily in business contexts.
ACADEMIC POSITIONS HELD
Associate Professor, Department of Management University of Northern Iowa, 2003 to present
Director, Professional Readiness Program, 2010 to 2013
Interim Head, Department of Management, 2006 to 2009
Business Communication Program Coordinator, 1997 to 2003
Teaching responsibilities include  upper-division and MBA courses in Business
Communication, Communication Management, Organizational Management, Crisis
Communication, Team Facilitation, Persuasive Methods and administration of the MBA
Capstone Experience  faculty and instructional development for presentational, group,
interpersonal, written and electronic communication education across the business curriculum 
advising, instructional, extracurricular and experiential resources for communication skill
development for undergraduate business majors and MBA students  corporate communication
training and consulting through the College’s Management and Professional Development Center
and the Department of Continuing Education
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Graduate Teaching Assistant, Pennsylvania State University, 1995 to1997
Taught freshman level Public Speaking and Group Communication, specialized sections for
highly reticent students and extension courses for elementary and secondary teachers in
communication education topics.
Adjunct Faculty, Sacramento City College, 1989 to 1994
Taught Interpersonal Communication, Business Communication, Public Speaking, Persuasion
Business Consultant, The Gardner-Hodson Group, 1985 to 1994
Consulting and worksite training in communication skills, team facilitation, and work
organization
Adjunct Faculty, Modesto Junior College, 1986 to 1987
Taught Public Speaking
Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of California, 1977 to 1979
Taught Public Speaking and Group Communication
MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION POSITIONS HELD
Communication Director, College of Business Administration, UNI, 1997 to 2008
Operations Manager, Montgomery Ward, 1978 to 1988
Office Manager, Alfano Engineering, 1977
Advertising Supervisor, Aqua-Craft Inc., 1975 to 1977
Client Representative, University Advertising Campaigns, 1975 to 1976
Interviewer, San Diego Surveys, 1974 to 1975
Branch Supervisor, Kelly Services, 1974 to 1975
Public Relations Assistant, Cohu, Inc., 1973 to 1974
SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONS
Book Chapters
Cyphert, D., “Communication as a Profession in the 21st Century,” in 21st Century Communication: A
Reference Handbook, William F. Eadie, editor, Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2009. 571-579.
Cyphert, D., “The Rhetoricity of Enterprise,” in How Language is Used to Do Business: Essays on the
Rhetoric of Economics, Edward M. Clift, editor. Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen Press, 2008. 209226.
Cyphert, D., “Rhetoric On the Concrete Pour: The Dance of Decision Making,” Who Says? Working-Class
Rhetoric, Class Consciousness, and Community, William DeGenaro, editor. Pittsburgh: U of
Pittsburgh P., 2006. 144-163.
Cyphert, D., “Speaking in a Second Language,” Included in Communication: Learning Climates that
Cultivate Racial and Ethnic Diversity, Judith S. Trent, editor. Washington DC: National
Communication Association and the American Association of Higher Education, 2001. 141-147.
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Edited Books and Proceedings
Cyphert, D., and Vasquez, Aldo, Editors, Proceedings of the 2006 Congress of the Americas, Lima, Peru:
Oficina de Extensión y Proyección Universitaria, Universidad de San Martin de Porres (Aug
2006).
Refereed Articles in Academic Journals
Cyphert, D., Wurtz, M.S., and Duclos, L. K. “Curricular Implications of Virtual World Technology: A
Review of Business Applications,” Business Communication Quarterly, (in press).
Cyphert, D., “Obscene, Mundane and Frivolous Technologies: Maintaining the Boundaries of Decorum,”
Explorations in Media Ecology, 9.1 (2010): 21-36.
Cyphert, D., “The Rhetorical Analysis of Business Speech: Unresolved Questions,” The Journal of
Business Communication, 47.3 (2010): 346-368.
Cyphert, D., “Presentation Technology in the Age of Electronic Eloquence: From Visual Aid to Visual
Rhetoric,” Communication Education, 56.2 (2007): 168-192.
Cyphert, D., “The Orality of Business: Acting on the Edge of Literate Culture,” Explorations in Media
Ecology, 3.1 (2004): 41-46.
Cyphert, D. and Saiia, D. H. “In Search of the Corporate Citizen: The Emerging Discourse of Corporate
Ecology,”Southern Communication Journal (Special Issue on Organizational Discourse and
Citizenship) 69.3 (2004): 241-256.
Saiia, D. H. and Cyphert, D. “The Public Discourse of the Corporate Citizen,” Corporate Reputation
Review (Special Issue on Issues Management) 6.1 (2003): 47-57.
Cyphert, D., "Ideology, Knowledge and Text: The Tangled Knot in Ariadne's Thread." The Quarterly
Journal of Speech 87.3 (2001): 378-395.
Cyphert, D., “Persuading the Body: A Rhetoric of Action in The Fugitive.” Western Journal of
Communication. 65.2 (2001): 161-183. B. Aubrey Fisher Outstanding Journal Article Award.
Cyphert, D., “Learning to ‘Yo!’: Synchronicity and Rhythm in the Development of a Public Sphere,”
American Communication Journal 4.2 (2001): [http://acjournal.org/holdings/vol4/iss2/index.htm].
Duclos, L. K. and Cyphert, D., “Launching the Project: An Exercise for Demonstrating the Impact of Team
Communication on Project Success,” The Journal of Information Systems Education 11. 3-4
(Summer-Fall 2000): 133-140.
Cyphert, D., “Strategic Use of the Unsayable: Paradox as Argument in Gödel’s Theorem.” The Quarterly
Journal of Speech 84.1 (1998): 80-93.
Cyphert, D., “Pleasure, Pedagogy and Oppression in the Heartland.” Text and Performance Quarterly 18.1
(1998): 37-49.
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Articles in Edited Sections of Academic Journals
Cyphert, D., “Commentary: Who we are and what we do, 2008,” Journal of Business Communication, 46.2
(2009): 262-274.
Cyphert, D., “Real Clients, Real Management, Real Failure: The Risks and Rewards of Service Learning,”
Business Communication Quarterly (Focus on Teaching: Special Column on Service Learning)
69.2 (2006): 185-189.
Cyphert, D., “The Problem of PowerPoint: Visual Aid or Visual Rhetoric?” Business Communication
Quarterly (Focus on Teaching, Special Column on Presentation Skills) 67.1 (2004): 80-84.
Cyphert, D., “Integrating Communication Across the MBA Curriculum,” Business Communication
Quarterly (Focus on Teaching) 65, 3 (2002): 81-86.
Proceedings
Iden, R., and Cyphert, D., “The Norms of (Economic) Rhetorical Culture.” In Ballif, M. (Ed.)
Re/Framing Identifications. Waveland Press (in press)
Cyphert, D., “Fixing the Worst Writers: Bridging the Management Communication Divide.” In Snyder,
L.G. (Ed.). Montreal Proceedings 2011, available at
[www.businesscommunication.org/conventions/abc-c]. Association for Business
Communication, Montreal QC (Oct 2011).
Cyphert, D., “Economic Epideictic: The Virtuous Business of Main Street, USA,” In Snyder, Lisa
Gueldenzoph (Ed.) Chicago Proceedings 2010, available at [www.businesscommunication.org].
Association for Business Communication, Chicago, IL (October 2010).
Cyphert, D. and Wurtz, M.S., “Assessing Communication Skill in a Business Context: Negotiating the
Contradictions of Education, Training, and Management.” In Snyder, Lisa Gueldenzoph (Ed.)
Portsmouth Proceedings 2009, available at [www.businesscommunication.org]. Association for
Business Communication, Portsmouth, VA. (November 2009)
Power, D.J., Wurtz, M. S., Cyphert, D. & Ducloss, L.K. “Building Virtual Iowa in Second Life: A Case
Study,” with In Deokar, A. & Strader, T. (Ed.). Research in Progress. Midwest Association for
Information Systems. Madison, SD: MWAIS: (May 2009).
Cyphert, D., “The Capstone Program (Preparation of Final Project for Master Students),” in Belyansky,
V. P., Saginova, O.V., Grishina, O.A. and Ponomarenko, A. V., eds. Proceedings of
Международный научно-практический семинар “Развитие научно-образовательного
сотрудничества вузов России и университетов США в области экономических наук
(International Seminar in Cooperation of Russian Universities Abroad in Economic and
Management Education). Россия, Москва: Российская Экономическая Академия им.
Г.В.Плеханова (2008); 32-34.
Cyphert, D., “Corporate Speakers: Neglected Canon, Transitional Oratory and a Theory of Rhetorical
Economy,” in Waldorp, W., ed. Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the Association for
Business Communication, available at [http://www.businesscommunication.org/
conventions/Proceedings/2006/02ABC06.pdf] San Antonio (October, 2006).
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Cyphert, D. and Saiia, D. H., “The Corporate Voice in Public Affairs: A Sustainable Ecology of
Organizational Citizenship,” Proceedings of the 2006 Congress of the Americas, Ed. Dale
Cyphert and Aldo Vasquez. Lima, Peru: Oficina de Extensión y Proyección Universitaria,
Universidad de San Martin de Porres (Aug 2006).
Saiia, D. H. and Cyphert, D., “The Talk Before the Walk: The Emerging Discourse of Corporate
Ecology,” 2004 Proceedings Fifteenth Annual Conference, Eds. Kelly Strong and Stephanie A.
Welcomer. Jackson Hole WY: International Association for Business and Society (March
2004); 142-145.
Cyphert, D., “Constituting an Ethical Organization: The Discourses of Accounting Methods,” Proceedings
of The Organizational Communication Division Pre-convention Conference on the
Communicative Constitution of Organization and Its Implications for Theory, Research and
Practice. Ed. Ann Nicotera. New Orleans: Organizational Communication Division, National
Communication Association (November 20, 2002).
Duclos, L.K., Cyphert, D., Roth, R.M. and Karsten, R.A. “Launching The Team Project: A Space Station
Exercise to Simulate Common Project Management Problems,” Proceedings of the Innovative
Education in Information Systems/Project Management Track, Annual Meeting. Midwest DSI
(March, 2000).
Cyphert, D., “Buddy Pairs: Trap for Unwary Females.” Proceedings of the PADI Women in Diving
Seminar. Santa Ana: Professional Association of Diving Instructors (November 12, 1977).
Teaching Manuals and Materials
Cyphert, D. “First Impressions,” University of Northern Iowa, Professional Readiness Program
[http://business.uni.edu/prp/Communication/FirstImpressions.cfm] September, 2012.
Cyphert, D., “Speaking in a Second Language,” University of Northern Iowa, Business Communication
Program [http://www.cba.uni.edu/buscomm/Presentations/SpeakingSL.html] June, 2009.
Spencer, M.S. and Cyphert, D., Operations Management: Notes Cedar Falls, IA: University of Northern
Iowa, College of Business Administration. August, 2008.
Cyphert, D., “Resolving Customer Service Issues at Quality Floors and Wallpaper,” adapted for use as
the Association for Business Communication, 2005 Student Writing Contest Case. [available at
http://businesscommunication.org/awards/student-writing-contest/student-writing-contestwinners/2005-student-writing-contest-winners/2005-student-writing-contest-case/]
Cyphert, D., “My stagefright is so bad….” University of Northern Iowa, Business Communication
Program [www.cba.uni.edu/buscomm/Presentations/stagefrightSoBad.html] October, 2005.
Cyphert, D., “Effective Rehearsals,” University of Northern Iowa, Business Communication Program
[www.cba.uni.edu/buscomm/Presentations/rehearsals.html] July, 2005.
Cyphert, D., “Managing Stagefright,” University of Northern Iowa, Business Communication Program
[www.cba.uni.edu/buscomm/Presentations/stagefright.html], May, 2005.
Cyphert, D., How to be a Group: Communication for Doing Work Together. Cedar Falls, IA: University
of Northern Iowa, College of Business Administration, 2000.
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Cyphert, D., “Peer Editing in the Business Communication Course," Instructional Supplement to Guffey,
Mary Ellen. Business Communication: Process and Product. Cincinnati: South-Western
College Publishing, March, 1999.
Cooper, P., et.al. “K-12 Speaking, Listening and Media Literacy Standards and Competency Statements
for K-12 Education,” Washington, DC: National Communication Association, 1998. Educational
Resources Information Center (ERIC) Document #423560.
Other Published Work
Cyphert, D., “A response to David Grant.” UNIversitas 6(2), Available at: http://www.uni.edu/universitas/
currentissue/grant/responseCyphert.htm. University of Northern Iowa (Fall, 2010).
Atkinson, C. “A Clash of Rhetorical Cultures: Q & A with Dale Cyphert, Ph.D.” Interview, Beyond Bullets:
People Communicating with People Available at http:// www.sociablemedia.com/
articles_cyphert.htm. (25 August 2004).
Cyphert, D., “Excavating the Writerly Workplace: A Review of Writing Workplace Cultures,” Review of
Communication [http://www.natcom.org/roc] 2.1. National Communication Association (2002).
Cyphert, D., “Talking Ourselves into Theory: A Review of Jean Nienkamp’s, Internal Rhetorics: Toward a
History of Self-Persuasion” Argumentation and Advocacy 39.1 (2002): 153-156.
Cyphert, D., “Public Speaking In a Second Language: An Investigation of Student Apprehensions.” Paper
presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Communication Association (83rd, Chicago, IL,
November 19-23, 1997) Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) Document #415567.
Cyphert, D., “Taking the Helm in Critical Pedagogy: The Basic Speech Curriculum as an Operationalization
of the Paradigm.” Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Speech Communication
Association (82nd, San Diego, CA, November 23-26, 1996) Educational Resources Information
Center (ERIC) Document #403616.
Cyphert, D., “Public Speaking.” The Change Agent (February 1995): 2,4.
MANUSCRIPTS UNDER REVIEW
[provided upon request]
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Refereed Presentations
Cyphert, D., “Teaching the Community: Communication Instruction as Change Management” National
Communication Association, Instructional Development Division, Orlando: November 2012.
Cyphert, D., “Tourism Tag Lines: Community Identity and the Creation of a Public Sphere,” National
Communication Association, Public Relations Division, New Orleans: November 2011.
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Cyphert, D., “Rhetorical Organization: Material Decision-Making Rules for Autonomous Agents,”
National Communication Association, Rhetorical and Communication Theory Division, New
Orleans: November 2011.
Wurtz, M.S., Cyphert, D., and Duclos, L.K. “vManagement: Observations on the Practice of
Management in a Virtual World,” presented at the Academy of Management Annual
Conference, San Antonio: August 2011.
Cyphert, D. and Saiia, D. H. “Corporate Ecology: Beyond the Metaphor of Corporate Citizenship”
presented at the Academy of Management Annual Conference (SIM Division), Chicago:
August 2009.
Cyphert, D., “Making Love in the Public Sphere: Speaking Truth to Other,” presented to the Rhetoric and
Communication Theory Division, National Communication Association Annual Convention,
Chicago, November 2007.
Saiia, D.H, and Cyphert, D., “Discursive Self-Interest in a Sustainable Corporate Ecology,” presented at
the Academy of Management Annual Convention, Philadelphia, August 2007.
Cyphert, D., Radwan, J.P. and Rauch, J.L., “Addressing the Rhetorical Issues of Virtual DecisionMaking” presented at the Penn State Conference on Rhetoric and Composition, University
Park, July 2007.
Cyphert, D. and Spencer, M.S., “Total Quality Discussion: Developing Discussion Skills across the
Business Curriculum,” presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention,
Boston, November, 2005.
Cyphert, D., “Accommodative Decision-Making: The Garage Model,” presented at the Academy of
Management Annual Meeting (MOC), Honolulu, August 2005.
Cyphert, D., “Is the New Kid Someone We Can Talk To? Rhetorical Competence as a Prerequisite to Group
Membership,” presented to the Group Communication Division, National Communication
Association, Chicago, November 2004.
Cyphert, D., “The Rhetorical Enterprise: Toward a Reintegration of the Moral, Economic and Political
Spheres,” presented to the Rhetorical and Communication Theory Division, National
Communication Association, Chicago, November 2004.
Cyphert, D., “Sustainability as Aim and Agenda: Reframing the Discourse of Effective Management,”
presented at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting, New Orleans, August 2004.
Cyphert, D., “The Rhetorical Disciplines of U.S. Educational Policy,” Critical and Cultural Studies
Division, National Communication Association Annual Convention. Miami, November 2003.
Cyphert, D., “Tradition, Traditions, and Nostalgia: The Study of Rhetorical Transformation,” Alliance of
Rhetorical Societies Conference on the Status and Future of Rhetorical Studies, Evanston,
September 2003.
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Cyphert, D., “Driving at the Precipice of Corporatism,” Penn State Conference on Rhetoric and
Composition, University Park, July 2003.
Cyphert, D., “Ethical Public Discussion: Corporate Decision Making and the Myth of Civic
Conversation,” Communication Ethics Commission, National Communication Association
Annual Convention, New Orleans, November 2002.
Saiia, D. H. and Cyphert, D., “Subject to Controversy: Public Discourse of the Corporate Citizen,”
Rhetoric and Communication Theory Division of the National Communication Association
Annual Convention, New Orleans, November 2002.
Cyphert, D., “Communication Across the Curriculum: Re-Integrations of Form, Method and Discipline,”
American Communication Association Annual Convention, Washington DC, September 2002.
Cyphert, D., “Visual Aids vs. Visual Rhetorics: Lessons from the PowerPoint Controversy,” Basic
Course Division, National Communication Association Annual Convention, Atlanta, November
2001. Top Paper Panel Participant
Cyphert, D., "Size Matters: Rhetorical Choices in the Creation of Community,” Rhetorical and
Communication Theory Division, National Communication Association Annual Convention,
Seattle, November 2000.
Cyphert, D., “Locating Implicit Cognitive Processes in the Realm of Public Discourse.” Rhetorical and
Communication Theory Division, National Communication Association Annual Convention,
Chicago, November 1999.
Cyphert, D., “A Dance of Decision-Making: The Rhetorical Analysis of Rainy Afternoon.” Rhetorical
and Communication Theory Division, National Communication Association Annual Convention,
New York City, November 1998.
Cyphert, D., “Untangling the Knot in Ariadne’s Thread: Rhetorical Theory as a Cross-Cultural
Enterprise.” Division of Rhetorical and Communication Theory, National Communication
Association Annual Convention, Chicago, November 1997.
Cyphert, D., “Public Speaking In a Second Language: An Investigation of Student Apprehensions.”
Commission on Communication Apprehension and Avoidance, National Communication
Association Annual Convention, Chicago, November 1997.
Cyphert, D., “In and Out of Somalia: Judging the Arguments of Emotion.” Rhetorical and
Communication Theory Division, Speech Communication Association, San Diego, November
1996.
Cyphert, D., “Taking the Helm in Critical Pedagogy: The Basic Speech Curriculum as an
Operationalization of the Paradigm.” Basic Course Commission, The Speech Communication
Association November Annual Convention, San Diego, November 1996. Top Paper Panel
Participant
Cyphert, D., “Paradox as Argument: A Rhetorical Examination of Gödel’s Theorem.” American
Association for Rhetoric of Science and Technology, Speech Communication Association, San
Antonio, November 1995
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Cyphert, D., “Cultural Communication Meets Western Psychology: Cognitive Style as Discourse Norm.”
Intercultural Communication Division, Southern Speech Communication Association Annual
Convention, Savannah, GA, April 1997.
Cyphert, D., “Crossing the Border: A Rhetoric of Action in The Fugitive." Southern Speech
Communication Association Annual Convention, Memphis, March 1996. Bostrom Young
Scholars Program
Cyphert, D., “Classroom Assessment Techniques: Introducing Feedback into the Educational
Conversation.” Instructional Communication Division. Western States Communication
Association. San Jose, February 1994.
Cyphert, D., “Encouraging Orality in the Classroom.” Faculty Association of California Community
Colleges and the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, March 13, 1993
Redwood City, CA.
Cyphert, D., “Illiteracy in the Organization: Case Studies in Communication.” Organizational
Communication Division. Western States Communication Association, Albuquerque, February
14, 1993.
Other Panels and Presentations at National Meetings
Cyphert, D., Malm, H. and Goro, C.A., “Using the Rubric: Instructional Design and Structured Feedback
to Create a Business Writing Culture,” presented at the Association for Business Communication
77th Annual International Convention, Honolulu, October 2012.
Iden, R. and Cyphert, D., “The Norms of (Economic) Rhetorical Culture,” presented at the Rhetoric
Society of America 15th Biennial Conference, Philadelphia, May 2012.
Cyphert, D., “Fixing the Worst Writers: Bridging the Management Communication Divide” presented at
the Association for Business Communication Annual Convention, Montreal, October 2011.
Cyphert, D., Wurtz, M.S. and Duclos, L.K., “Communication Management in a Virtual World:
Discovered Assumptions and Designed Genre,” presented at the American Communication
Association Annual Conference, Decatur, October 2010.
Cyphert, D., “Letters to the Business Public: The Material Intersections of Wall Street and Main Street,”
presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention, Chicago, November
2009.
Cyphert, D., and Wurtz, S.M. “Virtual Worlds (Second Life) in Management Education & Research,”
Academy of Management Annual Meeting, Chicago, August 2009.
Cyphert, D., “PowerPoint and the Evolution of Eloquence: An Exploration of Changing Norms,”
presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention, San Diego,
November 2008.
Cyphert, D., “Communication in the Discipline: Addressing the Scope of Business Communication,”
presented in the panel, The Business Communication Course: Applied Approaches for Faculty
and Trainers,” Top Panel in the Training and Development Division, National Communication
Association annual convention, San Diego, November 2008.
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Cyphert, D., “The Rhetorical Analysis of Corporate Speech: Unresolved Questions,” presented at the
Association for Business Communication Annual Convention, Incline Village, October 2008.
Cyphert, D., “Mark Fields as Cultural Representative: Locating a Discourse of Corporate Citizenship,”
presented at the Association for Business Communication annual convention, Incline Village,
October 2008.
Cyphert, D., “Teaching the Tribe: A Research Question,” panelist on “Challenging Group
Communication Research: A scholarly conversation,” National Communication Association,
Chicago, November 2007.
Cyphert, D., “Certification in Business Communication,” presented to the Association for Business
Communication Annual Convention, Washington DC, October 2007.
Cyphert, D., “Rhetorical Culture: Theorizing Groups from Within,” Group Communication Division,
National Communication Association Annual Convention, San Antonio, November 2006.
Cyphert, D., “Translating Expectations of Communication Skill: What do Employers Mean?”
Communication Assessment Division, National Communication Association Annual Convention,
San Antonio, November 2006.
Cyphert, D., and Spencer, M.S., “Unlearning Presentation Skills: The ‘Team Presentation’ in Quality
Circles,” Instructional Development Division, National Communication Association Annual
Convention, San Antonio, November 2006.
Cyphert, D., “Linking Accreditation and Assessment: Advice from Accreditation Evaluators,”
Communication Assessment Division, National Communication Association Annual Convention,
Boston, November 2005.
Cyphert, D., “Robert’s Rules of Disorder: Discursive Dysfunction in On-Line Parliaments,” Commission
on American Parliamentary Practices, National Communication Association Annual Convention.
Miami, November 2003.
Cyphert, D., “Virtual Meetings on the Internet: A Roundtable,” National Communication Association
Annual Convention. Miami, November 2003.
Cyphert, D., Duclos, L.K. and Karsten, R.A. “The Text of Group Dynamics: Performance as a
Consequence of Communication Quality in Information Systems Project Teams,” Instructional
Development Division, National Communication Association Annual Convention, New Orleans,
November 2002.
Cyphert, D., “Students of Color and Teaching/Learning Strategies in the Communication Course: Essays
and Instructional Practices,” Panelist, Educational Policies Board, National Communication
Association Annual Convention, New Orleans, November 2002.
Cyphert, D., “Academia After 9/11.” Symposium at the National Communication Association Annual
Convention, New Orleans, November 2002.
Cyphert, D., “High Class Thinking, Low Class Workers or Literate Academic Elitism?” Media Ecology
Division, National Communication Association Annual Convention, November 2001
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Cyphert, D., “Hieroglyphics to Hypertext: Resisting the Temptations of Communication Technology,”
American Communication Association Annual Convention, Boone NC, September 2001.
Cyphert, D., Rauch, J.L. and Blyth, D.,"Bells and Whistles: Rhetorical Discipline and Communication
Technology," American Communication Association Annual Convention, Louisville, September
2000.
Cyphert, D., “Learning to ‘Yo!’” Synchronicity and Rhythm in the Development of a Public Sphere,”
presented as part of a featured panel, “...///...///...///../: The Limitations of Discursive Rhetorical
Theory,” at the Annual Convention of the American Communication Association, Lafayette, LA,
October 1999.
Cyphert, D., “Virtual Threats to Corporate Health: Online Viruses and Rhetorical Antibodies.”
Association of Rhetoric in Science and Technology, in conjunction with the National
Communication Association Annual Convention, New York City, November 1998.
Cyphert, D., “Supervisor Perceptions of Literacy in the Workplace.” Literacy Volunteers of America.
National Conference. Buffalo NY, 20 October 1995.
Other Panels and Presentations at Regional Meetings
Doyle, D., Cochran, C., Cyphert, D., Gubanc, S. Hardeman, K., Hunt, M., and Laine, L., “Digital Skills
Across the Communication Curriculum: Balancing the Practical and Theoretical,” Iowa
Communication Association, Ankeny, September 2012.
Cyphert, D., “Teaching Organizational Communication in Second Life,” G. Jon Hall Online GIFT Forum
Lecture, Iowa Communication Association, Ankeny, September 2011.
Cyphert, D., and Wagner, A. “One Big Happy Family: Conflict Resolution on Main Street,” Iowa
Communication Association Annual Conference, Ankeny, September 2010.
Cyphert, D., Wurtz, M.S. and Dodge, E.N., “The Many Faces of Virtual Worlds,” Iowa Communication
Association Annual Conference, Waterloo, September 2009.
Cyphert, D., Grant, D. and Lamberti, A., “Genre’s Location in Communication Disciplines,” Iowa
Communication Association Annual Conference. Waterloo, September 2008.
Cyphert, D., “Talking the Walk: Tropes of Sustainability and the Greening of American Business,” Iowa
Communication Association Annual Conference. Cedar Falls, September 2008.
Cyphert, D., “Defining Professional Communication,”Iowa Communication Association Annual
Conference. Cedar Falls, September 2007
Cyphert, D., “Best Practices? A Survey of PowerPoint Tips for the Road Warrior,” Association for
Business Communication Midwest/Eastern/Southeastern Regional Conference, Kansas City,
March 2001.
Cyphert, D., “Communication Instruction Across the Business Curriculum: The Business
Communication Program at the University of Northern Iowa.” The Association for Business
Communication, Midwest Region Annual Conference, Chicago, April 1999.
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Cyphert, D., “The Social Author: Collaborative Writing as an Oral Communication Process.” The
Association for Business Communication, East and Midwest Regions Joint Annual Conference,
Minneapolis, April 1998.
Cyphert, D., “Cultural Dimensions of Cognition: A Rhetorical Perspective." University of Maryland /
Penn State University Speech Communication Conference Exchange. February, College Park,
MD 1996.
Cyphert, D., “A Cultural Model of Rhetorical Competence: Another Look at the Education of Hispanic
Males.” Symposium on Employment and Employability Training for the At-Risk Worker,
Creighton University, June 1995
Cyphert, D., “Communication Needs and Communication Training: Contrasts in a Public Sector
Workplace." University of Maryland / Penn State University Speech Communication
Conference Exchange, State College, PA, February 18, 1995.
Cyphert, D., “Assessing An Organization’s Learning Environment." Adult Literacy Conference,
Sacramento State University, February, 1994.
Cyphert, D., “A Comparison of Communication Skill Requirements in the Workplace with Current
Business Communication Textbooks,” Western States Communication Association, Albuquerque
NM, February 14, 1993.
Cyphert, D., and Whitworth, V. “Literacy in the Workplace,” California Reading Association Annual
Conference, Sacramento, November 1991.
Cyphert, D., “Critical Thinking Skills for Vocational Instruction.” Stanislaus County SELPA Spring
Conference, Modesto CA, March, 1989.
Cyphert, D., “Big Oil and Little People: A Transactional Analysis.” Conference on Rhetorical Criticism,
California State University at Hayward, April 1979.
Cyphert, D., “Birch Logic.” Conference on Rhetorical Criticism, California State University at Hayward,
April 1973.
Conference and Symposia Participation
Cyphert, D., (organizer and facilitator) with Arenson, P., Nicotera, A., Petronio, S., Foss, S. K, Foss, K.,
Swartz, O., Wander, P., Opt, S., Griffin, C., Hample, D. and Hikins J.W. “The State of Theory:
Possibilities, Impossibilities, and Provocations,” National Communication Association Annual
Convention, San Francisco, November 2010.
Cyphert, D., “Making Connections: Community Identity, Public Sphere and Sustainable Economy,”
presented at the Public Sphere Pre-conference Seminar, National Communication Association
Annual Convention, San Francisco, November 2010.
Cyphert, D., “Working for Rural Entrepreneurs: The Rural Labor Market as a Factor in Economic
Development Decision Making,” presented at the United Association for Labor Education
Conference, Baltimore, April 2009.
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Cyphert, D., Wurtz, M.S. and Power, D.J., “Virtual Worlds: Teaching About them and Teaching in Them,”
presented at the University of Northern Iowa Interdisciplinary Research Symposium. UNI: UNI
Office of sponsored Programs, February 2009.
Cyphert, D., “Strategic Service: Coaching and Mentoring in the MBA Program,” presented to the Graduate
College Brown Bag Series, University of Northern Iowa, October 2008.
Cyphert, D., “The Rhetoricity of Enterprise: Commodification, Desire, and Materiality,” presented at the
Plekhanov Russian Academy of Economics, Annual Exchange on Economics Research, Moscow,
May 2008.
Cyphert, D., “Corporate Governance and Sustainability,” presented at Focus the Nation Teach-in,
University of Northern Iowa, January 2008.
Cyphert, D., “Reflections on Materiality: Sustainable Public Discussion without a Place to Stand” National
Communication Association Public Sphere Studies Seminar, Chicago, November 2007.
Cyphert, D., “Why Can’t we Make Love in the Public Sphere? Embracing a Metaphor of Complexity,”
National Communication Association Public Sphere Studies Seminar, San Antonio, November
2006.
Cyphert, D., “A Sustainable Public Sphere: The Healthy, Ethical and Effective Corporate Role,” National
Communication Association PreConference on Public Sphere Theory, Boston, November 2005.
Cyphert, D., “The Rhetoricity of Enterprise,” Rhetoric and Economics: An International and
Interdisciplinary Conference, Decatur, IL, June 2005.
Cyphert, D., “The Corporate Citizen: Entering, Expanding, or Exploding the Public Sphere?” National
Communication Association Pre-convention Seminar on Public Spheres and Public Deliberation.
Chicago, November 2004.
Cyphert, D., “An Ecology of Research, Pedagogy and Service,” panel chair, “Engaging the Discipline: A
Call to Action in Maquipucuna,” Convention Series/ The Engaged Discipline: Communication
in Action, National Communication Association Annual Convention, New Orleans, November
2002.
Cyphert, D., “Creating a Sustainable Discourse Community: An Ecological Perspective on
Environmental Rhetoric,” (Panel) Environmental Communication Commission, National
Communication Association Annual Convention, Atlanta, November 2001.
Cyphert, D., “Invited to Play Scientist: Creating the CLEERE Community,” American Association for
the Rhetoric of Science and Technology, Seattle, November 2000.
Cyphert, D., “Locating Implicit Cognitive Processes in the Realm of Public Discourse.” Seminar in
Biological Explanations of Human Communication. National Communication Association
Annual Convention, New York City, November 1998.
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Cyphert, D., “A Knot in Ariadne’s Thread: Culture, Ideology and Ethics in a Tangle of Epistemic
Rhetoric.” Presented at the National Communication Association’s Doctoral Honors Seminar,
Northwestern University, August 1998.
Cyphert, D., “Pleasure, Pedagogy and Oppression in the Heartland.” Seminar in Ideology, Post
Modernism, Post-Colonialism, Performance Ethnography: Critical Intersections in Rhetorical
Studies. National Communication Association Annual Convention, San Diego, November 1996.
Cyphert, D., and Schäfer, AK. “Good Accommodation is Good Management,” Human Resources
Conference and Expo, Sacramento, 1994.
Cyphert, D., “Speaking Across the Curriculum or, How to Have Students Give Oral Reports without
Scaring Themselves Silly, Boring Their Classmates to Death or Aggravating the Longsuffering
Instructor.” Sacramento City College Staff Development Conference, September 1992.
Practitioner Publications
Additional published works include instructional materials, presentations to a variety of educational
associations, as well as articles written for business periodicals:
Cyphert, D., “Speed up the learning curve,” Corridor Business Journal October 10, 2011: 12.
Cyphert, D., “Doing Business on Mainstreet,” UNIBusiness, The Alumni Magazine of the College of
Business Administration University of Northern Iowa 2010-2011.
Cyphert, D., “How to Use Your Authority Wisely.” Today’s Supervisor November 1994: 14-17.
Cyphert, D., “Taking the Risk: Learning to Communicate Honestly with Your Co-Workers.” Today’s
Supervisor April, 1994: 16-19.
Cyphert, D., “Getting Your Wires Crossed? Then Learn How to Create Supportive Business
Relationships.” Today’s Supervisor February 1994: 12-15.
Cyphert, D., Looking at Your Company’s Learning Environment. Sacramento: The Gardner-Hodson
Group. 1994.
Cyphert, D., “What? Another Meeting?” Today’s Supervisor December 1993: 14-17.
Cyphert, D., “Corporate Culture Shock!!” Today's Supervisor October 1993: 12-14+.
Cyphert, D., Speaking Properly: Grammar Review [audio recording] Sacramento: The Gardner-Hodson
Group. 1993
Cyphert, D. and Schäfer, A.K. “Good Accommodations, Good Management: Using the Americans with
Disabilities Act to Your Best Advantage,” Today's Supervisor June 1993: 17-19.
Cyphert, D., “Great jokes, nice trainer....but no use for this information.” Communication Briefings.
1993.
Cyphert, D., “Employers Must Consider Wide Scope of Disabilities Law.” Sacramento Bee. 13 Dec.
1992.
Cyphert, D., and Whitworth, V., 41 Things Your Business Can Really Do About Workplace Literacy.
Sacramento: The Gardner-Hodson Group. 1991.
Cyphert, D., and Muller, L.G., Jr., “Just for the Sake of Argument.” California Defense. Winter, 1990.
Reprinted in the Bakersfield Law Seminar Program, June 1994
Cyphert, D., “The Butterflies Won't Fly Any Faster.” Communication Briefings. 1990.
Cyphert, D., “Work Suffers if Employees Can't Read.” The Sacramento Bee. 23 Jan. 1989.
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ACADEMIC AWARDS
Top Panel Award, Training and Development Division
2008; National Communication Association
B. Aubrey Fischer Outstanding Journal Article Award
2001; Western States Communication Association
Top Paper Panelist Basic Course Division
2001; National Communication Association
Doctoral Honors Conference
1998; National Communication Association
Top Paper Panelist Basic Course Commission
1996; Speech Communication Association
Bostrum Young Scholar
1996; Southern Speech Communication Association
Fellowship for Graduate Study
1994-1995; Pennsylvania State University
FUNDED RESEARCH AND GRANTS
Research Grants
Professional Development Assignment, University of Northern Iowa, Spring 2010
Field research in discourse of Rural Economic Development
Faculty Research Awards, College of Business Administration University of Northern Iowa, 1997, 1998,
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012:
Travel support for conference presentations
Faculty Research Award, Graduate College University of Northern Iowa, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001,
2002:
Travel support for conference presentations
Research and Graduate Studies Award, College of the Liberal Arts Pennsylvania State University, 1995,
1996, 1997:
Travel support for research and conference presentations.
Instructional Development Grants
Provost’s Mini-Grant, University of Northern Iowa, 2001:
Application and demonstration of PowerPoint “Best Practices” in communication course delivery
Shreyer Institute for Innovations in Learning, Pennsylvania State University, 1996 and 1997
LARC/FIPSE/FII, Classroom Assessment Techniques, Sacramento City College, 1991 and 1992
Institute on Diversity, University of California, Davis, 1991 and 1992
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TEACHING AND ADVISING
Courses Taught
MBA-- MBA Capstone, Special Topics (Persuasion, Crisis Communication)
University -- Business Communication, Communication Management, Group Communication, Public
Speaking, Organizational Management
Community College -- Interpersonal Communication, Business Communication, Public Speaking
Adult Basic Education -- US History
Level IV Correctional Facility -- Interpersonal Communication
Advising Responsibilities
Management Department Advisor (approximately 80 students), 2010 to present
Phi Beta Lambda Advisor, 2011 to present
Freshman Advisor (approximately 60 students), 2000 to 2009
Northern Iowa Management Association Advisor, 2000 to 2006
Business Communication Minor, 1997 to 2010
Graduate and Honors Advising
Allisa Wagner, Communication Studies MA, 2010
Dawn Buhlbauer, Undergraduate Research Project, 2002
Course/Curriculum Development
Business Communication: 1997- Redesigned course to add team, interpersonal, and electronic
communication as well as business discourse norms to a course that had traditionally emphasized
production elements of business documents. 2001- Developed comprehensive curriculum
materials as a course pack. 2006- Converted all course materials to support on-line self-study and
certification. A self-study version of the course was made available on line and tested with eight
students [http://www.cba.uni.edu/buscomm/BusComCourse/index.html.]
Communication Management: 1997- Redesigned course as advanced management course focusing on
managerial issues of internal, external and operational communication functions.2008Redesigned course to highlight communication ethics for inclusion in the Ethics minor.
MBA Topics: 2000-2003- Created several one-unit courses in managerial communication topics.
MBA Capstone Experience: 2003- Incorporated managerial and consulting communication instruction
into the integrated team project, creating course materials to guide the students through the
project.
Business Communication Program: 1997-2003- Developed printed and web-based instructional materials
for team, written, presentational and problem-solving communication, as well as assessment
guidelines, for use by students and faculty across the College of Business Administration.
Pedagogical Consulting
“Basics of Collaborative Teaching across Disciplines,” LEAP Instructor Workshop, Shreyer Institute for
Innovations in Learning, The Pennsylvania State University, April 2007.
“Collaborating across Disciplines,” LEAP Instructor Workshop, Shreyer Institute for Innovations in
Learning, The Pennsylvania State University, April 2006.
“Leaping Across the Disciplines” LEAP Instructor Workshop, Shreyer Institute for Innovations in
Learning, The Pennsylvania State University, April 2005.
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“LEAPing into Collaborative Teaching” [videotaped presentation] LEAP Instructor Workshop, Shreyer
Institute for Innovations in Learning, The Pennsylvania State University, March 2004.
“Collaborative Teaching” [videotaped presentation] LEAP Instructor training series, Shreyer Institute
for Innovations in Learning, The Pennsylvania State University, April 2002.
TEACHING AWARDS
Student Alumni Ambassadors Apple Polisher Certificate of Appreciation, Spring 1999 (double
awardee); Spring 2000, Spring 2007
University Book & Supply Outstanding Teaching Award, 2001
Graduating Student Survey Acknowledgment
Fall 1997, Spring 1998, Fall 1998, Spring 1999, Fall 1999, Fall 2007
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Professional Affiliations
Academy of Management, OCIS and MOC, (2003-2012)
Association of Business Communication (member since 1997)
 Chair, AACSB Committee and AACSB Liaison (2012-present)
 Publications Board (2010-2014)
 ABC Affiliated Unit Planner, NCA Convention (2009-present)
 CCA Task Force on Humanities Indicators of Quality (2010-present)
 Board of Directors, Vice President ABC Midwest US (2006-2010)
National Communication Association (member since 1971)
 Communication Across the Curriculum Website Development Project
 K-12 Competencies Development Committee (1996-1999)
 Speech Assessment Committee (1991-1993)
American Communication Association (member since 1999)
 Board of Directors, Finance Officer (1999 – 2008)
 Center for Communication Studies. Associate Editor, (2000-2002)
Central States Communication Association (2002-2009)
Iowa Communication Association (member since 1997)
American Society for the History of Rhetoric (2008-2009)
Rhetoric Society of America (member since 2012)
Professional Activities
Review Boards
Journal of Communication Studies (2013-2015, Robert Littlefield, Editor)
Western Journal of Communication (2012, William F. Eadie, Editor)
Southern Communication Journal (2005-2008, John Myer, Editor)
The Journal of Business Communication (2001-present, Robyn Walker, Margaret Baker Graham, Steve
Ralston, Editors)
Communication Education (2003-2005, Don Rubin, Editor)
Rhetoric and Communication Theory Division, National Communication Association, 2003, 2006, 2007,
2010, 2012
American Society for the History of Rhetoric, National Communication Association, 2009
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Organization and the Natural Environment SIG, Academy of Management, 2005
Management and Organizational Cognition SIG, Academy of Management, 2005
Top 100 American Speeches of the 20th Century (2000; Martin Medhurst & Stephen Lucas, Eds.,
www.americanrhetoric.com/top100speeches.htm)
Ad Hoc Reviews
Journal of Communication Studies (2012, Robert Littlefield, Editor-elect)
Journal of Applied Communication Research (2012, Michelle Jackson, Editor)
Journal of Decision Systems (2011, Daniel J. Power, Special Issue Editor)
Western Journal of Communication (2011, William F. Eadie, Editor; 2007, Brian L. Ott, Editor 2002,
2004, Daniel J. Canary, Editor;)
Communication Education, Special Issue on Communication in the Disciplines (2004; Deanna Dannels,
Guest Editor)
Southern Communication Journal, Special Issue on Organizational Citizenship (2002; John Monberg,
Guest Editor)
European Journal of Operational Research (2002; Adel Guitouni, Guest Editor)
Business Case Journal (2001; Peter Goulet, Editor)
American Journal of Communication (2000, 2001; Stephanie Coopman, Editor)
Textbook Reviews
Pearson
Houghton Mifflin
Brown and Benchmark
Technical Editor
Woodrick, Ann and Mark A. Gray Welcoming New Iowans: A Guide for Christians and Churches, Cedar
Fall: UNI New Iowans Program and the Ecumenical Ministries of Iowa, 2002.
Grey, Mark A. Welcoming New Iowans: A Guide for Citizens and Communities: Building Respect and
Tolerance for Immigrant and Refugee Newcomers, Cedar Falls: UNI New Iowans Program,
2001.
Accreditation Review
American Communication Association Accreditation: Southern Methodist University, Div. of Corporate
Communication and Public Affairs, March 2004
Community and Media Comment
Respondent to media requests for statements on business and communication issues representing the
National Communication Association, UNI Speaker’s Bureau and UNI’s Radio News Network to such
outlets as the Des Moines Register, the Sheboygan Press, the Cedar Valley Business Journal, the
Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier, WHO, Des Moines, WOAI, San Antonio, KFAT, Kalamazoo, and local
business audiences.
University Service
University Writing Committee, 2010 – present
Graduate College Student Research Symposium Respondent, 2012
First Year Experience Task Force, 2010
Merchant Scholarship Committee, 2006 – 2009
Constitution Day Committee, 2007
McKay Research Award Committee, 2006
Veridian Credit Union Community Engagement Award Nomination Committee, 2006
Managing Editor, College of Business Administration’s alumni magazine, 2005 to 2009
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Editor, College of Business Administration’s alumni magazine, 1997 to 2005
Editor, CBA faculty/staff newsletter, 1997 to 2005
Campus Communication Task Force, 2005 - 2006
MBA Policy Committee, 2003 to present
Advisory Committee for the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching, 1998 to 2003, Chair 2001-2003
Innovative Teaching and Technology Center Planning and Advisory Committee, 2002 to 2003
East Gym (ITTC) Concept Team, Spring 2002
’57 Fund Awards Committee, 2001
University Public Relations’ Community Visitation Planning Committee, 1999 to 2000
Internal Communications Sub-Committee, Constituency Relations Mgmt. Group, 1998-1999
COMMUNITY AND CORPORATE SERVICE
Board of Directors, Cedar Valley United Way, Waterloo, IA (2012 to 2015)
Advisory Board, Field of Yoga, Cedar Falls, IA (2009 to present)
Steering Committee, Sacramento Reads!, Sacramento Area Literacy Coalition (1988 to 1994)
Certified Arbitrator, Better Business Bureau California State and National Panels (1985 to 1994)
Tutor, Educational Program Development Team, St. Hope Academy, Sacramento, CA (1992 to 1994)
Board of Directors, The Resolution Institute, Sacramento, CA (1992 to 1994)
Regional Delegate, Legislative Advocate, Soroptimist International, Sacramento, CA (1988-1993)
Legislative Committee, Merced Chamber of Commerce, Merced, CA (1986)
Board of Directors, President, Stanislaus County Child Development Lab, Ceres, CA (1984-1986)
ROP Advisory Committee, Modesto City Schools (1982-1986)
SERVICE AWARDS AND HONORS
Outstanding Faculty Contributions to Business and Community Services
2009; University of Northern Iowa, College of Business Administration
Veridian Credit Union Community Engagement Award Nominee
2006; University of Northern Iowa, College of Business Administration
Outstanding Faculty Contribution to Business and Community Services
2005; University of Northern Iowa, College of Business Administration
US Dept of Health and Human Services Outstanding Volunteer
1985; Stanislaus County, CA
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