Faculty and Staff - Bachelor of Integrative Studies

Scott L. Crabill (Ph.D., Wayne State University) is the director of Integrative Studies & Undergraduate Initiatives and associate professor of communication. He is currently serving as Interim Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education. He has taught courses in Public Speaking, Group Dynamics, Listening in Communication, Interpersonal Communication, and Advanced Interpersonal Communication. In addition, he teaches the capstone course for the Bachelor of Integrative Studies program. Computer-Mediated Communication and Interpersonal Communication are his primary areas of study with a quantitative methodological focus. An example of his research may be found in the international flagship journal in the field Journal of Computer Mediated Communication. One area of particular interest for Dr. Crabill is the examination of white supremacist groups within computer-mediated contexts. His dissertation is titled "A Comparative Content Analysis of Social Identity Cues within a White Supremacist Discussion Board and a Social Activist Discussion Board", which explores the language dynamics of white supremacist groups within computer-mediated contexts, such as discussion boards. He specifically focuses on how members of a white supremacist discussion board monitor and correct each other’s language patterns in their on-line discussions. To find out more about Scott you can visit his website by clicking here.

Julie Borkin (Ph.D., Wayne State University) is the Acting Director and Program Coordinator of Integrative Studies and teaches its capstone course as well. Her research, informed most directly by contemporary rhetoric and critical cultural studies, follows an interdisciplinary approach and focuses on citizenship and civic engagement. Her current project considers how various popular cultural practices shape personal and collective identity and value. She has taught courses in persuasion, communication theory, group dynamics and communication, contemporary persuasive campaigns and social movements, and public speaking. Julie is proud to be an Oakland University alumna (B.A. in communication) and enjoys working with students.

Monique Smith is the Bachelor of Integrative Studies Office Manager. She brings a great range of experience and has worked in higher education for many years. She is personable and has created a warm and welcoming environment for our BIS students. She enjoys technology, sports, and reading.

Lindsay Zeig (MA, LPC, NCC, Oakland University) is an Academic Counselor for Integrative Studies and teaches its capstone course as well. As a proud Oakland University alumna, she enjoys working with students to build a plan of study that will help them to achieve academic and professional goals. Lindsay was recognized by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) as the Outstanding New Adviser of the Year in 2010 and has presented at many local academic advising conferences. Additionally, she has taught courses in collegiate communication and many career related workshops and professional presentations.

Sarah Eikelberg (MA, LLPC, NCC, Western Michigan University) is an Academic Counselor for Integrative Studies and a Ph.D Graduate Assistant in the Department of Counseling. Sarah has an extensive background in student services in higher education, working with multiple populations in student development and training, and implementing creative program opportunities. She is also a trained career advisor. Sarah has experience teaching First Year Seminar courses at WMU, as well as assisting with Techniques of Counseling and teaching the Medical Interviewing course with the William Beaumont School of Medicine at Oakland University. She is glad to be working with students to help them build a meaningful plan of study for a successful future. Sarah enjoys clinical supervision and running therapy groups. She will be incorporating this into her future dissertation research, focusing on group art therapy with men that have cancer.

Christopher Jensen (M.Ed., University of Michigan) is a Ph.D. Graduate Assistant in the School of Education and Human Services along with teaching COM 101 and the Integrative Studies capstone course (HS 402). He has been actively involved in student leadership development programs and service-learning initiatives at Oakland University. Chris facilitates several leadership and community engagement programs, including seminars, workshops, retreats and conferences that provide personal and professional development in such areas as civic engagement, interpersonal communication, and humanitarianism. He will be finishing up his Ph.D. in the Educational Leadership program at Oakland University. His research is on the impact of service-learning/community engagement on the retention of undergraduate students.

Charlie Rinehart (M.A., Eastern Michigan University) is an instructor for the HS 402 capstone course and in the Wellness, Health Promotion, and Injury Prevention Program. His teaching responsibilities at Oakland University include Wellness Facilitation, Persuasion/Marketing in Health, as well as multiple courses in the Communication and Journalism department. His teaching philosophy is comprised of heavy student involvement and strong interaction between theory and application. His academic interests in Service Learning allow him to connect Communication to Wellness. Charlie also values the art of presentation and works with all of his students to strengthen this skill. He has presented at multiple academic conferences including the Central-States Communication Association and the Michigan Association of Speech Communication.

Ben Bennett-Carpenter (Ph.D., Catholic University of America) is Special Lecturer in the Department of Writing & Rhetoric and the Integrative Studies program at Oakland University. He serves as a Faculty Mentor to students in Integrative Studies and teaches the capstone course. He serves as chair of the Interdisciplinary Studies section of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters. He writes and presents on a range of areas with a particular interest in rhetorical and psychological strategies within cultural niches. More info about Ben is available here