Ken Steele, Ed.D.

About

Have you considered how communication—interpersonal, public, and strategic—shapes not only organizations but also the ways we learn, lead, and connect with one another? That question drives my teaching and research.

I hold an Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation and an M.S. in Communication from Purdue, as well as a B.A. in Communication & Media Studies from the University of Massachusetts.

My academic focus includes organizational and strategic communication, negotiation, persuasion, and public speaking pedagogy, with research interests in empathy, cultural responsiveness, and transformative learning. I have taught at Purdue, California Lutheran, and UMass, emphasizing applied and culturally responsive approaches that prepare students for professional challenges.

Professionally, my background spans sports marketing, digital media, and broadcast communication. I have worked with ABC, ESPN, and Major League Baseball, authored a peer-reviewed white paper on the synergy between broadcast and digital marketing and advertising, and delivered a TEDx talk on empathy as a transformative skill.

Together, we create space for “critical reflection on assumptions” (Mezirow, 1997), where communication is reciprocal—Esy, Ego, Emeis—You, Me, We.

Reference

Mezirow, J. (1997). Transformative learning: Theory to practice. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 1997(74), 5–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/ace.7401

Education

Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation, Purdue 

M.S. Integrated Communication & Advertising, Purdue 

B.A. Communication and Media Studies, University of Massachusetts 

Expertise

Public Speaking / Negotiation, Persuasive Communication / Strategic Communication / Organizational Communication / Sport Communications / Stragtegic Sport Media Relations / Small Group Communication / Collaborative Learning Design 

Publications

Steele, K. (2025). Exploring Synergy: Strategic Benefits and Considerations of Combining Radio and Digital Assets as a Modern Enhanced Campaign Impact Solution [White paper]. scba.com. https://scba.com/white-paper-reports/

Steele, K. (2021). How to get along with anyone with true empathy? [Video]. Ted.com. https://www.ted.com/talks/kenneth_steele_how_to_get_along_with_anyone_with_true_empathy?autoplay=true