William Norwood Brigance and Wabash College

Abstract

This study examines the career of a distinguished teacher, scholar and leader in the speech communication profession by focusing on the question: Why did Brigance remain at a small midwestern liberal arts institution throughout his college teaching career? Foremost among the explanations was Brigance's dedication to the writing of 61 professional articles, 14 books, and delivering over 1000 speeches to lay and academic audiences. Each one of these activities he viewed as an extension of his commitment to teaching effective citizen participation in a democratic society. This was his subject and he taught it in the classroom, at his typewriter, and on the public platform.

Key concepts:

• William Norwood Brigance
• historical method
• professional writing
• teaching rewards
• liberal arts college environment
• strategies for writing
• professional organizations
• oratory and debate
• student speakers bureau
• public address in a democracy