To each and every person who gave me advice, offered encouragement, or provided some diversion along the way, I thank you. Your support has kept me moving forward, made me think, and helped me retain my sense of humor.
I must thank my committee chair, Dr. Catherine Luther. From the first moment I sat in one of Dr. Luther’s classes, I saw the teaching and research missions of academia exemplified. Dr. Luther truly models intellectual reasoning and diversity of thought. She allows her students to grow and learn while navigating the sometimes-constrictive path of current media philosophies and technologies.
I would like to thank the other members of my committee, Dr. Ben Bates, Dr. Michelle Violanti, and Dr. Suzanne Kurth. Dr. Bates graciously bailed me out each time I called on him. He provided an endless stream of resources and is incredibly generous with both his time and his knowledge. Dr. Violanti is simply wise. And she has graciously shared her wisdom with me. From the beginning of my graduate studies she has offered me nothing but good counsel and great encouragement. Plus she gets brownie points for being a Lady Vols basketball fan. Dr. Kurth expanded the boundaries of my work by illustrating a feminist approach in the classroom. This freedom allowed me to engage with the texts I studied in new and different ways. I am richer for having studied with her.
To my friends--many of whom I have been friends with for more than thirty years now and whom have shared with me their abundant life experiences--you have guided me both intellectually and spiritually in this endeavor. I carry a little piece of each of you in me. You are my family. You make life deep and meaningful and fun. I love each one of you dearly.
To Melissa and Michael I hope I have made you proud. I have attempted in some small way to carry your torches. I miss being able to see your faces and tap your collective intellects, but I still hear your voices. I hope you still hear mine.
I am grateful to my parents who made me believe that education is the key and who worked diligently to provide me with an opportunity to follow my academic dreams. I thank you for giving me intelligence, and values, and a sense of responsibility. Those tools have served me well throughout my life.
And finally I must thank Pam, my partner in all things. It is Pam who on occasion takes my hand, reminds me to breathe, and then jumps off a cliff with me. She challenges me, supports me, and makes me laugh. She has given so much of herself to be part of my life, and she so beautifully shares her life with me. For her I am thankful with all that I am.
