Program Details

Faculty

Lisa Dunne, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Communication

• B.A., Thomas Edison State College
• M.A., Regent University
• M.A., Fielding Graduate University
• Ph.D., Fielding Graduate University
• Dean of Social Sciences
• Department Chair, Communication

For the last 18 years, Dr. Dunne has taught at the college and university levels in the fields of communication and psychology.  Dr. Dunne is the author of several books, including Emerge: Cracking the Cocoon of Media Socialization, SHIFT: Creating Cultural Change, Numb, co-authored with Pastor Francis Anfuso, and Relating through the Lifespan. Her most recent release is The Multigenerational Marketplace, a primer on creating workplace cultures of value and engagement.

Marc Hutchins
Instructor, Film & Media Studies

• B.S., University of Florida
• M.F.A., Full Sail University

Marc Hutchins is an award-winning director and the founder of Alexander Films, a full-service production company specializing in narrative storytelling. He currently has two feature films streaming and two in international distribution. His recent releases include the police drama Crossing Streets and a romantic comedy Where Are You, Bobby Browning? In his role at SDC, Hutchins oversees the film and media degree in the Department of Communication, training students in directing, producing, lighting, cinematography, marketing, distribution, and advanced storytelling techniques.

Other Faculty

Other faculty who contribute to our department are:

• Renee Kohn, Journalism and Interpersonal Communication
• Colin McDonald, Communication Law
• Karla Rivera, Journalism
• Philip Van Saun, Crisis Communication and Ethics

Alumni Success

“Being well-written and well-spoken are two of the most important qualities to have in the work world, and the Communication department at SDC gave me the tools and instruction I needed to strengthen both areas. Not only that, the underlying foundation of a biblical worldview showed me the importance of building healthy relationships to increase effective communication in our interactions with others.  The smaller class sizes made for a great learning environment in which everyone knew and supported each other, wanting everyone to succeed.  The department head, Dr. Lisa Dunne, knew each student by name, and she cared for and encouraged us in such a way that success was inevitable!  I am forever grateful for the friendships and connections I made during my time at SDC.” — Dominique Omari Watkins, 2017

“The communication department has developed much more than my knowledge in the art of communication and my ability to practice it. I learned about the importance and necessity of community and proper mentorship. Having smaller class sizes provides a natural format for discussion-based learning where you are able to personally engage with your professor and hear from the perspective of each of your classmates, giving you an overall balanced and deeper understanding of each topic addressed.” — Chandler Corzine, 2016

“If ever a cliché rang true in my life it would be, ‘With great freedom, comes great responsibility.’ And growing into a young adult who has formed, and continues to form, her personal convictions, is exactly what my four years at San Diego Christian have taught me…SDC was a huge stepping-stone in teaching me about myself and who I truly want to be in life. I have had the opportunity to develop both the work and life skills I need in order to continue growing.”— Veronica Martinez, 2015

“During my time at SDC, I became very involved in the school and local ministry. I competed as captain of the speech and debate team, was the Communication Teaching Assistant, and served as president of Lambda Pi Eta, the national honor society for communication majors…Since graduating from SDC, I have been working at Pratt and Whitney as a Material Program Manager. Additionally, I am currently interning for Avion Consulting, and researching for an upcoming book on leadership. I am currently studying for the GMAT and plan to pursue an MBA.” — David Diaso, 2014

“The study and practice of law demands an ability to articulate clearly and concisely, both in the written and spoken word. An accomplished advocate is able to recognize truth, organize thoughts, and present those thoughts in a persuasive manner. I have full confidence that no other life experience prepared me as well for the practice of law than my time in speech and debate as a communication major at San Diego Christian College. This activity forced me to articulate my thoughts, to find my voice, and to recognize truth from fiction. Because of this, I am a more capable advocate.” — Colin McDonald, 2009

“Studying communication at SDC gave me the preparation I needed to be successful in my graduate studies by equipping me with the tools to effectively communicate my thoughts and ideas, while also teaching me how to develop and utilize critical thinking skills. My professors inspired and motivated me to strive for excellence, preparing me to feel competent in interacting with the world around me while connecting the Gospel to everything I do.” — Esther Pulcipher, 2005