Karen Daas, Ph.D.

Program Director, Academic Introduction and Strategies Multidisciplinary Studies

Karen Daas, Ph.D.

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Bio

Karen Daas joined the Communication faculty in 2007. She also serves as program director for Multidisciplinary Studies and Academic Introduction and Strategies.

The Multidisciplinary Studies program, which allows students to combine three focus areas into a comprehensive degree, is a natural fit for Karen, who double majored in Communication and English and almost completed a minor in Classics during her undergraduate program. She believes the flexibility of Multidisciplinary Studies allows students to pursue multiple interests while still gaining the skills vital to transitioning from the classroom to a career.

The Academic Introduction and Strategies program, which is designed to assist students with their transition to UTSA and the college experience, is also a source of pride for Karen. The program is supported by an excellent team of engaged faculty dedicated to helping their students connect to their studies, each other, and UTSA through active learning experiences.

Karen teaches courses in Communication and Multidisciplinary Studies. Consistent with changes in her career trajectory, her research interests have shifted from studying contested identities to identifying best practices to support student success. She is the recipient of the 2008 B. Aubrey Fisher Award for Outstanding Journal Article.

Degrees

  • Ph.D. in Communication, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
  • MA in Communication, Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • BA in Communication, Gustavus Adolphus College
  • BA in English, Gustavus Adolphus College