Siobhan E. Smith-Jones is professor in the Department of Communication. Her current research interests include explorations of African American women as interpretive communities. She teaches courses in mass media, race, culture, fandom, and media literacy. In 2024, she received the Distinguished Teaching Faculty Award from the College of Arts and Sciences, and as well as the University-wide honor. She is outgoing editor of Women & Language and is thrilled to mentor the Brown Fellows Class of 2026. She became Executive Director of the University Honors Program in July 2024, with the goals of engaging, enriching, and empowering UofL's Honor students.