Spoma Jovanovic

Spoma Jovanovic is a distinguished Professor Emerita of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she has made significant contributions to the field of communication through her teaching and research. With an academic journey that began at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts, Jovanovic further honed her expertise with a Master of Arts and a Doctorate from the University of Denver. Her academic pursuits have been deeply rooted in the exploration of community, ethics, and social change. Throughout her career, Jovanovic has been dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of communication's role in community building and ethical discourse. Her teaching repertoire includes courses on communication and community, ethical communication, research methods, and critical pedagogy. She is particularly passionate about topics such as reclaiming democracy and communicating social change, which reflect her commitment to empowering individuals and communities through informed dialogue and action. Jovanovic's scholarly work is marked by a focus on ethics, civic participation, and social justice. She employs interpretive research methods to delve into these complex areas, contributing to a rich body of literature that includes numerous books, journal articles, and book chapters. Her research not only advances academic knowledge but also serves as a catalyst for practical change in society. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Lloyd Honors College Distinguished Residential Fellow and the Top Article Award from the National Communication Association's Communication Ethics Division. Additionally, she was honored with the NC Campus Compact's Robert L. Sigmon Service-Learning Award, highlighting her commitment to integrating service and learning in higher education. Beyond academia, Jovanovic has been actively engaged in community advocacy, working on initiatives such as revising guidelines for bus bench design and policies for city bus shelter placements. Her efforts underscore her belief in the power of communication to effect tangible improvements in community infrastructure and quality of life. Through her work, Jovanovic continues to inspire students, colleagues, and community members to pursue ethical and socially just communication practices.