Bryan Blankfield (Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University) is an associate professor in residence of communication studies in the Honors College. His research and teaching specialties include animal studies, civic engagement, presidential rhetoric, and rap music. His scholarship has appeared in Rhetoric Society Quarterly, Rhetoric & Public Affairs, and various edited collections. He is a recipient of the UNLV Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award (2023). Bryan is an active participant in many service activities at UNLV. He has represented the Honors College in Faculty Senate since 2018 and served as a senior senator since 2019. In 2023-2024, he served as a member of the Faculty Senate’s Executive Committee. He has served on job searches as a search advocate, thereby ensuring that the hiring process proceeds in an inclusive and equitable manner. He also runs bEATS, a music appreciation group for Honors students. As of January 2024, 150 albums have been discussed in bEATS. In his free time, Bryan enjoys spending time with his wife, admiring the birds that frequent his bird bath, and rehabilitating discounted plants from Lowe’s.