Katie Thomas

Katie Thomas is a communication educator with a storyteller’s heart and a researcher’s curiosity, crafting connections through media and scriptwriting. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Communication from Liberty University and holds an M.A. in Strategic Communication from Liberty University and an M.A. in Media Psychology from Touro University Worldwide. Her research explores identity formation, wishful identification, the influence of television on Millennials, and the intersection of media and women.

As a faculty member and CommSkills Instructor in the School of Communication at Virginia Tech since 2022, Katie is passionate about helping students develop their voices and critically engage with media’s impact on society. Before that, she spent three years teaching at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. Beyond the classroom, she brings stories to life through a variety of theatrical and creative endeavors, working as an actor, scriptwriter, assistant director, and stage manager.

Her expertise in communication extends to coaching, having worked with Miss Oklahoma 2024 to refine her interview skills and stay informed on current events. Previously, she served as a volunteer consultant and coach for the Liberty University Forensics team (2016–2019), coaching two national-winning Reader’s Theatre teams. She was also awarded first place in Liberty University’s Research Week in the Graduate Performance Category in 2018.

Katie’s background also includes professional acting and administrative work in online graduate education. Deeply committed to serving her community, she is actively involved in various service organizations, using her skills to support leadership, education, and outreach initiatives.