Em Griffin
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Em Griffin - born on June 30, 1937 (currently 86 years old), is a professor emeritus of communication at Wheaton College in Illinois, where he has been teaching since 1970. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Communication from Northwestern University. Griffin's research focuses on the development of close friendships.
Em Griffin taught a wide range of courses including persuasion, interpersonal communication, public speaking, intercultural communication, ethics, conflict, intimacy, and communication theory. His teaching efforts have led to the creation of several texts, such as The Mindchangers (on persuasion), Getting Together (on group dynamics), and Making Friends (on interpersonal communication).
Griffin’s work in communication theory culminated in the successful textbook A First Look At Communication Theory, now in its 4th edition with McGraw Hill. Additionally, he produced a companion videotape titled Conversations with Communication Theorists. His research on communication in developing close relationships has been featured in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
Before earning his Ph.D. from Northwestern University and embarking on his teaching career, Griffin worked with high school students through the organization Young Life. Beyond the classroom, he continues to engage with people through his role as a peer mediator with the Chicago Center for Conflict Resolution. He is also actively involved with Opportunity International, a microenterprise development organization that creates job opportunities for the poor in developing countries. In recognition of his ongoing service with these organizations, Wheaton College awarded him the T. Kenneth Gieser Presidential Award for service to others in 2000.
