OHIO Southern professor Dr. Purba Das named 2020 Fall Commencement Speaker

Ohio University announced today that Dr. Purba Das, associate professor in communication studies at OHIO’s Southern Campus, will be the 2020 Fall Commencement speaker. 

“Dr. Das’ extensive knowledge of intercultural and health communication research is very impressive,” OHIO President M. Duane Nellis said. “In addition to being an expert in her field, she is also an outstanding teacher and I am looking forward to hearing her advice for our graduates as they embark on their next chapters.”

Das’ research takes a culture-centered approach to health communication by looking at the problematics of nations, national identity, media and health narratives in marginalized populations in the United States (Appalachia regions) and India.

“It is truly an honor to be selected as OHIO’s Fall Commencement speaker,” Das said. “Commencement may take place in a different format this fall, but it is still an event of celebration and acknowledgement for our graduates. I am looking forward to recognizing them and taking part in December.”

Das also currently serves as co-chair for the Inclusive Pedagogy Academy, a joint venture between the Office of Instructional Innovation and the Division of Diversity and Inclusion to support faculty who are wanting to improve and implement inclusion practices within their classrooms. She has also been a collaborator representing the Southern Campus in the One OHIO initiative. 

“In addition to her incredible academic strength, Dr. Das has been a leader in the COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) Initiative, as well as serving as chair of the University International Council and co-chairing the newly formed International Think Tank, charged with evaluating our international student services, alumni relationships, partnerships, research, experiential learning, and globalization of our curriculum,” Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs said. “I am certain her message will educate and inspire our Fall class of 2020.”

Ceremony Details

OHIO’s 2020 Fall Commencement ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, and will be streamed online at www.ohio.edu/commencement. Students who have met graduation requirements during the 2020 summer or 2020 fall semesters may participate in the ceremony. This includes students earning doctoral, professional doctoral, masters, or undergraduate degrees through any of OHIO’s degree programs on all campuses or through eLearning programs.  

For more information about the 2020 Fall Commencement, visit  www.ohio.edu/commencement.