News
Dr. Weena McKenzie presents on student agency at national conference
May 28, 2026Portland, Ore. (May 28, 2026) – Last week, Arizona Western College English professor Dr. Weena McKenzie attended the 22nd Biennial Conference of the Rhetoric Society of America (RSA), where she spoke as a representative for the Global Society of Online Literacy Educators (GSOLE).
“Rhetoric and Composition is a common specialty for English professors,” Dr. McKenzie shared. “This conference provides a unique opportunity to focus on the field of rhetoric. Rhetorical situations and rhetorical decisions appear across Student Learning Outcomes in English classes here at AWC.”
Every other year, the RSA conference brings together educators and scholars from across the nation to explore the histories and futures of rhetoric studies. This year’s meeting examined how communication and language shape experiences of respect, marginalization, and power.
Reflecting this theme, Dr. McKenzie presented as part of the sponsored GSOLE panel "Centering Dignity and Agency in Digital Rhetorical Education.” Her dissertation study focused on interactions in online classes, and GSOLE invited her to share her expertise related to online discussions. The three-person panel also included Dr. Meghan Velez, a GSOLE Affiliates Co-Liaison and professor at the University of Central Florida (UCF), and a UCF undergraduate student.
Dr. McKenzie’s continued scholarly learning and professional growth demonstrate a commitment to fostering justice and wellbeing for all students—exemplifying the student-centered practices that are prioritized across AWC’s teaching community.
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About the Rhetoric Society of America:
The Rhetoric Society of America supports scholars, teachers, and students engaged in the study of rhetoric, including spoken, written, visual, and digital communication across social, political, and cultural contexts.
About the Global Society for Online Literacy Educators:
The Global Society of Online Literacy Educators is an international organization connecting those who teach reading, alphabetic writing, and multimodal composition as digital literacies in online educational settings.
Contact:
Dr. Weena McKenzie
Professor of English
Arizona Western College
weena.mckenzie@azwestern.edu