Terry DiRusso

Communication Sciences
Lecturer

MA: Communications: Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky
BS: Communications, Psychology, Education: Murray State University
Post Graduate Certification: English minor, Central Connecticut State University
Office: Torrington Campus
Phone: (860) 626-6800
Fax: (860) 626-6847
Email:terry.dirusso@uconn.edu or t.dirusso@comcast.net

Areas of Specialty / Research Interest

Pubic Speaking; Presentation design including Power Point; Interpersonal
communication difficulties; Persuasion techniques; Gender Communication,
presentations and research including Oxford University, Oxford, England, August, 2006.

Courses Taught

Comm 100 Introduction to Communications
Comm 105 Public Speaking
Comm 220 Interpersonal Communications
Comm 210 Persuasion
Comm 225W Small Group Communications
Comm 226 Organizational Communications
Comm 245 Gender Communications

Biography

Terry DiRusso has been adjunct faculty at three Connecticut colleges and universities since 1976. She taught nine years at Central Connecticut University, one year at Tunxis Community College, and since 1986, she has been a lecturer at UConn, both the Torrington and Waterbury campuses. She is a retired English educator with 35 years experience in a public school setting, where she was recognized by Congresswoman Nancy Johnson for Excellence in Education.
DiRusso is an author of mystery novels. Having published her first novel in 1999 titled ABSOLUTE VENGEANCE, she also holds the copyright to other works of fiction. DiRusso has been a communications consultant for business and industry, and a presenter for UTC, the state convention for Emergency Medical Technicians, and the New England League of Middle Schools, on communications issues such as gender, perception, group dynamics, decision making, and persuasion. Most recently, DiRusso is presenting research at the Oxford University Round Table held at Oxford University in Oxford, England, August 2006. Research focuses on obstacles facing women in the American workplace, specifically equal pay and equal opportunity for advancement, or "glass ceiling" issues.

Selected Publications / Exhibitions / Awards

1969-1971 member Psy Chi, Honorary Psychology Fraternity, and
member / president Pi Phi Delta, Horary Oral Interpretation Fraternity
1985 Recognized by Congresswoman Nancy Johnson for Excellence in
Education
1995 to Present: recognized in numerous Marquis Who's Who, including:
Who's Who in America, Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who
in American Education, and Who's Who in American Business and
Industry
1999, published as Terry Finello: ABSOLUTE VENGEANCE, published
by Author House, ISBN: 1-58500-150-3
2006 Presenter Faculty Forum, UConn, and Oxford University Round
Table: research on gender issues, i.e. equal pay and equal opportunity