Shelby Jo Long-Hammond
Director of Forensics
Assistant Professor of Communication Studies
BA, Carroll College
MA, University of Montana
longsj@rocky.edu
406.657.1054
Biography
I joined the faculty at Rocky Mountain College in 2006 after finishing my degree in Communication Studies at the University of Montana. Before my Master’s study in Missoula, I graduated from Carroll College with a study abroad trip to Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. I worked as the Parliamentary Debate coach at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon for three years before I returned to Montana for my Master’s. Debate has always been a significant part of my education. I was on the forensics team at Carroll College through their national championship competitive year in 1999. I also participated in debate societies at Trinity College in Dublin. I worked at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon and University of Montana as a debate coach before settling into the Director of Forensics position here at Rocky Mountain College.
I have a passion for travel. I lead a student trip to Ireland to travel for two weeks. Debate has taken me to Bosnia, Ireland, Slovenia and all over the US. I look forward to creating international opportunities for the RMC debate program.
Important links
Courses taught
- Public Speaking
- Small Group Communication
- Debating Contemporary Issues
- Rhetoric of Western Thought
- Interviewing
- Intercollegiate Speech and debate
- Rhetoric of Irish Protest
What is your favorite course to teach?
I love debate. I have been a college debate coach for 12 years, and I continue to find new and exciting opportunities for myself and debate students. Debate is my passion.
The Rhetoric of Irish Protest course is also one of my favorite courses to teach. We study Irish politics and history during the semester and then we travel Ireland for two weeks in May. I studied at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland during my undergrad, my family is from southern Ireland and they have an extremely active debate program in the country.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Follow your passion.
What is on your iPod?
U2 and a mix of Bluegrass and Alternative
What are you currently reading?
John Grisham books are a great escape for me.
What is your favorite getaway location?
My parents’ ranch in Grangeville, Idaho is the ultimate relaxation spot.
