Kasie Roberson
Purdue University, Mitch Daniels School of Business
“Dr. Roberson was easily one of the most impactful professors I had at Purdue. Not only did I gain valuable professional skills in her class, but I also made meaningful connections with the rest of the class because of the way she organized our lectures and projects. I also made a meaningful connection with Dr. Roberson herself. She made sure to connect with her students on a deeper level through interactive-style classes. Her passion for teaching and setting students up for success is second to none.” – Colin Nixon
Kasie Roberson, 47, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Mitch Daniels School of Business at Purdue University where she serves as the Associate Director of Outreach and Coaching for the Center for Working Well (CWW).
Roberson is the recipient of the 2024 Teaching Excellence in Daniels Award, the business school’s top undergraduate teaching award. She serves as the Course Coordinator for Strategic Business Writing, an innovative undergraduate course she originally developed in 2021. Originally piloted with one section, the school is now offering over 25 sections this academic year, with expected growth again next year.
She is the author of Strategic Business Writing: A People-First Approach, an undergraduate textbook, published in Spring 2024 by Kendall Hunt that covers an array of different types of business writing and best practices for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an effective communication tool.
At Purdue, Roberson also teaches graduate level courses on Executive Presence and a PhD Communication Skills course. A Strategic Communication expert with an industry background in Marketing and Communication, she is also the Founder and Lead Executive Coach at LGS Coaching, a platform dedicated to performance and leadership coaching.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2020
Education: PhD in Communication in 2005 from Purdue University, MA in Mass Communication from Texas Tech University in 2001, and BA in Public Relations from Texas Tech University in 1999.
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Strategic Business Writing; Executive Presence & Influence
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … I was working in industry and had been away from the university classroom for about 10 years and realized how much I missed it. A business communication faculty position came available in 2020 and I knew I had to go for it.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I recently authored Strategic Business Writing: A People-First Approach, published by Kendall Hunt in May 2024. This book, along with its online resources, equips students with essential skills for effective business writing in any professional context. It introduces foundational people-first communication skills, such as Audience Analysis, Emotional Intelligence, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Building Connection and Trust, and Communication Ethics. Additionally, the book covers various forms of business writing and offers best practices for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a supportive communication tool.
By combining a people-first perspective with contemporary AI integration strategies, Strategic Business Writing and the accompanying course I developed, MGMT 33500 at Purdue’s Mitch Daniels School of Business, provide an innovative approach to teaching business writing. This framework prepares students to communicate effectively with different audiences, regardless of the situation they encounter in the business world.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … running my own consulting/coaching business full-time or possibly a Chief of Staff for a CEO. I’m strategic, organized, responsible, innovative, an achiever, and a good communicator.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I am approachable and am dedicated to student success.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Excited
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: I wish someone would have told me how inspiring it is to help business students develop their communication and leadership skills. Watching them learn to articulate their ideas clearly and navigate real-world challenges with confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of being a business school professor.
Professor I most admire and why: Dr. Charles Stewart was my PhD advisor and he is the professor I admire most because even though he is a brilliant man and a legend in his field, he remains one of the nicest people I know.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? Business students are typically eager to learn and develop communication and leadership skills that will help them be successful in their careers.
What is most challenging? There is never enough time in a semester to cover everything you want to share.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Curious
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Absent
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … Tough, but fair.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? Hanging out with my family playing board games or watching movies, reading, listening to podcasts, travel
How will you spend your summer? Researching/Writing my next book.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: An uncrowded beach
Favorite book(s): Anything by Brene Brown, Adam Grant or Simon Sinek, and Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? Only Murders in the Building – my husband and I watch it together.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? I like all genres of music. Growing up in Texas I am a fan of country music, but I also love pop and rock. I like something that has a good beat to it. My family recently attended an Imagine Dragons concert and we plan to see Dua Lipa next summer.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this … smaller class sizes with more experiential learning and more emphasis on essential skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at … putting people first, because when they do, it creates an environment where both individuals and the organization can truly thrive, leading to greater innovation, stronger teamwork, and an overall better workplace culture.
I’m grateful for … too many things to count, but mostly my family and friends, the ability to do work I enjoy and I believe makes a positive impact, and for unexpected opportunities.
DON’T MISS THE ENTIRE ROSTER OF 2024’S 50 BEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSORS.
