Thomas G. Endres

Thomas Endres, known to his students as "Doc," is Professor of Communication Studies and an instructor for Leadership Studies at the University of Northern Colorado. He earned his B.S. at St. Cloud State University (MN), M.A. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, M.A.P.S. at the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity, and PhD from the University of Minnesota. Prior to Colorado, he held teaching and forensics (speech/debate) coaching positions at St. Olaf College and the University of St. Thomas (both in MN). He has published dozens of research articles/book chapters/conference proceedings/encyclopedia entries and delivered more than 250 presentations and keynote addresses worldwide, in locales such as Ankara, Brighton, Beijing, Osaka, Bangkok, and Kyoto. His work focuses primarily on education/pedagogy, and on the study of rhetorical communities (communities bonded not by geographic space, but rather a shared symbolic narrative about heroes, villians, and plotlines). His book "Sturgis Stories" looks at the community who attend the world's largest motorcycle rally, while his newest book - "My Costume, Myself" - examines the stories that bind members of costume communities ranging from cosplay and celebrity impersonation to historical reenactment and drag. He teaches classes in leadership, group dynamics, and unpacking popular culture. Hobbies include reading, photography, hiking/Jeeping in the mountains, and buying/selling vintage toys. Tom and his wife Maki live just outside Denver, CO.