This news entry was submitted for the CASE Dean’s Newsletter in May.

Lisa Pavia-Higel has joined Missouri S&T as an assistant teaching professor of English and Technical Communication. She brings over 15 years of teaching experience at vocational and community colleges, most recently serving as Professor of Communication and Theater at Jefferson College. At Missouri S&T, she primarily teaches communications and media courses.

Pavia-Higel’s path to academia was unconventional. While working as Public Relations Director for the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, she earned her first master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Mass Media from Webster University. Encouraged by a graduate advisor, she began teaching part-time, soon realizing her passion for education.

She launched the Mass Media program and the Words in Motion Film and Speaker Series at East Central College before joining Jefferson College in 2013. There, she developed a TEDx program, led a diversity initiative, and created courses for a Mass Media emphasis. Her efforts earned her multiple honors, including Faculty of the Year and the B. Ray Henry Campus Service Award. Her proudest recognition remains the student-awarded Teacher of the Year award from Phi Beta Kappa during the COVID lockdown.

Beyond teaching, Pavia-Higel focuses on fostering civil discourse. Her master’s thesis, a documentary titled #ReUnited, explored navigating political differences. She co-founded the SpeakEasy Project and collaborates with groups like The People’s Supper and Braver Angels to promote dialogue across divides.

At Missouri S&T, she serves on the TEDx committee, mentored a Miner Creativity Challenge team, and has published in The Conversation, with her work picked up by outlets like The Independent UK and Scientific American.

She lives in Eureka, Missouri, with her husband Matthew, daughter Sofia, and a lively collection of pets.