Department of Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations

Wilson Hall, Room 316
371 Wilson Boulevard
Rochester, MI 48309-4486
(location map)
(248) 370-4120

General Department Questions:
CJPR

Jeff Youngquist, Ph.D.

A headshot of Jeff Youngquist.

Associate Professor

Phone: (248) 370-4122
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Jeff Youngquist (Ph.D., Wayne State University) is an associate professor, specializing in organizational and interpersonal communication. He comes to us from Wayne State University, where he was the recipient of the Elizabeth Youngjohn Award for teaching excellence, and the Graduate Research Award. His primary research interests focus on leadership as it relates to decision-making, creativity, adaptability, and ethics.  He is currently the Chair Fellow for Oakland University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning where he works to assist department chairs in finding ways to excel as academic leaders. He teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses, including courses such as Communication in Leadership and Organizational Communication Theory.

Dr. Youngquist is an avid traveler and is always looking for opportunities to explore parts of the world that he has not yet seen.

Selected Publications:

  • Youngquist, J. (in press). Two contrasting ethical perspectives on leadership and the COVID-19 ‘return to work’ dilemma: Kant’s categorical imperative and Gilligan’s ethic of care. In C. Patton & E. Egel (Eds.), The COVID-Pandemic Collection. Ethics International Press.
  • Youngquist, J. (2022). Oh no! Now what? Transitioning from chair to former chair. The Department Chair, 32(4), 19-20.
  • Su, C., Gilbert, H., & Youngquist, J. (2021). Improving crisis response simulations: Using local context and incorporating crisis response professionals. Communication Teacher, 35, 67-73.
  • Youngquist, J. (2019). Adaptability: A universal constant of effective academic leadership. The Department Chair, 30(2), 9-10.
  • Youngquist, J., Line, D., & Pyle, S. (2019). Academic leadership and creativity. The Department Chair, 29(4), 20-22.
  • Youngquist, J. (2017). Decision-making and the new chair: Guidelines and principles. The Department Chair, 28(2), 24-25. 

Recent Presentations:

  • Youngquist, J. (2020, November). At the crossroads: Work-life balance of faculty administrations.  Presentation at the 106th Annual Meeting of the National Communication Association, Online.
  • Youngquist, J. (2020, September). Effective communication during challenging times. Invited presentation at Oakland University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.