Dr. Andrew Zolides is the newest addition to the Communication Department!
October 10, 2017 |
Dr. Zolides brings unique experience to Xavier: he has a BA in Film and Media Studies and Philosophy at the University of South Carolina followed by a Masters at NYU, his PhD at University Wisconsin-Madison with focus in Communication Arts, Media and Cultural Studies.
However, we all know professors like to spend time in "extracurricular" activities, just like student do. These are as important as the scholastic requisites and might remain hidden. Because they are so interesting, we want to show you Dr. Zolides' non-collegiate interests.
Dr. Zolides is very passionate about celebrities. His research has concentrated on the character celebrities create. He explains, "it is fascinating how people are trying to look common, just like everyone else, yet there is so much effort behind it." Zolides' research stretches between social media celebrities, video gamers, and professional wrestlers.
Dr. Zolides loves stories-not just in his research (understanding the stories celebrities tell and build for themselves). Dr. Zolides also incorporates a love of stories into his hobbies.
Dr. Zolides enjoys theater, comedy and improvisation. In fact, he has won awards for his improvisation. Dr. Zolides is excited to learn more. . He will be checking out the Xavier-run "Don't Tell Anna" and anything more Cincinnati has to offer.
The aspect of learning firsthand and from others brought the professor to appreciate folk and underground music, which were born under these terms. His southern roots may have influenced this: Dr. Zolides was born in Greenville, South Carolina. However, he might just be interested in elements that are not mainstream. This is probably what inspired his participation in a podcast on professional wrestlers.
The idea was brought up at a wedding, by a friend who couldn't find a partner to talk about such a unique topic. The project wanted to be different from the saturated market of stats-related podcasts, thus the program focuses on the study of wrestlers: from their job to the story behind their character, from the intro music to the pay-per-view channels where they are showcased. The most fun part about it is the collaboration with Stephen Claypool, who is living in San Francisco and Dr. Zolies rarely sees.
If taking a class in understanding media, celebrities and video games with Dr. Zolides has not caught your attention yet, maybe you'll want to attend Digital Design, Understanding New Media or Intro to Communications and Media just to ask him about wrestlers.
He says he "loves teaching." Think he'll still be as positive after we've spilled the things he wanted to keep behind closed (classroom) doors?
