Faculty and Staff
Learn alongside scholars and professionals who are committed to helping you think deeply, communicate effectively and make meaningful change in your community.
CSUMB’s Humanities and Communication faculty are active scholars, creators, and professionals who bring both academic expertise and real-world experience into the classroom. With specialties ranging from pre-law and rhetoric to creative writing, journalism, philosophy, and ethnic and gender studies, our interdisciplinary department reflects both depth and breadth of knowledge.
Our faculty are not only teachers, but mentors. They guide students through research projects, internships, creative work, and senior capstone experiences — helping them develop confidence, clarity, and purpose in their academic journeys.
HCOM students also receive personalized support from a dedicated team of staff, including academic and career advisors who assist with degree planning, professional development, and post-graduate preparation.
Below, you’ll find listings for tenure-track faculty, lecturers, emeritus faculty, advisors, and staff who contribute to the HCOMmunity.
Tenure Track Faculty
Phuong Ngueyn (Chair)
Lecturer Faculty
Zurine De Miguel (Special Consultant, First Year Seminar Program)
Jennifer Lovell (Special Consultant, Service Learning)
Emeritus Faculty
Cecilia O'Leary
David Reichard
Debian Marty
Debra Busman
Diana Garcia
Ernest Stromberg
Frances Payne Alber
Ilene Feinman (former Dean)
John Berteaux
Josina Makau (founding Dean)
Kathleen Godfrey
Maria Villaseñor
Renee Curry (former Dean)
Rina Benmayor
Umi Vaughn
Advisor
Staff
Office Hours & Contact Information
The HCOM Department Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
Faculty office hours are posted on individual office doors and are available in this Google Doc. Office hours are updated each semester.