Teaching With Passion
“I’m a critical cultural researcher. That means I want to change the world — and I want to empower my students to do the same.”
— Shelley Bradfield
Title: Professor of Communication Studies
Involvement: Ad hoc Committee on Faculty Culture and Communication, lead for Central’s Social Justice in the City summer program, 2025 student organization advisor of the year
Hobbies: Dirt biking, restoring and preserving her home built in 1875
Meet the Professor
Shelley Bradfield is a professor of communication studies. Her mission? To spark your curiosity and guide you as you challenge assumptions to build your own perspective.
She likes to compare her role in the classroom to being an “irritant” — not in the annoying sense, but like a grain of sand inside an oyster.
“I want to push students to question the way the world works,” Bradfield says. “That’s how transformation happens. That’s how pearls are formed.”
The Major Vibe
Central’s communication studies major is built to be flexible. You shape your education with courses in interpersonal communication, media, digital content, marketing, PR and more. You align your classes with your passions.
But it’s not just theory. Internships are a cornerstone. All majors complete at least one (many do more). Internships let you test-drive a career. By graduation, you’ll have the skills, the résumé and the professional network to get hired.
Real-World, Not Just Theory
Bradfield’s classes are big on community-based learning. You’ll get hands-on experience by running real projects for local nonprofits. You’ll design campaigns, conduct interviews and practice communication in ways that actually matter.
“There’s a level of involvement here that’s special,” she says. “Relationships matter here.”
Plot Twist: Dirt Biking
Outside the classroom, Bradfield has a surprising passion: dirt biking. What started as a way to bond with her son turned into an adventurous hobby.
“It was like learning a new language,” she says. “And it was hard. But it brought me so much joy. I laugh the entire time I’m riding. It’s this wild combination of balance, challenge and fun.”
The Bottom Line
Bradfield believes the relationships you build here last a lifetime. She keeps in touch with alumni long after they leave. “Those relationships,” she shares, “that’s the best part of the job. It’s what makes Central so special.”