Cabrini’s spiritual orientation was what initially attracted John W. Cordes, Ph.D., to the College.
“The many opportunities to become part of the vision, faith, service and community that are Cabrini continue to be the touchstones of my work here,” Cordes says.
“The joy of working with students across many fields and interests is always apparent, and is always an incentive to serve them as best I know how.”
Cordes joined the faculty in 2007, bringing a teaching philosophy that all students have inner voices. He wholeheartedly believes teaching and learning is a shared process, and he views himself as a contributor to that process.
“My goals in teaching are varied and often crafted as an interactive process within the class itself as it unfolds,” Cordes says.
“Within these goals is my intent to bring to my students the curiosity and wonder that I always feel about them and the subject materials I study with them.”
In addition to teaching in the Communication Department, Cordes is faculty director for the Communications Learning Community and the Academic and Career Exploration Living and Learning Community.
He is founding co-editor of the Cabrini Undergraduate Research Journal and co-chair of the Cabrini Scholarship for Teaching and Learning Initiative.
Cordes focuses on mentoring and teaching undergraduates who are involved in social scientific research, and developing undergraduate research opportunities in and for community organizations. For example, Cordes and his students provide service, support and research to community organizations such as the Wayne Senior Center, and Catholic Social Services, and Homeless Outreach Center in Norristown, Pa.
Cordes earned a doctoral degree in mass communications from the University of Maryland, a master’s in radio/television/film from Syracuse University, and a bachelor’s in communication arts and American studies from the University of Notre Dame.
His research interests include: communication research and theory; the changing societal roles of mass and mobile communications; presentation and professionalization skills for students; and the role of time and temporality in communications and society.
Cordes lives in Wilmington, Del., where he is extensively involved with his parish and in volunteer work with the elderly.
Contact Information:
John W. Cordes, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Communication
Founder's Hall, Room 276
610-902-8344
jcordes@cabrini.edu