Deanna D. Sellnow

University of Central Florida, Clemson University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Deanna D. Sellnow is a leading scholar in instructional communication, risk and crisis communication, and the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in higher education. Her work bridges communication theory with practical pedagogy, exploring how emerging technologies reshape teaching and learning. In her highly cited 2021 study, “I Like My Relational Machine Teacher,” Sellnow examined how AI instructors’ communication styles and social presence influence student engagement and perceptions in online education—a prescient contribution as universities increasingly adopt machine teachers. This paper has garnered over 50 citations, reflecting its foundational role in the field. More recently, in her 2025 essay “Reflection-AI,” she critically analyzes the opportunities and challenges of AI in academia, addressing pressing debates around student ethics, instructor replacement, and the future of pedagogical relationships. Sellnow’s work is distinguished by its forward-looking, human-centered approach: she does not merely document technological change but interrogates its implications for trust, identity, and communication in learning environments. Her research has shaped how scholars and practitioners understand the delicate balance between innovation and ethical responsibility, making her a vital voice in conversations about the future of education.