ETSU professor publishes book, wins journal award
East Tennessee State University’s Dr. Andrew F. Herrmann is making waves in the world of Communication Studies.
Herrmann, an associate professor and associate chair of the Department of Communication Studies and Storytelling, has achieved two major milestones: publishing a new book on autoethnography and seeing the Journal of Autoethnography, which he co-founded, receive the prestigious Best New Journal Award.
In his new book, “Assessing Autoethnography: Notes on Analysis, Evaluation, and Craft,” co-authored with Dr. Tony Adams of Bradley University, Herrmann dives into the complexities of autoethnography, a research method that uses personal experience to explore larger cultural and social issues.
Unlike traditional biographies, autoethnography requires a level of introspection and critical analysis. It connects personal stories to broader human themes. The book provides guidance for scholars, offering clear criteria for evaluating autoethnographic work.
“This isn’t just about telling a story,” Herrmann said. “It’s about using that story to draw out universal truths and insights, showing how our lives intersect with culture, communication and society.”
Herrmann’s work in autoethnography extends beyond his book.
The Journal of Autoethnography has quickly become a respected platform in academic circles. The Council of Editors of Learned Journals named it the Best New Journal, praising its interdisciplinary approach and the way it brings together diverse perspectives under a unified methodological frame. The journal has fostered a space where scholars can explore personal narratives as valid forms of academic inquiry, addressing topics that range from identity and loss to social justice and resilience.
The impact of the journal and Herrmann’s work on the field of Communication Studies is significant. Autoethnography has been a growing field for over a decade, but his contributions have helped solidify its place in academic research.
“Autoethnography allows us to bridge the personal with the universal, shedding light on shared human experiences in a way few methods can,” Herrmann said. “My hope is that this work empowers more scholars to explore their own stories with depth and honesty, ultimately enriching our collective understanding of society and culture.”
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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