Kristen Cvancara, Ph.D.
Professor
201P Armstrong Hall (AH 201 P)
507-389-5538
kristen.cvancara@mnsu.edu
Education
- Ph.D. in Interpersonal Communication from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- M.A. in Communication Theory from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- B.S. in Business Marketing & Speech Communication from St. Cloud State University
Biography
A native Minnesotan raised in the heart of the prairie, Kristen Cvancara began her professional career with degrees in Business Marketing and Speech Communication (1992) from SCSU. Initial work in her first career began in the financial industry marketing investments and quickly shifted to managing direct-mail fundraising campaigns for the American Lung Association on a regional/national level. In 1998 she shifted to graduate school in the University of Minnesota’s Communication Studies department where she earned her MA (2000) and Ph.D. (2004). Kristen’s expertise as an interpersonal scholar examines the process of relating to others in a variety of close relationships (familial, romantic, friendship, collegial, community), with a unique focus on the use of verbal aggression when partners are resistant to comply with a request. Her work investigates social agents who model the use of verbal aggression and the severity with which people express it. Recent publications have examined bullying, the use of verbal aggression among young adults, as well as pedagogical interests that impact student learning.
Besides teaching and research, Kristen’s work on campus and in the community encompasses her interests in leadership and social influence. She has worked with the MNSU Leadership Institute since it launched in 2005, enabling faculty, staff, administrators, and facility managers to improve their effectiveness and efficiency in a variety of positions. She volunteers as a Social Justice facilitator with the Mankato YWCA, and works with local community groups to consult on leadership transitions, research grassroots initiatives, and fosters community engagement in service learning projects. She welcomes you to stop by her office and say hello.
Recent Publications
- Cvancara, K. (2024). Trapped with no escape: The hidden problem of sibling bullying. Psyche, https://psyche.co/ideas/trapped-with-no-escape-the-hidden-problem-of-sibling-bullying.
- Son, E., & Cvancara, K. (2024). Exploring Zoom fatigue among International Students in U.S. virtual classes. Journal of International Students, 14(5), 1-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/xdwnc294
- Cvancara, K., Pörhölä, M., Kaal, E., & Torres, B. (2024). Sibling bullying reported by emerging adults: Profiling the prevalence, roles, and forms in a cross-country investigation. Acta Psychologica, 247, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104310.
TALKS & PRESENTATIONS:
Curriculum Vita:
Linkedin Profile:
Other
- Minnesota State University, Mankato Leadership Institute Facilitator (2005-present)
- University Fellowships Coordinator (2020-2022)
- Director of Graduate Studies (2008-2011)
- Fulbright Scholar (2012, Finland)
- Department Chair (2012-2014, 2017-2018)
- Teacher of the Year Award (2014)
- Semester at Sea Faculty (Fall 2018), 125th Voyage
