Julia Bennett

Dr. Julia P. Bennett is an instructor of Communications at College of Western Idaho, where her teaching, scholarship, and coaching are grounded in a deep belief in the transformative power of communication. She is committed to helping students develop confident, ethical, and effective communication skills that serve them academically, professionally, and personally. 

Dr. Bennett holds an MFA in Acting and a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Southern Illinois University, a background that informs her interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research. Her scholarly interests focus on interpersonal communication, improvisation, and performance, exploring how meaning, identity, and connection are created through human interaction. In the classroom, this perspective translates into dynamic, student-centered learning experiences that emphasize clarity, critical thinking, and real-world application. 

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Bennett serves as CWI’s Director of Forensics. As Head Coach of our eight-time national championship Speech & Debate team, she mentors students in competitive speaking, interpretation, advocacy, and leadership. Whether teaching, coaching, or conducting research, she is guided by Albert Einstein’s belief that "The art of the teacher is to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge."