Dr. Ritch Woffinden

Lecturer

Office Location

Faculty Office North (47) 22-J

Office Telephone
805-756-5683

Email Address
cwoffind@calpoly.edu

Courses

Education

• Ph.D. Washington State University, 2016
• M.A. Boise State University, 2009
• B.S. Brigham Young University-Idaho, 2006

Notes

Dr. Woffinden joined the department in 2016. His areas of expertise include organizational communication, critical studies, intercultural communication, and public policy. His research investigates alternative/non-traditional organizing forms and their policy outcomes on social issues such as health, the environment, and education. To this end he has researched the United Nations increasing interest in health issues, the federal government’s management of public lands, and issues of participation and representation in local, state, national and global policies. 

Inside the classroom Dr. Woffinden focuses on creating spaces of inclusion and understanding. He believes that we are all co-learners one with another and that every voice needs heard. He also encourages students to recognize prevailing power structures, how they influence and limit dialogue in the public sphere, and promotes alternative structures which enable more equitable power relations.  When not in his office Dr. Woffinden can be seen out with his wife and four young children doing just about anything active and in his ‘spare’ time he tinkers with motorcycles in his garage.