Our Speech department faculty members make meaningful contributions to the campus, community and beyond. Some of those contributions include:

  • Holding office hours. Full-time faculty members are available to consult with students at least 3.3 hours a week. Office hours are posted on the faculty member’s door and listed on their syllabus.
  • Hosting public debates
  • Judging at various Forensics tournaments
  • Coaching Forensics competitors
  • Regularly consulting with students in the Learning Assistance Center
  • Teaching abroad in Spain
  • Guest judging at local speaking competitions and showcases
  • Public speaking at various events
  • Engaging in research: Projects include transfer and communication career pathways, Communication across the disciplines, public speaking and the K-12 Common Core.

Full-time faculty

Lisette Acevedo, Department Coordinator & Professor
BA, University of Southern California
MA, California State University Northridge
Email: [email protected]
Office: A222E
Phone: (562) 436-3112

Libby Curiel, Professor
BA in Communication, CSULA 05′
MA in Communication Studies, CSULA 07′
Email: [email protected]
Office: A222E
Phone: (562) 436-3131

Dr. Jeannette Duarte, Professor
BA in Communication, Oregon State University, 1990
MA in Communication, Texas A & M University, 1992
PhD in Communication, Arizona State University, 1999
Email: [email protected]
Office: A222E
Phone: (562) 436-3162

Gil Puga, Professor
BA, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
MA, California State University, Fullerton
Email: [email protected]
Office: A222G
Phone: (562) 462-3129

Grant Tovmasian, Forensics Coordinator & Instructor
BA, MA, California State University, Los Angeles
Email: [email protected]
Office: A222C
Phone: (562) 436-7072

We have the dedicated adjunct faculty at Río Hondo, many have been with the college for decades, while others have gone on to become full-time faculty at other institutions or gone on to achieve incredible things.

Watch former adjunct faculty member Steve Rohr discussing his time coaching and mentoring students at Río Hondo such as alumni Steven Villescas.

Contact us

Use the form below to contact one of the faculty members mentioned above.