Dr. Keith Corso, Westminster College instructor of communication studies, successfully defended his dissertation to earn a Ph.D. from Capella University in Minneapolis and was promoted to assistant professor.

Corso's dissertation, "Learning Styles for Traditional College Students: Does Mode of Learning Improve Performance Outcome?," was in the area of education with a specialization in instructional design for online learning.

The study examined whether traditional college students (ages18-22) comprehend material better if they use material that matches their learning style. The assumption is that these students will prefer to use visual learning means since they grew up in a media age. The study indicated that students are more hands-on, experiential learners.

The Chatham, N.Y., native is a 1980 graduate of Chatham High School and a 1984 Westminster College graduate. He earned a master's from the University of Akron and joined the Westminster faculty in 2004. Corso currently lives in Liberty Township, Ohio, with his wife, Sally, and their six children.

Contact Corso at (724) 946-7235 or e-mail corsokf@westminster.edu for additional information.

Dr. Keith Corso