Cheryl Hamilton, an author well known for her writing style and award-winning teaching, understands the importance of communication as a lifelong skill. Also the author of THE ESSENTIALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING, she has conducted a number of research studies, including one published in the "Community College Journal of Research and Practice." Dr. Hamilton has presented more than 32 papers at professional conventions, including those sponsored by the National Communication Association, Southwest Educational Research Association, Western Communication Association, and Texas Speech Communication Association. She has conducted seminars for groups such as the National Property Management Association, Bell Helicopter Textron, U.S. Postal Department, North Central Regional Police Academy, and LTV Aerospace. A native of Illinois, she received her bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University; her master's degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana; and her doctoral degree from the University of North Texas in Denton.