Fine and Applied Arts Directory

Brian Cafarelli

Arts, Media, & Social Sciences Associate Professor, Communication

Office: C127

bcafarelli@parkland.edu

217/351-2538

M.A. Eastern New Mexico University, Communication: Speech 1996
B.S. Ferris State University, Business: Marketing 1994

I grew up in a small town with a big family that owned a pizzeria. Early in life I heard phrases like, “You can never trust a skinny cook!” or “Family is the most important thing a rich or poor person can have.” It is quotes like this that make me smile and started my communication career. I have taught at large state schools, private colleges, high schools and now at Parkland College and at every step of my life I have used “words” to better myself, family and friends.

I love teaching people to communicate. Sometimes it is bringing a student to a competent level and sometimes it is taking a competent student to a higher level. In any case the teaching is always coupled with learning. From learning a new subject to judging debates my mind expands through the use of “words”. I look forward to teaching and learning from the next batch of students.

I am the Director of Forensics and have actively coached speech and debate since 1993. Since then I have had the privilege of coaching hundreds of students to national, regional and state titles in various speech events.