Dr. Andrea Fortin is an Assistant Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication and Philosophy at Florida Gulf Coast University. She currently teaches courses that examine interpersonal and gender communication; compassion, empathy, and kindness in our lives; and digital communication practices. She earned her PhD in Communication at the University of South Florida where she also obtained a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology: Distance Learning. Her MA is in Public Communication from Fordham University in NYC. While she lived in New York, she was a producer for the radio show Cityscape on the local NPR station, WFUV. She is a native Floridian and received her bachelor's degrees in Communication and English from Florida Gulf Coast University. She also serves as the Faculty Coordinator of Micro-credentials and Digital Badges at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). In this role, she works with faculty, administrators, and local employers in developing new programs for the FGCU Micro-credentialing and Digital Badges initiative. Her current research focuses on compassionate communication practices and micro-credentialing programs in higher education. She holds professional memberships with the National Communication Association, The International Listening Association, the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), and the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA). Dr. Fortin is also a yoga teacher (200RYT).