Hsin-Yen Yang
Professor of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science
Fort Hays State University (KS)
Hsin-Yen Yang is a professor of communication studies and co-director of the American Democracy Project (ADP) at Fort Hays State University. Her work connects firsthand experience in Taiwan’s democratization movement with research and teaching on strategic communication, popular culture, and civic participation. As a political campaigner, social activist, radio host, and researcher during Taiwan’s democratic transition, she witnessed firsthand how public expression and collective action can shape democratic change. These experiences continue to inform her commitment to democratic engagement and civic student learning.
Dr. Yang’s scholarship explores how popular culture can create pathways into democratic participation.
As FHSU’s ADP co-director since 2024, Dr. Yang brings an international perspective to campus civic engagement. Her work connects global experiences of democratization with questions central to U.S. campuses: how to recognize emerging forms of youth political expression, foster student dialogue, and create opportunities for civic learning and participation.
Dr. Yang holds a PhD in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa, a master’s in Integrated Marketing Communication from Emerson College, and a BA in Political Science from National Taiwan University.
