Penelope O'Connor

Part-time Instructor of Communication Studies and First Year Inquiry

• Phone: 309-794-7249
• Email: penelopeoconnor@augustana.edu
• Office: Sorensen 258

Penelope (Penny) O’Connor teaches in the Communication Studies Department, the FYI program and the APEP program.

Prior to joining Augustana, she was a full-time faculty member at the University of Northern Iowa for 29 years. There she taught many communication courses as well as First Year Cornerstone.

A member of the National Forensics Association Hall of Fame, she coached the UNI speech team for four years, compiling one of the most successful records in the university’s history. 

As a collegiate competitor, she was a three-time national finalist. Penny is a popular keynote speaker and workshop presenter specializing in motivational and professional development presentations.

She is also long-time hospice volunteer, certified auctioneer, and is active in community theatre.