On April 21, 2024, Dr. M. Chad McBride, a distinguished Professor of Communication Studies at Creighton University, passed away peacefully at the age of 48, after a courageous four-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was surrounded by his loved ones in his home. His life and career were marked by a deep passion for communication, dedication to his students, and significant contributions to the academic community.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Micah Chad McBride was born on August 1, 1975, in Weatherford, Texas, where he spent what he described as a classic “Texas Boyhood.” He graduated with high honors from Weatherford High School in 1993. Chad attended Texas Christian University (TCU), where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication in 1996 and a Master of Science in 1999. During his time at TCU, he served as a resident assistant and hall director, initially considering a career in student life before discovering his passion for communication and teaching.
His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where his passion for research truly blossomed during his doctoral work. After earning his Ph.D. in 2003, he embarked on his career at Creighton University.
Academic Career at Creighton University
Chad McBride dedicated his entire career to Creighton University. He achieved tenure and was promoted to associate professor in 2009, followed by a promotion to professor in 2016. From 2013 to 2022, he served as chair of the Communication Studies department, fostering a supportive and collegial work environment.
Chad was a dedicated teacher, always seeking ways to innovate and to inspire students. In fact, a class inspired by the show "This is us" was largely popular because of his teaching style.
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One of his students, Kylie Karsky noted:
"I expected it to be pretty rigorous in the sense of communication, family dynamics, but truthfully, it made me admire Dr. McBride a lot more."
Dr. Amanda Holman, a colleague and friend, co-teaches “This is Us." She noted:
"He's a life-changer, right? He changes the way you see relationships. The way you see family."
Leadership and Contributions to the Field
Chad McBride was a national leader in the communication discipline. He served as President of both the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language and Gender (where he was named an Oracle) and the Central States Communication Association (where he was named to the Hall of Fame). His collaborative spirit led to numerous productive co-authorships with colleagues at Creighton and beyond.
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Notably, his research on “work spouses” gained significant attention, reaching wider audiences through popular press coverage.
Personal Life and Family
Chad met his beloved husband, Allen Saunders, in 2008, and they married in 2015. They fulfilled their dream of becoming parents with the adoption of their son, Jackson, in February 2016. Chad found immense joy in being Allen’s husband and Jackson’s dad.
In January 2020, Chad was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Despite the challenges, he continued to teach and inspire his students. He told his students every semester that relationships are part of the human experience. We're born into families and if we are lucky, we will have someone's hand to hold when we leave this earth."
McBride is more concerned about his husband getting the virus. Father and son have found new ways to interact.
"The walker that I use has wheels and a seat," McBride said.
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"We are honest with him about all of that, but I don't think he is old enough to understand the prognosis," McBride said.
Impact and Remembrance
Chad McBride was a collector of music, art, books, Christmas decorations, and countless friends he transformed into family. He loved children, feminist values, the Dallas Cowboys, live concerts, and good food and drink. Always willing to spend time truly listening, he was a dedicated friend to many.
Chad was a man of faith who followed Christ’s example of love, service, and a radical acceptance of all. He also embraced the Ignatian spirituality he encountered at Creighton University, living out the Jesuit value of care for the whole person.
As his friend Dr. Sam Senda-Cook says it's also what's best for their students.
"It's not often that they would be able to talk to somebody who is an expert in this field of communication, who is going through some very slow-moving, long-term trauma like he's going through."
He is survived by his husband, Allen Saunders, and their son, Jackson.
To honor Chad’s life and legacy, a panel will be held at CSCA 2025 in Cincinnati, organized by CSCA Hall of Fame Members and Past Presidents Dr. Chad Edwards and Dr. Shawn T. Wahl.
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