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Christopher Allan Blair

Chair and University Professor of Communication Arts

About

Dr. Blair has served the Communication Arts department in a variety of roles for the past 28 years, creating both the Film Studies and Digital Media Communications majors. In addition to serving as chair of the department, Blair teaches courses in Animation History, Communications Law, Film History, Interactive Media, and Media Theory & Trends. His current research is focused on film censorship and the Memphis Board of Censors. Sharing his love of travel with students, Blair regularly takes students to Los Angeles to learn about the entertainment industry and to England as part of the UU in the UK study abroad program.

Blair received his undergraduate degree in Communication Arts and Religion from Union University. He received both his master’s degree and Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Memphis. As a Senior Fellow and former President of the International Digital Media and Arts Association, he has been invited to serve as a reviewer for numerous universities across the country.

Dr. Blair and his wife, Prof. Ashley Fitch Blair, attend Fellowship Bible Church. Their children, Madeline (Class of ‘23) and Seth (‘25) both graduated from Union.

Education

  • Ph.D, University of Memphis

  • M.A., University of Memphis

  • B.A., Union University

Programs

Scholarship

Articles

  • ‘Elimination by Whim’: Ingrid Bergman, the Memphis Board of Censors, and Cancel Culture in the 1950s (2024)

    Journal of the Union Faculty Forum

  • ‘A Clue to the Meaning of the Universe’ in the middle of World War II: C.S. Lewis’ Broadcast Talks on the BBC (2022)

    Proceedings of the 2022 Christianity and the Academy Conference

  • What Parents Don’t Know about Comic Books: Fredric Wertham and the Battle over Comic Books in the 1950s (2017)

    Journal of the Union Faculty Forum

  • The Internet in 50 Years: The Continued Extension of Man (2012)

    Renewing Minds: A Journal of Christian Thought

  • The Digital Future of Magazines? (2011)

    idmaa.org

  • iDMAa 2010 Reflections (2011)

    idmaa.org

  • Digital Media: New Major or New Discipline Revisited (2010)

    Proceedings of the 2010 Conference of the Tennessee Communication Association

  • Digital Media and Arts Curriculum Development: Defining Digital (2005)

    International Digital Media and Arts Journal

  • Digital Media and Arts Education: A First Look (2004)

    International Digital Media and Arts Journal

Presentations

  • The next generation is not as technologically literate as we thought: The difference between being tech dependent and tech savvy. (2023)

    Christianity in the Academy Conference

  • From the Militantly Marginal to Weird Media: The progression of IDMAA conference themes and the evolution of digital education in the academy, 2003–2022 (2022)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association Conference

  • Walt Disney’s Contributions to World War II (2021)

    Keynote speaker at the Rutledge History Banquet

  • Institutions Aren’t Interdisciplinary, People Are (2018)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association Conference

  • Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip as a Teaching Tool in Cinema Studies (2013)

    CCCU Cinema Studies Conference

  • Digital Media: The Future of the Field (panel) (2011)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association Conference

  • Implementing the Inverted Classroom in the Basic Video Course (2011)

    Tennessee Communication Association Conference

  • Social Media and Interactivity: Surviving Technopolis (panel chair) (2009)

    Tennessee Communication Association Conference

  • Crisis and Emergency Communications (panel chair) (2008)

    Kentucky/Tennessee Communication Associations' Joint Conference

  • Innovative Forms: Trans-forming the Traditional University (panel) (2007)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association Conference

  • Understanding Film from a Christian Perspective: A Survey of Various Approaches (panel chair) (2007)

    Media, Faith and Culture Colloquium

  • Faithful Administrators: Case Studies (with Sheridan Barker) (2007)

    CCCU Faith-filled Leadership Department Chair Institute

Dissertations

  • To Protect the Children: An Examination of Arguments for the Content Regulation of Mass Media (2002)

    The University of Memphis

Awards

  • Lilly Mentoring Program (2025)

    Union University

  • Named Chair Emeritus (2013)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association Board of Directors

  • Newell Innovative Teaching Award, Honorable mention (2012)

    Union University

  • Distinguished Service Award (2011)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association

  • Undergraduate Research Grant (2011)

    Union University

  • Leadership Award (2010)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association

  • Chair, Board of Directors (2010)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association (2010-2013)

  • President (2009)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association (2009-2010)

  • Distinguished Service Award (2009)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association

  • Senior Fellow (2009)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association

  • Commitment Award (2008)

    International Digital Media and Arts Association