Deana Mihaly believes so strongly in the importance of studying abroad, she has made it her mission to encourage and help students to experience a different culture before they graduate from Eastern Michigan University. She has spent money out of her own pocket; created programs to fund students; and, most importantly, is extremely passionate about what she teaches.
When Mihaly found out that she won the 2008 Ronald W. Collins Distinguished Faculty Teaching I Award, tears filled her eyes. This award is given to teachers who have been at EMU less than five years. Mihaly received a plaque and a $3,500 honorarium.
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SPANISH STUDIES: Deana Mihaly (standing), an
Eastern Michigan University assistant professor of
foreign languages and bilingual studies, teaches
students in her "Beginning Spanish II" class. Mihaly
recently garnered the Ronald W. Collins
Distinguished Faculty Teaching I Award.
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"I couldn't go to class right away. I was surprised and so honored," said Mihaly, an assistant professor of foreign language and bilingual studies.
Since the start of her career at EMU in 2005, Mihaly has shaped the Spanish curriculum to model the national trend of equal Spanish and Latin American course content; created a six-week study abroad program in Avila, Spain; initiated an EMU chapter of the national Spanish Honorary Society, Sigma Delta Pi; and offered a continuing education night course so students are able to boost their nursing program applications with points for foreign study.
Mihaly has always placed an important emphasis on study abroad programs because she believes students who gain cultural insight into a different country will return home and radiate understanding, curiosity and openness, which could positively influence an entire community.
EMU previously offered a study abroad program in Mexico, but Mihaly wanted Spain to be an option, so she funded most of her trip to Spain. After visiting five facilities, she was able to negotiate a good price in Avila, which is affiliated with Salamanca, an accredited institution in Spain.
She provides resources for students to apply for scholarships and fellowships. She organized the EMU chapter of Sigma Delta Pi because the national chapter offers travel abroad scholarships.
Mihaly received her doctorate in Spanish from Tulane University, a master's in Spanish from Michigan State University and a bachelor's in Spanish from Hillsdale College. She taught at various institutions before coming to EMU.
"I wanted to be somewhere that valued teachers and coming to EMU was like coming home in a way," she said.
Mihaly's mother and father both graduated from EMU and her son will graduate from EMU this year.
"The best part of my job is witnessing the encounter between students and great material. The energy and excitement from students is amazing," Mihaly said. "I love sparking interest in Hispanic culture."
Mihaly's newest venture involves online learning. Exposing students to critical articles and developing online discussions in Spanish has proved to be a great tool for literary discussion. She enjoys watching students comment on each other's opinions because it generates a greater understanding of the topic.
A unique characteristic of Mihaly's teaching is the way she subtly incorporates paintings and other cultural objects in her lectures. In an effort to "make culture seem natural, instead of a cute, little oddity," Mihaly uses photographs of political figures when teaching students about body parts.
"This way, students are wondering who the man in the picture is when I am holding up the photograph of a Spanish leader and pointing to his arm while teaching them to say 'arm' in Spanish," she said.
It didn't take long for Mihaly to earn the respect and admiration of her fellow faculty and administrators. Several nomination letters were submitted in her favor.
"She quickly has earned the reputation of being a well-organized, sharply analytical, disciplined, hard-working and an accomplished individual," said Ronald Cere, professor of Spanish, who submitted a nomination in support of Mihaly.
Mihaly's family — her husband, son and daughter — are at the core of everything she does. She integrates her career with her family by including them on her trips abroad. One year, her husband stepped in when she was unable to take her students abroad. The family also is learning to become proficient in Spanish.
Her next project involves reaching out to the community by developing a service-learning program to tutor English as a second language (ESL) to international students.
"When students see how difficult it is for ESL students to learn English, they understand Spanish better," she said.
Mihaly will continue to fulfill her mission as a teacher by fostering cultural understanding; and by offering students challenging, exciting courses that lead them to reflect meaningfully on their place in the world and become engaged with their community.
"I want students to find similarities in cultures different from their own. If students leave my class with a little bit of world understanding, I feel successful," she said.
