Dec. 12, 2006 issue

I have worked at Eastern Michigan University for 10 years. The interpretation/performance studies area here has a strong national reputation and I was pleased during my interview with what I saw in communication and theatre arts. There were many strengths as well as opportunities for growth. I felt welcome and was attracted to the chance to pursue interdisciplinary collaborations.

What I like first and foremost about EMU are our students. They are some of the brightest, most creative and dedicated students I have known. Most of them balance school, home, work and co-curricular activities.

It's exciting that we have a wealth of opportunities available to students at Eastern. For example, I take students to national performance festivals, which are non-competitive weekends in which we explore and celebrate performance. I'm fortunate to also facilitate the Six Figures Playback Theatre Company, an interactive form that honors people's lives and stories (www.sixfiguresplayback.org). The area also hosts the Spotlight Series, which features non-traditional texts, as well as Monthly Performance Hours. There are so many ways to be active in performance at Eastern and I really love working with students in these endeavors.  

Furthermore, I truly respect and enjoy working with the faculty and staff at EMU. As someone who is passionate about teaching, I appreciate the support and openness I have found among my colleagues. I see genuine concern for students and a willingness to work with and for them. That's the kind of environment in which I want to be.

 

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