Q&A with Patrice Blanchard

Part-time Instructor, Department of Applied Human Sciences

What made you want to teach, and why in your specific discipline? 

"Aging is the only universal experience. In America, we’ve mostly turned that experience into a fear of growing older. There are so many myths about aging! I teach gerontology to help others understand that growing older can result in a fulfilling fourth stage of life: Elderhood." 

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

"Hearing from a student that the information they learned in my class has made a positive difference in their life. That might be deciding to add an aging specialization to their major or just letting me know that, after taking my class, they better understand the actions and emotions of their older friends and family members."

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

"After retiring from a long-time job at AARP, I was asked if I wanted to teach gerontology online. I said NO. I couldn’t imagine losing the face-to-face feedback that occurs in a traditional classroom. I couldn’t imagine being able to develop a ‘real’ relationship with students through a computer. Then I was connected with a CITL Instructional Designer named Juliana Ortolani who patiently taught me how to create an online course that is fulfilling for both me and my students. CITL support over the past ten years has helped me continually improve my methods and problem-solve. What a great team! I can always count on back-up, prompt responses, and my assigned Instructional Support Specialist – thank you Stefanie! My favorite WKU memory is a student telling me that they had more positive personal interactions in my online course than in any of the F2F courses they had taken."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"My favorite pastime is reading – especially anything about gerontology, but I love mysteries and science fiction too. When I was a kid, I even liked reading the Sears Roebuck catalog."

What challenges has being a first-generation professor presented in your career, and how have you overcome them?

"It took me nine years to earn my undergraduate degree, working full-time some of the time to earn money to pay for school. Most of my family didn't understand my unrelenting desire to earn a college degree, especially continuing on to a graduate degree."

How is being a first-generation professor an asset in your career?

"I can give extra encouragement to students who may face lack of support for their college aspirations."

If you were to meet yourself as a 1st year college student, what advice would you give?

"I would say 'You'll have multiple careers over your lifetime. Don't stress about picking a major or get stuck on preparing for just one type of job. Learn critical thinking skills and how to debate ideas without attacking those who think differently from you. Those two things will carry you far in life.'"

Q&A with Jean-Luc Houle

Associate Professor, Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology

What made you want to teach, and why in your specific discipline? 

"I am deeply passionate about my field of study (Anthropological Archaeology). From the very beginning of my studies in this discipline, I told myself that as long as I’m having fun, I will continue. While I did not set out to teach when I started studying archaeology, sharing my enthusiasm and knowledge with others was a driving force in my decision to teach. That is why I also developed an archaeology field school in my region of research, Mongolia. Why anthropological archaeology? By studying the material culture and structures left behind by past societies, we gain insights into human behavior, cultural practices, and societal evolution, and this can offer valuable perspectives on contemporary issues. By understanding the roots of human behavior and societal structures, we can gain insights into current cultural practices, inequalities, and challenges, fostering, I think, a more informed and engaged citizenry." 

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

"I always hope that I am making a difference, that I am making a positive impact on students' lives. Witnessing a student's 'aha' moment, where they grasp a new concept or develop a newfound passion, is incredibly gratifying."

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

"Achieving tenure and promotion was certainly a significant and memorable achievement. However, one of my favorite memories is receiving an unsolicited letter from a student telling me about the impact I made on their college experience, and their life in general."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"Listening to music, gardening, and traveling."

If you were to meet yourself as a 1st year college student, what advice would you give?

"Take advantage of all the opportunities offered to you! Take advantage of the diverse range of courses and extracurricular activities. Explore your interests, and don't be afraid to try something new. And along the way, build professional relationships. Don’t wait. Network with professors and peers, seek internships, and engage in career development opportunities early on. Finally, don't hesitate to seek guidance from professors, advisors, and peers. The college experience should not be solely focused on grades and coursework; it should be a holistic journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and building meaningful connections that extend beyond the classroom."

Q&A with Amy Nemon

Instructor II, Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences

What made you want to teach, and why in your specific discipline? 

"I did not set out to teach. I actually avoided any class with public speaking until I found a Geography of National Parks class during my undergrad years. It was that class that drew me to geography & environmental management that led to a fifteen-year seasonal career with the National Park Service at Mammoth Cave National Park. During my time there I enjoyed leading cave tours, nature walks and working in the environmental education program. This is where my desire to teach began. I went on to complete my graduate work at WKU and taught as part of my assistantship. It was years later that an opportunity opened, and it was the right time in my life to make a change into teaching. I've never looked back, although I hope to work park service again in retirement." 

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

"There are so many things I could say about what has been rewarding about teaching. I've been at WKU since 2005 and it has been a very rewarding career. Firstly, I love the variety of courses that my discipline allows me to teach within geography, environmental studies, sustainability & GIS (geographic Information systems). I love the challenge of teaching in a variety of modalities, especially in study abroad and away. This summer will be my eighteenth program in faculty led since 2014. This summer will be my eighth to Ireland and I have led other programs to Hawaii, Australia, LA and even in Kentucky. I love the experiential learning of teaching in a different country or location outside of a typical classroom modality. The most uplifting reward of teaching, though, is when students come to you for advice. It is an honor to be seen as a mentor."

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

"My favorite memory at WKU must be in study abroad. It is incredible to travel with young people where some barely leave the state but trust me to take them far from home. It is so rewarding to watch our WKU students grow from these experiences and to watch their friendships expand with their classmate. The impact of opportunities like these is priceless and I am so grateful that I've been able to experience with so many of our students."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"During the summers I love traveling, reading, taking naps and visiting National Parks. I do keep myself busy with a variety of hobbies. Those include working with polymer clay, batik, tie dye, felting, cross-stitch, embroidery, fused glass and now I am teaching myself how to paint with watercolors. Someday I do hope to write a book about travel abroad with students."

If you were to meet yourself as a 1st year college student, what advice would you give?

"I would tell myself not to worry about not having it all planned out. Life is dynamic and things will change and to embrace those changes when they come. There will be so many forks in the road and that is the beauty of it."

Q&A with Rheanna Plemons

Assistant Pedagogical Professor, School of Leadership and Professional Studies

What made you want to teach, and why in your specific discipline? 

"My mother was a teacher, and I always loved visiting her classroom, looking at her teacher manuals, and reading through her lesson plans. I became a high school English teacher and discovered I enjoyed working with at-risk students. My path to teaching in the organizational leadership program is unique. I came to the department after working in higher education administration for 15 years. During my time as an administrator, I also worked with several non-profit boards. My varied experiences allowed me to see leadership and followership from multiple perspectives. I understand that positive leadership is key to productivity, employee morale, and organizational success. Therefore, I was drawn to teaching organizational leadership because I am able to use my love of teaching to help aspiring leaders find innovative ways to create change and support their followers." 

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

"The most rewarding aspect of teaching is watching my students reach milestones from their successful completion of a course to graduation ceremonies. It is worth the hours of grading and lesson planning to have students take the time to introduce you to their families or request a picture with you, because they knew you truly cared about them and wanted them to be successful.."

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

"I have been at WKU for 19 years, and I have so many cherished memories from making lasting friendships to even meeting my husband as an undergraduate student. My favorite memory as a faculty member is from Winter 2023. I was teaching a cohort of military students who were working toward undergraduate certificates. Many of them had not taken courses since high school, and they were nearing the end of their military careers. They had a great deal of anxiety about writing papers. They were not my typical students, and they challenged me to find a new way to teach that would help them build confidence in writing. I stayed up for the majority of a night reworking a lesson plan. The next day I presented material in a new way. I met them where they were and helped lead them from that point. At the end of the course, they were proud of the work they had completed in a short amount of time. And, I was proud of them for pushing me to look at my assignments from their perspective and challenging my creativity. That group of students still remains in contact with me."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also spend time volunteering with organizations that provide services for individuals with special needs. I always have some sort of project and stay busy."

If you were to meet yourself as a 1st year college student, what advice would you give?

"I would tell myself not to hide in the back of the classroom hoping the person teaching the class would not call on me, to take time to get to know my instructors instead of hurrying out of class, and, most importantly, that asking for help was normal and did not mean that I would be judged."

Q&A with Raymond Poff

Professor/Program Coordinator, School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport: Recreation, Park & Nonprofit Administration

What made you want to teach, and why in your specific discipline? 

"While working in the recreation profession after completing my bachelor's and master's degrees (BYU and IU), I found myself asking research questions and feeling drawn to higher education. I really enjoyed my work at that time, but eventually determined that I wanted to be a college professor." 

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

"Those moments when students express to me the meaningfulness and impact of their learning experiences."

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

"I've had many opportunities to teach students and community members how to fly fish in the Bowling Green area and Montana. I love sharing this lifelong recreation activity with others and seeing the excitement, awe, and impact during the program and years later."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"Traveling, visiting our children and grandchildren, fly fishing, fly tying."

What challenges has being a first-generation professor presented in your career, and how have you overcome them?

"While I'm sure these challenges have been present, I'm not sure I could identify what they were. I suppose this was never really on my mind much as a professor."

How is being a first-generation professor an asset in your career?

"My experiences as a first-generation student help me appreciate and better understand first-generation students. This helps me help them be successful in their educational journey."

Have you participated in any of our cohort programs (i.e. — first gen advocate, LLC Fellow, ITA, PLC)? If so, which program(s)? What impact has it had on your teaching or interactions with students?

"First Gen Advocate and PLC - These programs have helped me consider the needs of the first gen students and how my efforts to help them can help all of my students."

If you were to meet yourself as a 1st year college student, what advice would you give?

"Go visit the advising center and ask for help. I knew I needed to be in college, but I didn't know what I wanted to study and I didn't really understand how college worked. Asking for help earlier in the process would have prevented some challenges."

Q&A with Heather Strode

Associate Professor, School of Media and Communication

What made you want to teach, and why in your specific discipline? 

"I'm passionate about fostering student growth and development. Interacting with students and witnessing their curiosity, creativity, and growth is incredibly rewarding. I find joy in guiding and empowering them to reach their full potential, both academically and personally. Being a part of their educational journey and seeing them succeed is what motivates me to teach." 

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

"The most rewarding part of teaching is witnessing the "aha" moments when students grasp a concept or make a breakthrough. Seeing their growth and confidence flourish as they learn and succeed is incredibly fulfilling."

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

"My favorite memory at WKU is experiencing the cherry blossoms near DSU and the energy of the first day of the Fall semester. It's a tradition I've cherished both as a student and now as a faculty member 25 years later. (Big Red has been my favorite since I stepped onto campus!)"

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"In my free time, I find love spending quality time with my family and friends, as well as hanging out with my two sweet dogs, Lexi and Topper. Walking outdoors is a favorite pastime of mine, allowing me to unwind and connect with nature while staying active. Additionally, I have a passion for reading and often lose myself in the pages of a good book."

If you were to meet yourself as a 1st year college student, what advice would you give?

"If I could give advice to my freshman self in college, I would emphasize the importance of trusting myself and embracing the journey ahead. It's okay to make mistakes along the way because they are opportunities for growth and learning. College is a time of exploration and discovery, and it's important to embrace new experiences with an open mind and a willingness to learn. So, don't let fear hold you back from trying new things!"

Q&A with Lacretia Dye

Associate Professor, Department of Counseling and Student Affairs

What made you want to teach, and why in your specific discipline? 

"I study to live and teach from my overflow — my favorite study is the study of people and myself — my discipline allows me to live this study out and lead others into it as well." 

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

"Seeing students wake up to something new within themselves is my favorite part of teaching."

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

"Each class meeting with students when they are excited about expanding who they are."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"Being in nature, getting kissed by the sun, moon gazing, laughing, reading, being..."

If you were to meet yourself as a 1st year college student, what advice would you give?

"Be sure to look around and notice, sense and feel all things — not just what your peer group is pushing you towards — there is more."

Q&A with Heather Glass

Pedagogical Assistant Professor, Accounting

What made you want to teach, and why in your specific discipline? 

"I was first a part-time instructor for accounting. During that time, it was amazing to connect with the students. During one of my part-time semesters, a student told me they changed their major to accounting because of my class. After that, a full-time opportunity came up and I've never looked back. The students are what make teaching so great!" 

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

"The most rewarding aspect of teaching is when current and past students tell me they applied the accounting material taught in class to help with something outside the classroom. Learning may start in the classroom, but I want students to know education is life and they should be inspired outside of the classroom as well. When I get a message from a former student or a current student tells me how they used the material, I know what I am teaching is making a difference."

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

"My favorite memory at WKU is meeting my husband, Aaron, who was an accounting student as well. We meet in Grise 526 and now I get to teach most my classes in that room."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"In my free time I enjoy being with my family, working out, and helping local nonprofits. My family and I love the outdoors and traveling. There are so many local nonprofits that need help and I'm glad I'm able to take my accounting skills and help in that way."

If you were to meet yourself as a 1st year college student, what advice would you give?

"The advice I would give myself as a 1st year college student would be to stay positive. There are days when school and life will be hard, but all of those hard times create who you are today."

Q&A with Lawrence Hill

Associate Professor, Chemistry

What made you want to teach, and why in your specific discipline? 

"I always loved thinking about how things worked and discussing/explaining them. I knew I wanted to teach early in college, so I observed my instructors with that in mind to some extent. I chose chemistry because I enjoyed solving the puzzles and imagining interactions of matter on atomic/molecular length scales (they behave so differently than large objects, but it makes sense once you get to know them!). Also, organic chemistry was the class that caused me to completely change my study habits, and I treasure that." 

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

"Helping students grow and improve their lives. Sharing a love of learning."

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

"My first day walking from the parking lot to the buildings. I looked around with a big smile. I sometimes recapture that moment as I walk in for work from the same parking lot each day. Also, there was one student my first year who needed lots of time outside of class (office hours + appointments + frequent unscheduled visits). She struggled and I was skeptical that she would pass ochem. She kept showing up and earned a C in the first semester, followed by a B in the second semester. She graduated with a chemistry degree a few years later."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"Spending time with my wife, dogs, and cats. Playing chess or other games. Home projects or sporadic hobbies. Visiting friends."

What challenges has being a first-generation professor presented in your career, and how have you overcome them?

"Most of my challenges were as a student. I didn't finish high school due to attendance issues. My first attempt at undergrad was half-hearted (I didn't really think it would work for me since I couldn't show up or do homework for high school). I felt impossibly behind at the start of grad school, but I figured out that was mostly in my head. As a professor, I sometimes still find it difficult to ignore gross inefficiencies that my more institutionalized colleagues have long since been jaded by. This is both a challenge and an asset. I often ask why we do things a certain way and I learn that there is either a long history of reasons or people just haven't challenged it recently. Also, my time outside of academia as an appliance repair man gave me lots of interactions with all sorts of people in their homes and I learned about their jobs and their lives in many cases."

How is being a first-generation professor an asset in your career?

"I feel that I understand how daunting college is for students from similar backgrounds (first gen, rural, Pell-eligble, nontraditional)."

Have you participated in any of our cohort programs (i.e. — first gen advocate, LLC Fellow, ITA, PLC)? If so, which program(s)? What impact has it had on your teaching or interactions with students?

"Not sure if it is a cohort, but I got a lot from the, "Small Teaching" PLC when the book was fairly new (I think it was in 2017). I love that book and I implemented a lot of its recommendations in my classes to good effect without too much effort." 

If you were to meet yourself as a 1st year college student, what advice would you give?

"My first couple of years of college starting at 19 years old were not productive. I didn't know how to approach it, and I didn't believe that I would finish since I didn't finish high school. I just liked learning, and I left college with lots of dropped classes or F's for not dropping. I didn't go back until later. I would say to myself that some folks just need to spend a little time in the world before going to college. Also, I would tell myself to stop taking student loans! :)"

Q&A with Leanna Miller

Assistant Professor, School of Nursing and Allied Health

What made you want to teach, and why in your specific discipline? 

"I enjoy sharing knowledge. I have taught in all of my areas of study (Genetics, Physiology, Chemistry and Nursing). My interest was enhanced in graduate school during my graduate assistantship and doctoral fellowship." 

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

"I find the most rewarding aspect is watching the growth of students from the pre-nursing classes to completion of the program. I am also able to see them excel in their practice and have the honor of providing recommendations for graduate study."

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

"Completing my doctoral degree. I have waited a long time to complete a terminal degree."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"I enjoy reading and traveling."

If you were to meet yourself as a 1st year college student, what advice would you give?

"It is OK to have a little fun but it is important to put your education as a priority. Take some time to make lifelong friendships."

Q&A with Kelley Coppinger

Professional-in-Residence, Department of Art & Design

What made you want to teach, and why in your specific discipline? 

"I was asked to apply for a teaching job after I moved to Bowling Green, it sounded fun." 

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

"Helping students realize their potential."

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

"Cooking for the School of Media Alumnus during Homecoming."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"Cooking, gardening."

If you were to meet yourself as a 1st year college student, what advice would you give?

"Get involved."