Q&A with Guy Jordan

Art & Design

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

I went to college with plans to major in International Affairs. I wanted to work for the State Department or the Foreign Service and travel the world. But when I got to school in Washington DC, I was taken in by the amazing art museums that were there, and--30 years later--here I am!

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

All of our study abroad and study away trips! It's one thing to show students images of beautiful things in class--like stained glass inside a Gothic Cathedral--but it is another thing entirely to bring them to Chartres or Notre Dame in France and watch their jaws drop as they move kinesthetically through that light and through that space. There is no substitute for existing in the same space with beauty, and there isn't anything more enjoyable for me than to help students have that experience.

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

It's the small things. There was one time, a few years ago, when I was walking across the bridge to FAC early in the morning. No one else was around. It was a crisp fall morning. The clouds were glowing as they reflected the sunrise, and at just that moment as I crossed the bridge a train rumbled by down the hill. The sound of its whistle reverberated off the concrete of FAC and produced this gorgeous acoustic echo that make me stop in my tracks and appreciate how perfect that moment was. It was the best way to start a day.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love competing in national and international quizzing tournaments. I don't do as well as I once did--every year more and more young people join up and now that I'm past 50, it is harder to keep up with them--but I still love to compete. And I enjoy seeing my friends who share that same passion at least once or twice a year in person. Whether I do well or not so well, it's always a great time.

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

I was not a great student my first year of college. I would probably tell myself not to ignore the alarm for my 8AM Intensive Beginning German class. Showing up really is half the battle!

Q&A with Kerrie McDaniel

Department of Biological Sciences

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

I have always enjoyed teaching. I enjoy figuring out innovative and creative ways to make complexity easy to understand. I enjoy seeing how empowering it is for a student to understand a new concept for the first time. Biology is the perfect platform to explore the complexity and beauty of life!

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

The most rewarding thing about teaching is seeing my students succeed and knowing I played a role in moving them forward. I enjoy watching their confidence grow as they figure out life.

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

I’ve had so many great memories that it is hard to pick one. I have had amazing opportunities and worked with many outstanding people through the years. If I must pick one, my work with the National STEM Scholar Program has produced some of my greatest memories as a faculty member at WKU. We have traveled together, worked with middle school teachers across the country in a variety of ways, and sent four payloads to space!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy watching wildlife and gardening. I took the Floral Design class at WKU and enjoy working with flowers. I also like to craft, travel and learn new things!

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

I would tell myself to savor every moment. These four years will move fast and the memories you build in college and the friendships you make will last a lifetime!

Q&A with Will Perry

School of Leadership and Professional Studies

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

I’ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. When I was little, my older brother started school, and I was captivated by his teacher—smart, caring, and creating a space where kids wanted to learn. That love of learning and serving others never left me. I came to WKU as an English major, thinking I’d be an English teacher, but realized while I loved studying literature, I didn’t want to make grading papers my life. I had studied several languages and discovered how much I loved learning and teaching them, so I became a high school Spanish teacher. Over time, I realized I also loved leadership—not telling people what to do, but helping them grow. That led me to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership and principal certification. Ultimately, I found my passion was still teaching, which brought me back to WKU to teach interdisciplinary studies and later organizational leadership. It’s the perfect fit—I get to teach while empowering others to lead and lift up those around them.

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

For me, it’s the relationships. Teaching isn’t just about content; it’s about connecting with students, helping them see the world in new ways, and staying part of their journey long after class ends. Watching former students build their lives, get married, have kids, and become successful adults is what makes it all worth it.

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

Graduation, without a doubt. I attend every ceremony each year. Beyond the joy of wearing our “Harry Potter garb,” I love celebrating students and their families. For many, reaching that stage took an entire support system—including me—and it’s deeply rewarding to share that moment of accomplishment.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I work out daily (not because I enjoy it, but because I have to). My real joy is cooking. As a lifelong learner, I dive deep into whatever I’m interested in, so I consider myself an amateur chef with the number of hours I’ve spent learning about and practicing cooking. I’m also passionate about comedy, whether it’s shows, movies, stand-up, or improv. One day I’d like to try my hand at performing it myself!

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

As a first-generation college student, I’d say: make connections. Professors like Dr. Laura Green, who encouraged me early on, and my college advisor and professor Susann Davis changed my life here at WKU and beyond. They, along with so many others on campus, are why I wanted to come back here to teach and hopefully make a difference for our students as I know they had. The same is true of classmates, club members, even friends-of-friends: you never know who will open doors for you, help you through challenges, or guide you toward opportunities.

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

At times, I’ve felt like an outsider, both within my family and community, where few people had gone to college, and in academic spaces among some of the brightest minds I’ve ever met. Without a roadmap, it was easy to wonder if I truly belonged. Over time, though, I learned that I can do hard things. College taught me how to advocate for what I need, recognize my areas for growth, and take pride in sharing my successes without feeling like I’m bragging. I’ve worked hard to be here, and that balance of humility and self-advocacy continues to shape the way I guide my students today.

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

Being first-generation helps me understand that “doing your best” doesn’t always mean meeting the standard right away. I can empathize with students who are struggling or who don’t know how the system works, and I use that perspective to advocate for them, mentor them, and guide them toward improvement. Empathy is my most valuable tool.

Q&A with Shane Spiller

Management and MBA

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

I became a teacher because I had professors who didn’t just deliver content—they invested in me, mentored me, and changed how I thought about myself and the world. Strategic management drew me in because it’s the place where everything comes together—finance, marketing, leadership, management, statistics, society, ethics, history and cultural awareness. It forces you to see the big picture and make hard choices with incomplete information. It’s a natural fit for mentoring—helping students not just learn frameworks, but also think about who they want to be as leaders.

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

The most rewarding part is mentoring. In class, that means pushing students to stretch themselves and apply strategy to real problems. Beyond class, it means building relationships that last for years. When former students reach out for advice on their careers or leadership challenges, it’s a reminder that teaching isn’t just about one semester—it’s about being a lifelong resource for them.

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

Graduation. Each of them. The pure joy of students and families to see that they have made it!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Running. Every day if I can. Especially trail running deep in the woods where the cell phone signal is spotty at best.

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

I’d tell myself to find mentors early and lean into those relationships. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take risks, and let people help you grow. The right mentors will see potential you don’t yet recognize, and those connections will matter as much as any grade or class you take.

Q&A with Kelly Watson

School of Nursing

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

I truly love being a nurse and caring for patients. Nursing has given me the privilege of making a difference in people’s lives, and I want to pass that on. Teaching allows me to help students build a strong foundation—not just in skills and knowledge, but in developing the ability to give compassionate, holistic care. My goal is to prepare future nurses to care for patients with the same dedication and heart that first inspired me.

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

The most rewarding aspect of teaching is getting to know my students and then watching them make connections. when the concepts from lecture click and they apply them in real-world practice. Seeing that “lightbulb moment,” where the rubber meets the road, is incredibly fulfilling.

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

My favorite memory of WKU is that it has been such a big part of my journey—I earned my associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees here. Along the way, I’ve made lasting friendships and have had incredible experiences working with students in both the clinical setting and the classroom.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I love traveling with my husband, enjoying family time, and unwinding through painting and gardening.

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

I would remind myself to be confident and patient in the process. Nursing school is challenging, but it’s worth the hard work. I’d encourage myself to ask questions, lean on mentors, and not be afraid of mistakes because that’s where the deepest learning happens. Most of all, I’d remind myself to keep balance, take care of myself while caring for others.

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

I’ve faced challenges in navigating academia without built-in guidance, but I’ve overcome them by seeking mentors and embracing lifelong learning, experiences that now help me better support my students.

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

It has given me a deep appreciation for education and the ability to model perseverance and determination for my students.

Q&A with Sharon Blevins

Psychology

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

Teaching at the college level has been such an honor as I have always looked up to my professors as role models and examples of lifelong learners I hoped to follow. Sharing the fascinating field of psychology that carries over to supporting the mental health and educational practices in our community is exciting.

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

The opportunity to watch students develop their knowledge and skills that translate into future service to others has been so rewarding. I have also enjoyed seeing students in my schools become educators and coworkers, fulfilling their goals.

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

Fifteen years ago, I taught an assessment class of graduate students when my mother passed away. The class presented me with a Hallmark figurine and card they'd signed to convey their condolences. I see that reminder every day in my home and feel the concern they showed. So many good memories have kept me going through the years with many relationships I would have never had otherwise.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, play on a USTA tennis league, homestead goats and chickens, and hang out with my children, grandkids, and husband.

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

Believe in yourself and don't be so hard on yourself. No one is expected to be perfect.

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

Some of my relatives had a difficult time accepting the commitment of time in preparation of my goals. I am also asked why I work an additional job teaching as if it is unusual. I overcome that by staying focused on my goals and letting others know that I enjoy teaching and plan to stay as long as WKU will have me, beyond my retirement with my full-time work.

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

It has been an excellent opportunity to develop a much deeper understanding of the information that overlaps with my full-time work as a school psychologist. It has also been a way of instilling the value of education in my family.

Q&A with Vickie Shoumake

School of Nursing and Allied Health

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

I have always loved watching people grow and develop confidence in their abilities. One of the most rewarding moments in teaching is seeing the “light bulb” come on when a student truly understands a concept. Nursing education allows me to combine my passion for helping others with preparing future nurses to care for patients and communities. I truly enjoy helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed.

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

The most rewarding aspect of teaching is seeing students grow into competent, confident nurses. I also deeply value the feedback students share about how mentoring, encouragement, and support helped them during challenging moments in the program. Knowing that I played a role in helping them reach their goals is incredibly meaningful.

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

I have many meaningful memories from my time at WKU, both as a student and now as a faculty member. I have taught many students through the years that have made a great impression on me. One moment that has stayed with me happened during one of my first years teaching. At graduation, a student introduced me to her husband and told him that I was the instructor who stopped her from dropping out when things became difficult. She said that my encouragement helped her stay focused and finish the program. She was a strong student, and I never realized she had been considering leaving. That moment was very impactful for me because it made me realize just how much our support and encouragement as faculty can influence students. It reminded me that even small moments of encouragement can make a lasting difference.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, staying connected with my students and colleagues, and continuing to learn new ways to improve teaching and mentoring in nursing education.

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

I would tell myself to stay focused on my goals and trust the process. Work hard, stay committed to your dream, and remember that the challenges along the way are part of the journey. In the end, the hard work is absolutely worth it.

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

Being a first-generation professor has meant navigating many aspects of higher education without having a family background to guide me through the process. Early in my career, there were times when I had to learn the expectations and culture of academia largely through experience, mentorship, and persistence. However, that journey has also given me a deep understanding of the challenges that many first-generation students face. Because of this, I try to be very intentional about creating a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, seek help, and believe in their ability to succeed. I want students to know that they belong here and that their goals are achievable with hard work and support.

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

Being a first-generation professor has given me a unique perspective that helps me better understand and connect with students who may be navigating college without a strong support system. I understand what it feels like to figure things out along the way, and that experience has helped shape how I mentor and support students. It has made me more intentional about encouraging students, helping them build confidence, and reminding them that they belong in higher education and in their chosen profession. I try to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance. My journey has shown me that with perseverance, support, and mentorship, students can accomplish goals they may not have once believed were possible.

Q&A with Carnetta Skipworth

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

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

My interest in teaching developed from a love of both working with students and science. Chemistry fascinated me because it explains so much about how the world works. I wanted to share that curiosity with students and help make a subject that can sometimes feel intimidating more accessible and meaningful. Teaching chemistry allows me to combine my passion for the discipline with my desire to mentor students, guide their learning, and help them build confidence in their abilities.

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

The most rewarding aspect of teaching is seeing students succeed and reach their goals. It is incredibly meaningful to know that I can play even a small role in helping students move toward their future careers. I especially enjoy working closely with my laboratory teaching assistants and our chemistry student ambassadors, who contribute so much to our department and to supporting other students. Watching students grow academically and professionally and knowing they will go on to make an impact in their own fields is one of the greatest rewards of being an educator.

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

Rather than one specific moment, my favorite memories are the everyday interactions with students and colleagues that make the university community so special. I truly enjoy being around people and working alongside students as they learn and grow. I also value my frequent interactions with the chemistry dual credit teachers and pre-health professions students. I am especially grateful that many of my colleagues have become close friends.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy watching my garden grow and produce flowers, fruits, and vegetables that I can share with others. I love traveling and spending time with my family and friends.

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

Be persistent!

Q&A with Jieyoung Kong

School of Media & Communication

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

I never imagined I would become a college professor, never mind in the field of Communication. For the first three decades of my life, my family moved from country to country every two to three years due to my father's career, which took us to different parts of the world. The dramatic differences and surprising similarities I experienced growing up, I thought were unremarkable — just life circumstances you learn to live with. Then my sister cracked under the cumulated effects of rootlessness, and I stumbled across the term "third culture kid." The many challenges of communication and identity I had faced suddenly began to make sense, and that led me to the study of intercultural and international communication. What I discovered was that communication is far more than the exchange of information — it is how we make sense of ourselves, build relationships, and navigate the world. Teaching became a way to help students see the power of what they can accomplish when they learn to communicate with awareness, skill, and care.

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

Sharing the joy of learning about self, others, and the world with my students. What I treasure most is the chance to get to know individual students and discover what they are capable of beyond what they or anyone else expects of them. Sometimes it is a student who did not think they had anything original to say, finding their own voice for the first time. Other times it is watching someone venture to the edge of their comfort zone and realize they can see the world from a perspective they had never considered. It is deeply rewarding when students become aware of the immense power and agency they gain through understanding, knowledge, and skills — not just for themselves, but for their ability to connect with others and offer something of unique value to the world around them.

What is your favorite memory at WKU?

The many special connections I have made with students over the years. They are small in number, but they are the ones whose memory I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life. Having grown up moving from country to country, I never quite had a "village" I could call home. My favorite memory at WKU is discovering that I had found my own little village right here — because home is where the heart is, and it is those relationships with truly amazing students that have made it so.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Honestly, I would love to windsurf and swim in the ocean. But Bowling Green is far from the seaside, so I make do — I watch a lot of YouTube clips of people surfing large waves and diving. Otherwise, I enjoy hanging out with friends, going on walks to take in the changing seasons, and I would read a lot more if my eyesight was better.

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

Oh, gosh — that was so long ago. But two things I recall like it was yesterday: I felt like I didn't quite belong, and I let the fear of farewells and departures prevent me from fully embracing experiences and meeting people. So I would tell my younger self: embrace the world and yourself with confidence. That discomfort you feel is not a deficiency. Living in Bowling Green and this part of the United States has honestly taught me things my travels never could — the hardworking spirit and close-knit sense of community that still lives here reflect so much of the national heartbeat.

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When Jieyoung was notified of her award, she quickly replied with a request to acknowledge the whole team that worked on launching the new graduate program. She said, the transition of their graduate program to an online format has been a “deeply collaborative effort”, and that her colleagues, Holly Payne, Kumi Ishii, Jennifer Miz Smith, Crystal Daughtery, and Angela Jerome played an instrumental role in making the transition possible.