What was your first job?
Chuck E. Cheese. And yes, I did dress as the mouse a few times.
If you were to write a personal memoir, what would you name it?
Is This Real Life?
Where did you grow up?
Pittsburgh, PA, and proud of it. Those who know me also know that I’m a huge Pittsburgh sports fan: Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, Panthers (I’m a Pitt grad).
What is your favorite class you’ve taught?
I enjoy all of the classes I teach, including Political Economy of Media, Communication Regulation and Policy, Media Ethics, Communication Theory, and Introduction to Mass Media.
What is your favorite place to grab dinner in Tallahassee?
There are so many great locally owned restaurants in town, but my favorite is Vertigo Burgers and Fries.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
There’s life outside of work?
Have you always wanted to teach?
Not exactly. When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be Princess Diana! In high school, I considered being a pharmacist like my wonderful aunt, but I realized quickly that I enjoyed humanities courses much more than science courses. In the early years of my college experience, I thought I would be the next Jane Pauley. But I was so inspired by one of my rhetoric professors, Dr. Ted Windt, that teaching became my passion.
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to or where would you like to go?
I have been so fortunate to travel to so many different places so far, including many states in the US, Puerto Rico, Korea, Singapore, Bali, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, South Africa, France, and Canada, but my favorite place is Fügen, Austria, because one of my closest friends lives there. It’s truly a beautiful part of the world, and I love visiting with my friend and her wonderful family.
How many football games have you attended?
Only a handful of FSU games. But I’ve been to quite a few Jacksonville games, including when the Jaguars played the Steelers in 2014. The Steelers won 🙂
Proudest career/life moment?
I have several proud career moments—the day I graduated with my Ph.D. at Penn State, the day I found out that I earned tenure, the day I was elected UFF-FSU president, and the day I was nominated for statewide UFF president are among the most memorable.
What’s your favorite band?
I listen to many different types of music, but believe it or not, my favorite type of music is metal. In fact, I am one of the “Metal Madness” DJs on V89. My favorite band at this point in time is Every Time I Die, a great metalcore band out of Buffalo, New York
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A woman’s place is in the revolution.
If money were no object, how would you spend your days?
Fighting for economic and social justice
What is your favorite book and why?
I’m currently enjoying reading The Walking Dead comic books—do they count? I am a big zombie fan, particularly George Romero films (several of which were filmed in Pittsburgh).
If you could be famous for something, what would it be?
For inspiring others to be the best that they can be.
What Jeopardy category could you clear, no problem?
Beatles song titles/lyrics
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have many pets: a dog, two cats, a bunny, a bearded dragon, and four fish tanks.
When did you start working at Florida State University?
August 2005
What was the last movie you saw in theaters? Kingsman: The Secret Service. I am a big comic book movie fan. Can’t wait for the next Avengers film!
What is the best part about your job?
All of it. I love teaching, conducting research, serving as the UFF-FSU president, mentoring students, writing, everything that comes with being a professor. No better job in the world.
’20 Questions with CCI’ brings faculty and staff from the College of Communication & Information into a new light. Learn more about your favorite professors – their hobbies, interests and favorite Tally places.
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