Do you have a good memory?
Most of my colleagues in the Admissions Office would probably argue that I don’t. Sometimes I’ll stop by their office, but forget the reason I actually went to see them. However, I’m even more notorious for leaving behind things I took with me to their office; usually half empty cans of coke or bottles of water… with all this H1N1 talk going around they may start banning me from their office if I don’t remember to take my “contaminated” items with me. Oops, my bad.
While my short term memory may be that of a goldfish (someone once told me this is about 3 seconds…), believe it or not I have a pretty good long term memory and there are a some things I will never forget. Today I’d like to share one of those memories with you, and on a related topic introduce you to quite possibly one our most interesting and influential professors here at Morningside College.
A Trip Down Memory Lane…
I can recall a few classes from high school as if I were in them just yesterday; English, composition, and speech. These were some of the most challenging courses I had ever taken as a high schooler, but they were also the most useful because everything I learned in them could be applied to almost every assignment, course, and every day situation I have ever encountered. These classes taught me what I consider to be the single most important thing that everyone should learn, and continue to practice… good communication skills.
A major reason I think I can remember these classes so vividly is because they were taught by two amazing teachers. Both made me and my classmates work hard inside an outside of the classroom (we had a lot of homework), and they also happened to be very interesting, passionate, and influential people who added a dose of humor at just the right time which helped make them and their material more engaging and memorable. Thank you Mr. Curbow and Mr. Nesbitt.
Now I’d like to introduce you to one of our professors at Morningside who also teaches classes that are essential to learning good communication skills, and, from what I’ve heard, also has a similar impact on the students she works with.
Meet Professor Leslie Werden
Assistant Professor of English
Professor Werden has been at Morningside for 3 years now. She’s currently an assistant professor in our English Department, the director of first year studies, and the director/coach of our Speech Program.
In the English Department her main focus is British Literature (16th century to be exact), but she has also taught a number of different courses including writing to persuade, public speaking, and last May (May Term) she took a group of students to California for a film adaptation class.
As the director of first year studies Professor Werden teaches and oversees our Passport Class and Composition and Communication Class (C&C). In case you were wondering… first year studies are required classes for all freshmen at Morningside. I asked Leslie to explain what these classes consist of. “Passport teaches our students how to get along on campus; what it’s like to be a college student, where to go for help should they need it, and their course instructor is also their freshman advisor. It’s a good starting point for freshmen to learn strategies that will help them become good analytical readers and writers. C&C is a little more in depth and focuses on research, writing, and public speaking. This course helps better prepare them for the rest of the classes they will be taking at Morningside.”
Professor Werden is also beginning her 3rd year as director/coach of our Speech Team. Our speech team consists of about 20 students and continues to grow. The main focus of the speech team is in independent events, and she told me they will compete in 5 tournaments this year. Learn more about Morningside College’s Speech Team.
Aside from teaching Professor Werden also does a lot of public speaking both on campus, in our community, and abroad. She is happily married and has 3 boys, the oldest of which plays hockey, and she’s originally from Minnesota. When you visit with her you can sometimes hear her speak with a slight northern Minnesotan accent. I love it! “eh”
I never had the chance myself to have Professor Werden as an instructor, but after getting to know her I wish I had. She’s full of energy, is very engaging when she speaks, knowledgable, and experienced in her field; but most importantly she’s passionate about what she does. I asked what her favorite thing about Morningside was, and before I could finish my question she answered, “The students, and I especially love working with the freshmen because there’s an air excitement with them.” She also mentioned one of her favorite classes is public speaking because it allows her to teach students from areas outside the English department; for example business majors, communication majors, and education majors.
If you ever have any questions for Professor Werden feel free to email her anytime.
*You may also want to mention you read the blog post about her! :)
Email Professor Leslie Werden – werden@morningside.edu
By they way, you may have caught her mentioning the talent awards in her introduction video… If you’re a prospective high school student and have questions about them please contact your Morningside College Admissions Counselor and they’ll be happy to tell you more about them.
Click here to meet your Morningside College Admissions Counselor.
Below are a few other helpful links if you’re a prospective student. Thanks for reading, and I’ll try and do more Professor Interviews throughout the year!
- Jim
Other Helful Links
Visit the Morningside College Admissions Website
Become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/msideadmissions)
Follow Msideadmissions on Twitter (www.twitter.com/msideadmissions)
APPLY NOW! – Free online application to Morningside College
Filed under: Professors
msideadmissions
SocialVibe