A Conversation With...
Dr. Shawn Wahl

Q: Where did you grow up and how did you get here, (A&M-CC)?

A: I’m a native Texan, born and raised in the central Texas area. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Angelo State where I doubled majored in Communication and English. I received my Master of Arts from Texas Tech University. While there, I taught Public Speaking and that is where I developed a love for college teaching. I applied for a number of programs to pursue by Ph.D and ended up at the University of Nebraska @ Lincoln. My primary area of study is Communications and New Media. My secondary is Educational Psychology & Instructional Communication. I view teaching effectiveness as a responsibility and core of our discipline. I have two Chinese Pugs named Jake and Mia. I wanted to teach here a TAMUCC to be close to my family and I’ve been here two years.

Q: What motivates you and has helped you become who you are today?

A: I realize that the people I work with are wanting to improve their life and find a good job. I’m responsible for facilitating and teaching people of any age. I care about social issues in the world and am called humanitarian by many of my friends. I think we can all make little steps of progress that will make the world a better place.

Q: What makes you passionate about your field and teaching students?

A: Obviously, the variety of disciplines and courses we have in this field. I’m passionate about communication because it’s something that we have to use every day of our lives. At the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, I taught Intercultural Communication, Ethnic Studies, Fundamentals of Communication, and Communication Research Methods.

Q: What course(s) are your favorite to teach?

A: Media and Society, Media and Technology, Media Criticism, and Persuasion.

Q: What co-curricular activities are you involved in, and how can students become involved with you in those activities?

A: I have a number of courses that a student can become involved in through service learning and civic engagement. I work a lot with Linda Avila and Carole Perterson in Community Outreach. We have focused on media literacy and computer literacy in the community. I also teach a public relations class with Kelly Quintanilla where service learning is the focus. Our students have worked on projects for numerous non -profit organizations here in South Texas. And, I’m one of the co-advisors for Landa Pi Eta (Communication Honors Society). The students in this organization have to have a fairly high GPA and I enjoy enjoying working with these students as many of them are interested in graduate school, community service, and being active on our campus.

Q: Outside of TAMUCC, what extracurricular activities are you involved in; what do you do for fun?

A: I love the coastal environment and I love the Island. I love walks on the beach. Going to the movies is also fun. I like cycling, running and I LOVE TO EAT. My significant other and I enjoy dining out at least once a week.

Q: Who inspired you the most or had the greatest impact during your collegiate experience which directed you to your field of study?

A: There were several at Texas Tech University that inspired me. Dr. Karla Jensen, who was very personal. She would sit down and talk with you like a sister. When I told her I was putting myself through college, she told to keep my head high and go, go, go. She taught me the best approach to my job: “Teaching is a mode of friendship.” She really inspired me to engage in the reflection process. “Look at yourself before blaming others.” Obviously, my dissertation committee helped me a lot with my professionalism. I hold them all in very high esteem. Specifically, Drs. Phyllis and Dawn Braithwaite, taught me so much about faculty life. I keep in touch with them too. As a matter of fact, I call my advisor, Dr. Ron Lee, from Nebraska at least once a month.

Q: What is your greatest achievement and whom do you attribute this to?

A: I am a first generation college student. I attribute this achievement to my mother who has always been there for me in both good and bad times.

Q: What question does the study of Communications attempt to answer?

A: Our discipline looks at a range of issues. One of my favorites is, the promotion of communication competency and the fostering of healthy human relationships.

Q: Wouldn’t be caught dead wearing?

A: Cowboy Boots and a Cowboy Hat! Even though I’m from Texas, I just could never wear those.