Faculty Excellence at UMUC

Interviewer:

Please tell us about yourself—what made you decide to teach at UMUC? What kind of work do you do when you are not teaching at UMUC? Are there any life experiences that have influenced your teaching at UMUC? If so, please share one story.

Lisa Pertillar-Brevard:

From 1995-1997, I worked as a full-time faculty researcher (postdoctoral fellow) at the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP). That campus was adjacent to UMUC’s Adelphi campus; I noticed UMUC’s Inn and Conference Center. It was like a busy beehive; I wanted to learn more about it. So, I walked over from the UMCP campus and asked someone at the front desk to tell me about the Inn and Conference center and its functions. When I learned that the UMUC Inn and Conference Center contained a computer lab, administrative offices, art gallery space and classrooms, I inquired regarding employment opportunities. Shortly thereafter, I interviewed for, and got, a UMUC adjunct position in the History department. Over the years, I have developed and taught courses in African-American literature. I also have taught Women’s literature and Writing courses.  

I am a researcher, writer and vocalist. Poetry, music, and researching and writing about African-American artists and historical figures are lifelong passions. I have published  biographies about such activists as Madame Emma Azalia Smith Hackley (1867-1922), African-American classical singer; and her husband, Edwin Henry Hackley (1859-1940), the first African-American to pass the Colorado state bar exam and practice law there. My current research projects concern Whoopi Goldberg and Sidney Poitier, respectively; and I am reconstructing my first novel, which was lost to the waters of Hurricane Katrina. I also published a book of poetry called, Louisiana Dawn:  Poems of a Grafted Life (2004); and released an audio recording of poetry and music, called, In Praise of Ancestors (2004).  My current recording project is, I’ll Fly Away. I continue to write songs and poetry, as a member of ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). 

For a time, I lived in New Orleans. After Hurricane Katrina, I continued working for UMUC – online teaching and related communications were extremely important during that tumultuous time. 

Interviewer:

How would you describe your teaching style or philosophy? What experiences or person(s) have influenced your style or philosophy?

Lisa Pertillar-Brevard:

Teaching is a privilege. Whether teaching part-time or full-time, professors should not take the responsibility of teaching lightly. Students sacrifice time and money in order to learn skills to better themselves and their opportunities in an ever-changing world. Professors must strive to give their very best.

Teaching allows faculty and students to continue to grow as life-long learners. Learning is a two-way street.The best professors continue to learn.    

Teaching humanizes. Students, as well as faculty, are human beings, deserving of respect. For students and faculty alike, the classroom functions as a forum for exploring ideas and supporting varied levels of understanding and expression.   

My mother strongly influenced my teaching philosophy. Among her many skills, she worked as Minister of Music and Choral Director of our church. She constantly encouraged choir members to give their best. She believed that one must make the most of all situations and circumstances, and that one should rise to the occasion. Many times, she would self-critique, and say, “I can do better than that.” Even when I have given my best, I still push myself to “do better.”  I expect the same of my students. 

Interviewer:

Please explain if you do something special or unique in your teaching and what made you develop this.

Lisa Pertillar-Brevard:

As African-American culture emerges from the oral tradition, it is necessary to include audio clips for students to gain the full flavor of African-American literature. In the classroom, I love to incorporate audio materials (interviews with authors, music, poetry readings, etc.) to bring the literature to life.   

Interviewer:

What do you think it is about your teaching style that appeals to students?

Lisa Pertillar-Brevard:

I think that it is my honesty that appeals to students the most. Students really wish to have an honest appraisal of their work. In addition to providing an honest appraisal of their work, however, faculty also must provide the means for students to improve their skills. 

Interviewer:

Do you teach face-to-face, online, or both? Do you have a preference between teaching face-to-face and online? If so, please explain.

Lisa Pertillar-Brevard:

I have taught using both formats. I don't have a preference.

Interviewer:

Please tell us about your chosen discipline-i.e., what made you interested in the area initially? What do you do to stay current in your discipline? What do you like best about teaching in your discipline?

Lisa Pertillar-Brevard:

I completed an interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy degree, via Emory University, covering the fields of African-American Studies and Women’s Studies. My initial interest in African-American Studies stems from my love of African-American spirituals and gospel songs (my mother was a classically-trained pianist and gospel music arranger and composer); as well as the W.E.B. DuBois/Booker T. Washington “debate” regarding the purpose of education.  That background, combined with my love of literature (Hurston, Morrison and Walker, especially) keeps my interest piqued. I always wanted to have a sense of history and culture not only as a scholar, but also as a writer of fiction and performer of poetry and music recitals. My chosen disciplines provide the soil and roots from which my work as an artist grows. 

I maintain an avid reading, watching and listening schedule (print and online materials; films, music, etc.). In addition, participating in the discipline as an artist and writer provides a continuous connection with the disciplines and audiences. 

I love the exchange of ideas. There are so many possibilities for students and faculty to grow and learn. 

Interviewer:

What is the most challenging to you in teaching in this area? What teaching strategy do you use when you encounter the challenge? Are there any special challenges to teaching your discipline online?

Lisa Pertillar-Brevard:

A major and growing consideration is lack of attention to the written word.  Everyone is so busy texting, for example, that the nuances of literature – of the written word, are threatened. There is the African-American concept of “worrying the line” – wringing the most from a particular lyric or song, for example. In the classroom, I love taking a small excerpt from required readings and “worrying” it – having the class investigate, discuss and debate the fullest meaning of those words, in context. 

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to students who are interested in majoring or working in your discipline?

Lisa Pertillar-Brevard:

The fields of African-American Studies and Women’s Studies discuss and debate human realities and possibilities – they make for a meaningful life’s work. 

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to new faculty who are interested in teaching in your discipline at UMUC?

Lisa Pertillar-Brevard:

Follow your passion. There are so many opportunities to make a positive impact.