Meet Maranda, a dedicated educator who brings warmth and expertise to every classroom. Originally from Minnesota, she now lives in Murray, Kentucky, with her husband, Ryan, and their four cats. After earning her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate in Communication, she became an Assistant Professor at Murray State University, specializing in media effects, body image, and mental health. When she’s not teaching or researching, Maranda enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, and playing with her cats.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Growing up I always loved when I would help someone with something and see the light go off when they understand something. I also grew up having some really great teachers who taught me how to look at the world from different perspectives and question things and enjoy learning. I wanted to help others feel those same emotions when they are in class.
What are the standout moments in your career?
I definitely feel like getting my PhD stands out. Working for that long on something that difficult to come out on top was a really great feeling. Also – my first time I got a really positive class evaluation stating I was their favorite instructor meant a lot to me.
How do your personal interests or hobbies outside of the classroom influence your approach to teaching?
I love reading and losing myself in a story. I also enjoy working out and going on hikes. All of these things help me to push my students to enjoy what they are learning but also to have the discipline to work through things they are having a hard time with. Practice really does help a person get better, just like working out. You don’t start out being able to lift 50 pounds or run a mile in 8 minutes; you have to keep working for it.
What is the most surprising lesson you’ve learned from your students that has influenced how you approach teaching?
That as much as I want to be an approachable, easy-going teacher, someone does have to give the students a reality check sometimes. Sometimes their hand does need to be held to do the work, and sometimes I need to give them tough love in order for them to succeed.
What do you hope students will remember most about you and your classes after they move on?
I really hope my students remember learning a lot in my class, but that they also felt like they could ask me questions in order to help them get better. I want them to have fun in class, but also feel like they took away helpful knowledge as well.