How about taking a class from… A former network TV news producer who brings his connections to the classroom Paul Byers, associate professor of Communications, spent nearly 25 years working in broadcast news at CBS, NBC, and Post-Newsweek Stations. Today, Marymount students benefit from Mr. Byers’ real-world knowledge and connections. For example, this one-time Asian Bureau Chief for CBS News recently led a group of MU students to Beijing, China, to study the roles of marketing and the media in that country as it prepared to host the summer 2008 Olympic Games. Mr. Byers and Mr. James Ryerson, dean of Marymount’s School of Business Administration, co-developed and team-taught the course, which attracted both Communication and Business majors.
A world-renowned Arthurian scholar who makes history come alive Dr. Chris Snyder, professor of History, can often be seen on A&E’s History Channel and the BBC Learning Channel, in programs focusing on the Middle Ages and the legend of King Arthur. Dr. Snyder believes that the opportunity to do “hands-on history” helps bring the past to life for Marymount students. He explains one popular class project: “I have them do a research report using primary sources, then re-create a physical object from the past. Students tend to perk up when I walk into the classroom and say, ‘This semester we’re going to re-create objects from the Middle Ages.’” Dr. Snyder’s office is decorated with realistic-looking pieces of armor, jewelry, religious items, tabards, and weaponry from the Middle Ages – all the products of student research and creativity!
A former police officer who helps students stay on the leading edge of criminal justice Criminal justice and forensic science are among the hottest career fields in America today. Dr. Michael Bolton, Marymount professor of Criminal Justice, relishes the opportunity to share his knowledge of law enforcement with future criminologists. A former Arlington, Virginia, police officer, Dr. Bolton observes, “Marymount’s location near federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and Secret Service opens up tremendously exciting internship and employment opportunities for our students.”
A Fulbright Scholar who shares her zeal for literature Dr. Karen Waters, professor of English, spent five months during academic year 2006-07 in India as a Fulbright Scholar, teaching literature, advising students, and mentoring faculty at the National Islamic University in New Delhi. Dr. Waters says, “What I like best about teaching literature is that every time I read a text, it becomes something new and different. I try to convey this excitement to my students – whether in India or right here at Marymount!”
All Marymount classes are taught by faculty members, not teaching assistants.