When examining campus culture, we often focus on student activities. So, we started a series examining how professors on campus contribute to our culture! This week we’re hearing from Professor Kate Shortridge, Chair of Fine Arts, Associate Professor of Art, and new Assistant Dean of the School of Communication, Culture, and the Arts!
Q: How did you come to work in your field?
A: Not sure how to interpret work. I’ve always made art—consistently since childhood and through all my education. I had Drawing 1 my first semester at college and fell in love. I didn’t go there to be an art major but rather went to a liberal arts school so that I would have options. I chose love (and all the excitement of being able to tie what I was learning in other classes into my work) and that interdisciplinary approach has stayed with me. As for teaching, that was more accidental. Both my parents were academics and so I knew that life. But I did take a few years off after undergrad to work and travel abroad before deciding to go to grad school. Teaching in college is one of the possible next steps. Got my first job at a small state school in Minnesota, fell in love with all of it, and kept going.
Q: How long have you been at Roanoke, and how did you come to be here?
A: Blame my sister. She went to law school at W&L and really liked the Roanoke Valley and Lexington. I hadn’t heard of Roanoke College, but she encouraged me to apply as she thought I’d like the place. I started in fall 2003. Everyone seems to calculate that differently (whether by start date or by academic year).
Q: What is your favorite part of your work, and what is the most challenging?
A: Students and students. I love working with students closely over their 4-year growth and seeing how they change and light up about things. Because of working in a studio class, I do really get to know them individually and can adjust assignments according to work on weaknesses or showcase strengths. The challenge is to find the right ways to motivate students. I always believe in them, but they don’t believe in themselves all the time—how do I close that gap and help them to really shine?
Q: What is the biggest thing you’ve learned since coming to work here?
A: I have learned singular lessons. I have been given great advice. I have grown as a teacher (and felt it). I have also grown into other roles, such as admin and committee service. I guess all of that is learning more about myself and building on that.
Q: What is your advice to Roanoke College students?
A: There is no way this can’t sound corny—follow your heart. If you love doing it, do it! If it has to be a “yes, and” to add to another subject or activity—great! (i.e. I love political science AND art). You all are capable of so much! I always tell my students to work to get rid of the “should” things that society has told them they should do—turn that around and do the things that matter to you, that you value, and do them with integrity, passion, kindness, and humor.
Maggie Raker
Section Editor
