Debra Clark received a Ph.D. from Kent State in May 2003. She got an M.A. in 1986 from Bowling Green State University, and a B.A. from Mount Union College in 1984. She worked for seven years in Kent State’s Division of Student Affairs. She was also director of Residence Life at Cleveland State University, where she began her doctoral studies in Urban Education. After leaving Cleveland State University Debra transferred to Kent State University to pursue a degree in Cultural Foundations. Her current research interest is pre-service teachers’ personality traits as they relate to openness on issues of diversity.
Q: What subject(s) do you teach?
I teach a course called Education in a Democratic Society, which examines education from multiple perspectives – history, law, politics, and social structures.
Q: What inspired you to follow your chosen path of study?
I am a generalist scholastically, rather than a specialist, so examining educational issues from multiple perspectives is a natural fit for my path of study.
Q: What's one of your favorite memories from your student days?
I loved being a student. I loved all my classes and was hungry to learn. Ironically, my favorite memory is my dissertation defense, which was not the culmination of my learning, but a major steppingstone.
Q: What do you think every student should experience in college?
Every student should be challenged to question their core beliefs.
Q: What academic or career advice would you give to students?
Do not search for a career, search for your passion, or a hobby that pays you.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love teaching first-year students and watching them go from being nervous at the beginning of the semester to a little cocky toward the end of the semester.
Q: How do you contribute to student success?
I strongly believe that the key to succeeding in college is making connections with other people on campus. So, in my class, I strive to help my students make connections with the university and the people of Kent State.
Q: What would students be surprised to learn about you?
I was advised by the principal of my high school and guidance counselor to not go to college. I was told I did not have what it takes to succeed in college.
Q: What is the best and most challenging thing about being a teacher?
The best part of teaching is watching students gain the confidence that they can succeed and thrive in college. The most challenging part of teaching is coming to understand some of the challenges students must overcome just to come to class.
Q: How do you show your school spirit?
Everyone who knows me who is not from Kent, knows that I am proud to be a citizen of Kent State University.