Hello! I'm Dr. Katie Angus, and this is my blog. Even though I'm a full-time faculty member at Southern Miss, I love taking classes in my limited free time (it's a great benefit!). I get to learn new skills or just take classes for fun. It's also a great reminder about what it feels like in my students' shoes, and I get inspired by other faculty members' teaching. Since starting at USM in 2013, I've taken courses in Child Development, Spanish, Nutrition, Speech and Hearing Sciences, and more. This summer, I'm taking a Communications course about social media in which I have to develop a presence on several platforms. I didn't have a blog before, and I've been wanting to share about our amazing MATL students, alumni, and faculty... so now here is my chance!
It only makes sense to introduce myself first, since I am often the first contact MATL students have, as applicants or recently admitted students. I'm the current MATL program director, and I have been in charge of the MATL since August 2022. I oversee scheduling, portfolio and program assessment, curriculum changes, alumni relations, TA supervision, recruitment, admissions, student professional development, etc. If there are problems, I am there to help.
I got my PhD from the Second Language Acquisition and Teaching (SLAT) interdisciplinary program at the University of Arizona, and so I'm not afraid of the heat in Mississippi. I chose to come to Southern Miss because I could build a life and career here. Sure enough, I have been supported in my research and am encouraged to teach classes on whatever topics interest me, including comics, music, and surrealism. I like to incorporate creative projects (e.g., comic books, plays, music videos) into my classes, but I make sure to break down big assignments so they are completed one step at a time. Process-based learning helps students give projects time they deserve, and it also helps students protect their mental health. My students are often really impressed (or surprised) with the projects they are able to complete.
In addition to building a career here, I have built a life. I feel very fortunate.
My two biggest pieces of advice for my students and alumni are: don't be a stranger. Be in touch with your advisor and professors. Our job is to help you. My other piece of advice is to say "yes" as often as you can (while still being mindful of your work life balance). There's a teaching seminar that has openings? Join it! A state conference has a call for presentations open? Submit something! You'll build your CV, network, and gain invaluable experience.
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