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Teacher Feature: Jennifer Coburn-Engquist
By Rosa Fonseca
Whalesong Staff
Even for a Ph.D.
in communications, describing the allure of Alaska’s beauty
can be a
daunting task. But for Jennifer Coburn-Engquist, new communications
professor at UAS, just absorbing the surroundings of Southeast Alaska
is worth it. It also doesn’t hurt if you really enjoy your
job.
“I love it”, Engquist said about working at
UAS, “I couldn’t ask for a better place to be. I’ve
had the most incredible experience with students here. I have students
who come to class with so much life experience, ready to go, ready
to apply the information, so phenomenal students got me here.”
After teaching at UAS two summers in a row, Engquist
was hired as full time faculty. This fall semester, she is teaching
argumentation and debate in public speaking, speech communication
and intercultural communication.
Engquist did her bachelor’s in communications at
University of Colorado Bolder. Her master’s and Ph.D. at University
of Denver are in human communication; specifically she does work
in critical theory, applying it to a variety of communication events.
One surprise for her was the number, the breath and depth of courses
offered at UAS.
“It’s a solid program,” she said, “Even
in larger institutions you don’t see the type of communication
programs that are offered here. It’s a wonderful place to be.”
According to Engquist, being small provides an opportunity
for faculty to talk across disciplines and make creative connections
that are sometimes impossible at larger universities. It produces
amazing student work and neat relationships with colleagues. Both
students and faculty have a chance to see how people in other disciplines
see the world.
Intercultural communication student, Kim Doane said, “Her communication
skills are really good.” According to Doane, it’s impressive
to see how Engquist is able to incorporate everyone’s ideas,
pulling something out and bringing it into the topic they are studying.
“She brings a lot of energy to the class and it’s inspirational
to have someone so youthful with a Ph.D.” said student Christy
Burgess. “This class is making me aware of how I communicate.”
For Engquist, interests at work and outside work are
similar and intermixed. Her agendas are interconnected and she allows
that connection to happen with her research interest.
“I’m an advocate of not a split of practicing something
and theorizing about it,” she said. Engquist hopes to publish
a book someday. She also enjoys all the activities Juneau has to
offer, and calls it a huge playground, where there is something
to do every day of the week.
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