Heide McILwraith
Senator spotlight: April 2017
School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Tempe campus
Q&A with senator
ASU affiliated:
What unit do you represent?
Science and Mathematics in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.
How many years have you served on the Senate?
I am ending my first three years as a Senator this May 2017. I have accepted a nomination to be campus President-elect in the upcoming elections.
How many years have you been employed at ASU?
I started as an Instructor in August of 2008 at the Tempe campus, and then moved to the Polytechnic campus in August 2010 to be a lecturer. I am coming up on nine years with ASU.
What other institutions have you taught at before coming to ASU?
I have not taught at any other institution. In 2004, I was working in my industry and decided to return to graduate school. Teaching was not in my scope, and I intended to return to industry when I completed my studies. Ultimately, I found I was enjoying teaching as a graduate student so much, that when a new Instructor position opened around the time of my graduation, I was asked to stay.
What is your research and/or creative activities focus?
I do not have formal research but I am always looking at new ways to connect with students on an academic level. I put creative energy into new and hopefully better ways of delivering content and engaging students, especially in large lecture settings.
Senate affiliated:
Why did you decide to get involved with the Senate?
When the opportunity arose, I looked at it as a way of understanding more about the running of the University as a whole, rather than just the small world of my home academic unit.
Describe what you have learned during your time on the Senate.
I have gained a better understanding on what we, the faculty, have influence over and what we do not have influence over. I have learned how to be effective in the greater community of faculty members, beyond just my unit/department.
What committees have you participated in, or would like to participate in and what were you able to (or hope to) accomplish.
I am on the Student-Faculty Policy Committee.
What would you say to your peers who might be considering accepting a nomination or nominating himself or herself for a position on the Senate?
If you are interested in the workings of the university, volunteer to be a Senator. It is rather rewarding.
Any final comments you might have.
I have found my time on the Senate so rewarding that I accepted the nomination to run for campus President. I have met many wonderful new people from different disciplines. They bring knowledge and experiences from which I can learn. It has been a great way to broaden my horizons.