Senator Spotlight March 2018

This month's Senator Spotlight is on Amy Shinabarger

What unit do you represent?  

Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication in the College of Integrated Sciences and the Arts, at Poly.

How many years have you served in the Senate?  

This is my third year.

How many years have you been employed at ASU?

Since 2008, but I also did my grad programs at ASU and taught as a TA, then one year as an Instructor after graduation in 2003-04.

What other institutions have you taught at before coming to ASU?  

California State University, Northridge; Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Rio Piedras; Chandler-Gilbert Community College; Mesa Public Schools evening high school.

What is your research and/or creative activities focus?

Second Language Writing, Critical Discourse Analysis, language of popular cultures (focusing on music and on body modification, separately).

Why did you decide to get involved with the Senate?  

I’ve always been interested in politics, especially at a local level. I’ve considered running for school board or other local office and may do so in the future. Serving on Senate seemed almost natural, since ASU is one of my primary communities. I want to do what I can to make my communities better and stronger.

Describe what you have learned during your time in the Senate. 

It’s allowed me to see how the university functions beyond the department/program level and to realize just how big we actually are.

What committees have you participated in, or would like to participate in and what were you able to (or hope to) accomplish?  

Personnel Committee, Non-Tenure Eligible Task Force.

What would you say to your peers who might be considering accepting a nomination or nominating himself or herself for a position in the Senate? 

Do it! It’s a great opportunity to see how ASU runs and to be a part of it.