Meet the Professor: Jenna Shimkowski, Ph.D.
What class/classes do you teach?
I currently teach Communication Theory (COMS 3301) and Communication in Relationships
(COMS 3333), but I also teach Small Group Communication (COMS 3353) and Speaking for
Business (COMS 2358).
What would you like your students to take away from your class/classes?
Communication is such a powerful tool. I want my students to feel inspired to use
the principles we discuss in class to shape their personal relationships, to confidently
express to others who they are and what they believe, and to feel empowered to speak
out as they work to achieve their personal and professional goals. I think that learning
to become a good communicator is a lifelong process but that if they can see the inherent
value in working at it, then it is a worthwhile journey.
What is your favorite book?
I love anything by Shauna Niequist – “Bittersweet,” “Cold Tangerines,” or “Present
Over Perfect.” She writes with such honesty and candor. Plus, she writes a lot about
cooking and the deep relational nature of sharing meals. As Julia Child said, “People
who love to eat are always the best people.”
What is your favorite restaurant in Lubbock?
This is tough! There are so many great places to eat here. Thai Thai would have to
be my favorite. If you couldn't tell from the name, it's Thai food. My go-to order
is #21 on the menu, Pad See Ew. It will not disappoint.
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor & why?
Barbara Walters is one of my heroes. She embodies such grace and class as she asks
interviewees really hard-hitting questions. I think she could teach us all how to
have more meaningful conversations and become better listeners. Although they are
on national television, she seems to make people feel at home while they tell really
gripping, personal stories. I think it takes a special person to draw stories like
that out of someone.
If you could tell your 18 year old self one thing, what would it be?
Aside from telling myself to invest in more shoes than flip-flops (I grew up wearing
uniforms to school and apparently believed flip-flops were a sign of freedom once
I got to college, regardless of the weather), I would say that it's good to take a
chance on yourself. Take a leap of faith. We are oftentimes capable of so much more
than we realize and that even when we fall short of what we'd hoped, we find that
we have learned something about ourselves and at worst, have a new story to share.
What was the defining moment that helped you determine your career path?
I have always loved school. If that makes me sound nerdy, I'm okay with that. During
my undergraduate career as a communication studies major, I was able to assist with
a research and writing class. I found that I really enjoyed working with students
and that I liked finding new ways to make their learning more enjoyable. As I continued
through graduate school and gained more experience with research and teaching, I found
that my work could really impact someone else. Becoming a professor gave me the opportunity
to take topics I am passionate about and find new and creative ways to get my students
invested in the same material.
What advice do you have for new students seeking a career in the communication studies
field?
Getting a degree in communication studies will equip you with the tools and skills
to be employable in virtually every industry and to become better communicators in
every aspect of your life — personally, socially, publicly and professionally. Once
you are on the job market or looking to move up in your job, putting those skills
into practice can really set you apart. Although every organization needs strong communicators,
individuals often lack the know-how or the confidence to do so. While in school, take
classes that are interesting to you and that will prepare you with those skills most
necessary for your particular career goals.
