Dr. Sabine Smith, German professor in KSU’s foreign language department has been selected for the faculty spotlight. She exceeds the expectations in order to provide learning and growing opportunities for students— much more than the minimum responsibilities asked of her as a college professor.
She goes beyond simply teaching the students, connecting KSU with communities that celebrate the German influence on Georgia history. In doing so, she allows students the ability to participate in these connections.
This adds more of a cultural influence in Kennesaw’s academics and in the general environment. The importance of cultural abundance in the classroom grows as our country becomes more culturally diverse.
Dr. Susanne Kelley, fellow KSU German professor, described Dr. Smith’s work and what makes her stand out beyond the norm.
“Dr. Smith’s work benefits not only KSU and its students, but ensures that our university is engaged with other academic and non-academic communities in Georgia,” Kelley said.
Smith’s interests go beyond just providing connections for students. Her goals reflect the idea that global awareness promotes a deeper education and understanding of life. Dr. Smith’s teaching style highlights her uniqueness and her desire to engage her students.
“She collaborates with colleagues and students in and outside of our department, crossing boundaries between disciplines and even between higher education, K-12, and the community, all of which creates unique opportunities for our students,” Kelley said.
Dr. Smith herself emphasizes why she loves teaching, and what it is about teaching that fulfills her in life.
“I have always loved being a student – and in this profession, I am still and continually learning. In particular, I have loved combining learning foreign languages and travel – ever since I was a teenager,” Smith said.
Dr. Smith explains her goals for her students and how she works to achieve these ambitions.
“My hope is that they will have developed a love for learning about foreign languages and cultures and that they will choose to travel and see the world as often as they can,” Smith said. “I’d like for them to see themselves as citizens of the world rather than citizens of a nation in hopes that it fosters in them a sense of global responsibility, empathy, and ethical leadership.”
Smith exemplifies what professors that become leaders and positive influences act like, and she has already helped to expand the horizons of many students and colleagues at KSU.
