WVU faculty member Melissa Morris decorates a cake.
What’s the news?
Between them, faculty at West Virginia University have hundreds of degrees and areas of expertise. Some of them also have “hidden talents” they use to engage others through community service and to create beauty in different ways.
Quotes and Comments
“Cake decorating may seem like a peculiar hobby for an engineering professor, but there is something therapeutic about using the other side of my brain to create a product people enjoy.”— Melissa Morris, teaching assistant professor, Freshman Engineering Program, baker
Melissa Morris WVU Faculty Page
“I've always believed in giving back to the community in whatever way I can. I enjoy giving people the opportunity to share their talents—whether it's on the basketball court, on the ice or in readings of their work.” — Mark Brazaitis, director of the Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, deputy mayor of Morgantown, volunteer basketball coach, co-director learn-to-skate program
Mark Brazaitis WVU Faculty Page
“I enjoy playing and singing tunes from the great American song book. Although it's far removed from my day job in the department of Physics and Astronomy, I do get the same sense of enjoyment at discovering and learning new tunes as I do from discoveries and learning at work!”— Duncan Lorimer, astronomy professor, musician,
Duncan Lorimer WVU Faculty Page
“I was a ballerina in my former life/career and I have a BFA in Dance. I started teaching ballet again a few years ago, so that I could train my own two daughters. I truly love all of my dancers and feel very blessed to have the ability to be involved in developing the arts here in Morgantown. For me, teaching ballet is returning to my roots and it feels like my life has come full circle...for me it gives me balance.” — Naomi Boyd, chair, Department of Finance, ballet instructor
“As a History professor, I spend most of my time using my brain. Playing blues allows me to access a different part of myself - something less intellectual and more visceral. I’ve also always found community playing music, and have met so many great people over the years."—Joshua Arthurs, associate professor of history, musician
Joshua Arthurs WVU Faculty Page
Target Audience:
People
with hobbies
Students
People interested in public service
People interested in performing
-WVU-
CONTACT:
Melissa Morris
Melissa.Morris@mail.wvu.edu
Mark Brazaitis
mbrazait@mail.wvu.edu
Duncan Lorimer
Duncan.Lorimer@mail.wvu.edu
Naomi Boyd
Naomi.Boyd@mail.wvu.edu
Joshua Arthurs
Joshua.Arthurs@mail.wvu.edu
University
Relations
304.293.6997