Business Professor emphasizes importance of active listening

Posted on Friday, August 18, 2023

In communication, a give-and-take dynamic exists between participants. Dr. Linda McMullen, Ely R. Callaway Sr. Professor of International Business, stressed the value of collaborative dialogue in her address at the faculty and staff Opening Session on Monday.

“I encourage our campus community to think about hearing as an active position in which we can picture the other’s perspective,” she said.

When introducing Dr. McMullen, Vice President for Academic Affairs Brian Peterson explained why her work in the classroom earned her the 2022-2023 United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Exemplary Teacher Award.

“Dr. McMullen has the ability to engage in conversation and ignite discussion,” he said. “She cares about her students and makes them think outside of the box. She regularly engages with others in the scholarship of teaching and learning and works to advance the institution.”

Her Opening Session speech centered around the phrase “I Hear You,” which she said is essential to maintaining a strong community.

“Hearing each other is critical to doing our work,” Dr. McMullen said. “We recognize that nurturing a community is hard work.”

She explained the distinction between hearing and listening.

“Hearing is passive,” Dr. McMullen said. “Listening is something that takes more energy to be fully present with the speaker.”

She talked about what she has learned about community from her experience on campus.

“It’s important to have honest conversations that allow us to hear each other and express what is exciting, what is concerning or what doesn’t interest us,” Dr. McMullen said. “In each situation, we need to be willing to hear. Trusting each other enough to be honest when working through issues is a sign of true community.”

In her closing, she expressed how grateful she is to be in a campus community that celebrates both shared experiences and differences.

 

 

Campus Notes

• The college recently welcomed new faculty members for the upcoming academic year. Pictured from left to right are Lacey Moore, Sociology; Dr. Andrew Gardner, Religion; Kelton Hunt, Music; Samantha Sick, Accounting; Curtis Brown, Marketing; Dr. Karen Walker, Psychological Science; Jamie Coen, Lewis Library; and Robert Toles, Art & Design.
• Religion Professor Dr. John Cook had his articles on "Christianity," "Crucifixion" and "Pontius Pilatus" published in The Tacitus Encyclopedia (Wiley-Blackwell).
• Political Science Professor Dr. John Tures and LC alum Tia Burdette ’21 had their article on the fairness of the Electoral College published in The Conversation, an academic publication. It was featured in The Conversation’s article on the fake electoral scheme.
• Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 21. Opening Convocation will officially kick off the academic year that evening at 7 p.m. in Callaway Auditorium.

 

Collegiate Enrichment Events

Friday, Aug. 18

Fair on the Hill

10 a.m., Caswell Plaza

• The expo gives students a chance to visit vendors, businesses and campus/community organizations that are providing general information and promoting part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.

Sunday, Aug. 20

Sunday Chapel Service

8 p.m., Chapel

• The Rev. Ashley Jenkins, Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life, invites the campus community to attend an evening worship service that will be held at the Chapel on most Sundays during the school year. Students can receive up to 10 CE credits for attending the services.

 

Video of the Week

A Message to Students from Chaplain Ashley Jenkins

 

Sports

Women’s Soccer

The Panthers will play a scrimmage against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on Sunday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m., at Panther Field. The last time the two teams met, the Panthers won 5-0 on Aug. 27, 2022.

Men’s Soccer

LaGrange will kick off its season with a scrimmage against Truett-McConnell on Sunday, Aug. 20, at 3 p.m., at Panther Field. The two teams have not played each other in recent years.

 

Panther Calendar

(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)

Sunday, Aug. 20 – Women’s Soccer (Home) vs. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, 11 a.m., Panther Field

Sunday, Aug. 20 – Men’s Soccer (Home) vs. Truett-McConnell, 3 p.m., Panther Field

Wednesday, Aug. 23 – Women’s Soccer at Georgia Southwestern, 5 p.m., Americus, Georgia

 

In the Headlines

• LaGrange College releases new guidelines for parking during high school football games, WRBL, Aug. 15
• LaGrange College to charge for parking on its campus during high school football games, LaGrange Daily News, Aug. 15

Category: College, Faculty

Keywords: communication, business