PROFILES

Career in higher ed. was easy decision for Austin

Career in higher ed. was easy decision for Austin

by Jeremey Clem

	Southeast Community College Developmental
English instructor Marlisa Austin decided early on what she
wanted to do with her life.

	When Austin was a student at Cumberland High
School, she decided she wanted to be involved in the field of
higher education, whether it would be as a teacher,
administrator, or college or university president (her ultimate
goal).

	With the inspiration of such teachers as Harryette
Pickens, Constance Ellison, Roberta Pratt, Anne Carr, and
many others, Austin readied herself for the "big time" of
college teaching.

	The teachers were a great help in her college career,
but Austin said "My mother has been and will always be my
greatest inspiration and my source of strength."

	In 1991, Austin received an Associate of Arts degree
here at Southeast and then furthered her education at the
University of Kentucky.

	Austin stayed busy at UK as a member of the Black
Student Union, the multi-cultural committee of the Student
Activities Board, Undergraduate Student Council of the
College of Education, and Sigma Gamma Rho sorority,
which she said taught her the importance of community
service and leadership. She was also a tutor for UK athletes.

	After graduation from UK, Austin moved back
home to Lynch and started work for SECC, where she has
been employed for three years.

	In addition to her developmental English and GED
classes, Austin is the sponsor of Phi Theta Kappa Honor
Society and co-sponsor of the Black Student Union, both of
which she was a member as a student.

	Austin said she enjoys teaching at SECC because it is
close to home and it is a "pleasure and a privilege to be
around the faculty and staff who helped me so much."

	With all of her duties, she still has time to advise
first-year students and to work with fellow faculty in putting
together a Speaker's Bureau consisting of teachers, present
and former adult education students, and community
leaders.

	"The main goal of the bureau is to make the public
aware of adult education and the needs and benefits to the
county as a whole." she said.

	Austin said she treats all her students with respect
from day one and makes them aware of what it takes to
succeed. She also welcomes an open and honest
communication among all of her students.

	"It's all about success and learning," said Austin.
"Work hard, do your best, talk to teachers, make friends,
and stay motivated in all that you do."