Faculty Spotlights: Maureen Morris and Minie James

FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT:

MAUREEN MORRIS

“Holy Cross is more than a workplace to me,”

says faculty member Dr. Maureen Morris. Maureen has been a member of the History and Social Studies Department since January 2007 and currently serves as the department chair. She says, “What I enjoy the most about the Holy Cross community is the ability to share my Catholic faith in my workplace.”

Maureen teaches the Holy Cross economics curriculum, including Dual Credit Microeconomics, the law courses, and has taught other history and social studies classes. She also co-moderates the Mock Trial Team, the Finance and Investing Club, and the Young Conservatives Club. In 2021, Maureen became the scheduler and has enjoyed helping the students organize their class schedules. Maureen notes that the students make Holy Cross the vibrant community that it is. “It is a blessing and an honor to be able to share a small part of their journey to adulthood,” she says. Many of her former students have chosen to study economics in college and several are working as economists today. “It is so rewarding to know that in some small way, I have made a difference in their life because I was their teacher.”

Maureen and her husband Bill (also a teacher) enjoy a life filled with their busy family and four children who range in age 17 to 25. Her children all play volleyball so she and Bill travel often to watch them play. Her oldest two children are also teachers.

Maureen Morris (far left) and her family.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT:

MINIE JAMES

When asked what she enjoys most about the Holy Cross community, faculty member Minie James responds, “The deep and heartfelt love I receive abundantly from my students has made my time here the most enjoyable.”

Minie began teaching at Holy Cross in 2018 and teaches Physics and Honors Physics and Algebra II.

Minie has taught previously in India and Dubai. She has enjoyed serving on the Holy Cross faculty and notes that she greatly appreciates the support and understanding of the school administration and colleagues in both the Math and Science departments. But it is the relationships she has built with her students that give her the greatest satisfaction. “Some of my former students have returned to my classes regularly just to give a hug and say, ‘we miss you’.” She notes her pride for both her top achieving students who have become successful scientists as well as academically challenged students who reach out to share their success in life.

Outside of the classroom, Minie enjoys reading, gardening, and sewing. Her varied interests include astronomy, animal behavior, history of religions and ancient civilizations, and theology. Minie’s husband Santosh James is an Accounting Specialist in the CFO’s office of DC government. Their son James is a mechanical engineer working for Signify group of Philips in Atlanta, GA.

Minie James (center) with her husband Santosh (left) and son James (right).