Where are they now? Featuring: Heather Eisenhart

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Where are they now?

Heather Brooke Eisenhart

MA in Liberal Studies Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies Year of Graduation: 2014

Why did you choose ETSU for your education?

When considering graduate programs, I looked around for a few years before realizing that ETSU offered a program that fit my goals quite perfectly. My background is the arts - theatre, specifically - and I wanted a graduate program that would allow me to blend my arts experience with a variety of studies. I didn’t see myself fitting into a typical terminal degree program in theatre because I was already working consistently in theatre, and I felt confident in my skill level. I wanted to teach in higher education, but I wasn’t interested in teaching the standard techniques in acting, directing, or design. I wanted to focus on the value of the arts as a tool for learning and teaching transferable skills. ETSU’s interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Liberal Studies allowed me to piece together a program of study that included the disciplines that inform the kind of research and practice I am interested in.

What is your current position and/or research?

Since 2018, I have been an adjunct instructor for ETSU’s Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies teaching a variety of courses ranging from Interdisciplinary Presentation Methods to Workforce Skills—a course I had the pleasure of designing for inclusion in ETSU’s Bachelor of Applied Science programs. I currently hold a full-time position at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise as the media services associate.

What does this position/research entail?

As the media services associate, I am responsible for assisting the media services coordinator. Together, we facilitate events across the campus from college board meetings and commencement ceremonies to student research symposiums and guest lectures. On a daily basis, the Media Services team supports the needs of faculty, staff, students, and executive administration through our technological expertise and knowledge of quality production and event management. In this role, I am afforded the opportunity to learn new skills while also teaching students, staff, and faculty. Additionally, in the fall of 2021, I began working as an adjunct instructor at UVA Wise, where I teach a film and production course for the communications department.

How did your time at ETSU prepare you for this career?

The education I received through the MALS program effectively prepared me for applying interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning. The program strengthened my ability to investigate complex concepts, consider alternative perspectives, and articulate information in a meaningful way. These skills have been imperative for every position I’ve held since graduating in 2014. My interdisciplinary training has not only informed my approach to everyday tasks, but also continues to be a motivating factor in my interest in interdisciplinary research and teaching methods. I see through a different kind of lens now; I am curiously looking for ways to bridge gaps and make connections between seemingly disconnected worlds.

What advice would you offer current or future graduate students?

I would advise future graduate students to prepare to DIG IN. The work is hard, but the time and energy are worth it. Regardless of why you decided to go on to the graduate level, if you thought it through and you are ready to be there, the process will be fulfilling, thoughtprovoking, meaningful, and motivating.