As a special treat for Women’s History Month, we’re sitting down with three strong women in MCHHS.
Sarah Bowman, clinical instructor for public health and sports medicine, in addition to Kelly Dudley and Salina Bollinger, both clinical instructors in the School of Social Work, are three fun members of our impressive MCHHS faculty.
Let’s get to know all three of them!
What’s been the wildest thing to happen in your classroom?
Bowman: I teach online, so the crazy things that happen are editable! Students are video recorded when they take exams. I received an alert once because a student was in and out of the frame during her exam. Turns out, she was letting her dog in and out.
Dudley: Watching students feel safe enough in my classroom to be vulnerable and take risks – that might be the wildest thing to happen in my classroom. I’m always inspired by the courage and passion they demonstrate.
Bollinger: I attempted to use balloons for a group activity once. It was quite noisy and distracting, but we still managed to learn a few things.
Where are you from?
Bowman: Fair Grove in Springfield, Missouri.
Dudley: You might think this is an easy answer, but I moved 12 times before turning 18 years old. I’ve lived in six states and four countries. Springfield is the longest place I’ve ever lived (12 years now) and even though I love it, I still can’t bring myself to say I’m from here. 😉
Bollinger: Granite City, Illinois, across the river from St. Louis. I often visit family there, but Springfield has been home for 25 years now.
What’s your favorite part about working here?
Bowman: I enjoy interacting with my coworkers. I feel a sense of belonging and community at work. Additionally, I love advising students and helping them think about the next step.
Dudley: Obviously the schedule. Ha! Kidding. Sort of.
In all honesty, it’s challenging myself and others. Our society is becoming increasingly dichotomized. Having the freedom to challenge myself and my students to think beyond the prominent rhetoric around any given topic is my favorite thing. Learning to hold and – hopefully teaching others to hold – perceived contradictions is thrilling.
Bollinger: I love spending time with students. They energize me and give me hope for the future. I also work with an incredible crew of people!
Explore the School of Social Work
Do you have a favorite class to teach?
Bowman: Health Literacy. I have the most expertise, experience and passion for this subject.
Dudley: I love teaching Human Behavior in Social Environment to juniors. In that class, we learn why we are the way we are. Sitting front row and watching all the lightbulb moments as students consider different perspectives is too much fun.
Bollinger: Social Justice is probably my favorite. I love open discussions. We learn about ourselves while learning how to support marginalized individuals, groups and communities.