November 4,2005 1 The Clarion
ARTS & LIFE
Page?
Student Spotlight:
Senior Shelly May Simmons hopes for diverse student body
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by Matt Rutherford
Arts & Life Editor
Shelly Mae Simmons, 27, was born in
St. Petersburg Florida. Simmons grew up
mostly in Woodbridge, Virginia. She gradu
ated from Enka High School in 1996. She is
very active student on the Brevard Col
lege campus and has been the president of
the former Alliance club and is active within
the theatre programs as well.
Why did you choose to come to Brevard
College, and how long have you been here?
I love the area of Brevard; it’s a good
small school that allows me to learn more
from my professors and to take advantage
of my education. I’ve been here for four
years.
What’s your major?
Religious and Philosophical studies.
Why religious and philosophical studies?
And what do you plan to do with it in the
career field?
I chose religious and philosophical
studies because it allows me to continue
my learning process. The professors are
very knowledgeable on the subjects. I’ve
always loved learning about different reli
gions and ideas. I’d like to pursue a career
in teaching or outreach services.
Has Brevard College changed any since
you’ve been here?
Yes, when 1 came here in 1996 the the
atre was in the barn and the Porter Center
was just an idea. Brevard at the time was a
tier school. The curriculum has changed
and the college has become a four year
school. The academics have been greatly
enhanced. The food at the caf has im
proved, believe it or not. The new snack
bar has also been a cool addition.
How do you feel about the newly imple
mented football team?
All 1 can hope is that we continue to
be a diverse student body. That it enhances
our college as well as our academic and
campus life. If it is what we need to help
financially to be a success, then 1 wish the
program the best of luck.
Who are you role models?
1 don’t remember having a role model.
But I do remember being inspired by
Gandhi and Martin Luther King. When 1
was younger Whitney Houston’s song
“The Greatest Love of All” was my inspi
ration. People who have gone against the
norm and stood up for what is right and
the equality of others are what 1 strive to
be like.
How does it feel to be a senior, and how is
your senior project coming along?
I feel a bit nervous about maintaining
my 4.0 GPA and transitioning into what’s
next in life. My senior project...it’s coming
along.
Faculty Spotlight: , .
Dr. Bob White balances time between theater projects
by Matt Rutherford
Arts & Life Editor
Robert White, more affectionately
known as Bob, is originally from Bethel,
Connecticut. He is also the head of the
Brevard College theatre program. Bob re
ceived his B.A. in English and speech from
Wagner College of New York City. He then
received his M.A. of arts in psychology
fi'om Dartmouth College in Hanover, New
Hampshire. Bob also has a M.A. of arts in
playwriting and directing from Antioch Col
lege of Yellowsprings, Ohio. Finally he re
ceived his PhD in directing and theatre man
agement from Union Institute in Cincinnati,
Ohio. Bob also has several other degrees,
from various colleges.
What interested you in theatre?
Being able to pretend to be anything
you want.
How exactly did you find yourself teaching
theatre classes at Brevard College?
1 owned and operated a small theatre
in Hendersonville, North Carolina. 1 got a
phone call asking about a professor’s po
sition at the college. I’ve had this job for
15 years and I didn’t even apply for it, it’s
the neatest thing.
Being a New England native, what made
you choose to come to Brevard?
I was actually living in Fort Lauder
dale, Florida at the time and 1 saw an ad for
property in North Carolina. So 1 went up
there and bought it. I decided then, some-
‘Tve had this job
for 15years and I
didn’t even apply
for it, it’s the
neatest thing. ”
day 1 would live there.
You have a busy schedule right now with
“Medea” and the One-Act Festival that s
about to start. How are things gomg.
Everything is happening accordmg to
schedule, but I find that 1 don’t have as
much time as 1 would like to spend on each
Sother projects are you currently
working on? . ,
1 own a stained glass busmess and 1
love to write poetry. 1 also enjoy gardening
flowers.
As a professor of theatre, what are some
of your favorite plays?
“Ballad of the Sad Cafe”, “Street Car
Named Desire”, “Desire Under the Elms”,
and “The Odd Couple” is my favorite com-
cdy.
Does your schedule allow you to be able to
see new plays and stay up to date with new
techniques being implemented m theatre.
No.
Do you think you emulate any other play
wrights? ,
Yes, Eugene O’Neil, Edward Albee. 1 also
like Tennessee Williams.