Q&A: Sitting down with an Elliott Award winner

By Valis Vacenty

Dr. Minmin Wang, professor of communication, was one of the three recipients of the Frank N. Elliott Award this year. The annual accolade is given to each a faculty member, a staff member and an administrator for outstanding service to the University. Dr. Wang sat down to speak about receiving the award.

Q: How does it feel to win such a prestigious award such as the Elliot Award?

A: I was touched, honored, but embarrassed. I like to be low-key; I’m not used to such public attention. I wasn’t sure about giving a reception speech; my face turned so red. But that’s not to say that I wasn’t touched, honored and moved. There was never a real purpose for me to be a part of public attention, that’s why I keep a low profile.

Q: Do you think that receiving this award has changed you or your perspective on teaching?

A: It gave me a new perspective. I feel that I have
more to offer my students. There’s a positive with
me having my background. Having been immersed
in two different cultures has made me more open
and understanding, which I try to put into my
teaching.

Q: When you found out you were receiving this award, who was the first person you contacted?

A: My husband. Then I got worried about the reception speech. I also called my daughter, who was doing an internship in Washington, D.C. for a law firm. They were both very happy for me.

Q: What would you say to some of your colleagues?

A: I would like to thank them for the recognition and the chance to work with them. I appreciate their support and understanding. As I said in my reception speech, “I like to preach what I teach,” with multicultural communication and build more bridges between cultures. It’s self-fulfilling and almost like a dream. It’s really rewarding, especially when you do what you like.