Hi, I’m Dr. Seward (that’s me exploring the ruins of Pompei)

Wait – below is a clearer picture, taken at the cathedral in Salisbury, England.

Who am I?

I’m a professor in the Speech and Theatre Department at MTSU and, as of 2006, I've visited 19 countries including:  Mexico, Great Britain, France, Romania, Turkey and Thailand.  I have taught abroad in the following programs:

    - 2008 MTSU summer program in Cherbourg, France

    - 2007 CCSA summer program in London, England

    - 2006 KIIS summer program in Rome and Florence, Italy

    - Fall 1992-Spring 1993 Loyola University's Rome program

   In 1995, I was awarded a Malone Fellowship by the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations. The fellowship included a two-week study tour of Saudi Arabia and Oman. A year later I was one of 10 professors selected from a national pool of applicants for the ASIANetwork Japan Seminar. As part of that program, I spent 2 months in Japan in 1997.

Whether I was on a formal program or just visiting a country as a tourist, I have worked to complement academic studies with real experiences in order to expand my understanding of other cultures – understanding that I bring to my classes.

(Taken on one of my last days at Cherbourg, France)

What else might you want to know? I began my education at a community college in Waco, Texas. After two years, I joined the Air Force where I served in Nebraska (at SAC Headquarters – that’s where they took President Bush on 9-11) and then at the Pentagon. After 4 years in the service, I used the G.I. Bill to work on my Bachelor’s degree at the University of North Texas. My masters’ is from San Diego State University and my Ph.D. is from Purdue. Whew! That’s a lot of years in school!!

I began my teaching career in a small Jesuit university near Cleveland, Ohio where I taught for 15 years. There were a lot of nice things about teaching there but I realized that I really needed more sunshine in my life (the normal winter has 3 months straight with NO sun!!). So, I was lucky enough to find a job at Middle Tennessee State University where I have taught since 2002.

Trivia about me:

Most recommended books: Man's Search for Meaning and The Luck Factor

Greatest personal challenge: hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon (and back up!!)

Favorite games: charades and Taboo