News Article

Let's meet Jessica Curtis, who chose A-State because she felt like it was a place where she could not only help students grow academically and personally, but a place where she could do the same.

Jessica Curtis

Place of birth?

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Why did you choose A-State?

I chose A-State because I felt like it was a place where I could not only help students grow academically and personally but a place where I could do the same.

What music is playing in your car?

Most likely post-grunge or a video game/movie soundtrack.

What is your favorite podcast?

Too many good ones to pick from.

Who was your favorite teacher (and why)?

My favorite teacher was my first grade teacher, Mrs. Parrish. She taught me that learning can be fun if you just have the right mindset.

What’s the value of a university education?

The value of education is what you make of it. Simply going through the motions to get a degree does not necessarily mean that you have learned anything. Students will value their education more if they are involved in the classroom and on campus, form relationships with their peers, faculty, and university staff, and are pursuing something they love rather than something they feel like would please others.

Your philosophy on education in seven words:

Do what you love and be yourself!

If you could teach another field, which one and why?

History. I believe it is important to know where we’ve been, what we’ve done, and how we’ve come to be today. Plus I think history courses are really interesting!

Before you retire I want to...

write a book.

In college, I was known for...

my love of research.

What is the one thing you wish you could teach everyone about your field?

There are many more professions and areas within psychology than most people think!

My favorite motion picture is...

The Shawshank Redemption.

The television series I must TiVo...

The Walking Dead.

What are you working on right now?

I am currently working on publishing some of my latest work, including my dissertation, on the topic of persuasion.

The last book I read for fun was...

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.

My favorite trip was...

to San Diego.

If I could travel anywhere it would be...

United Kingdom.

The best advice I ever received was...

follow your own path.

What is the one thing I’ve learned I’d tell my college self...

don’t sweat the small stuff.

My hobby is...

reading.

My passion is...

my research.

My pro sports team is...

St. Louis Cardinals.

My pet peeve is...

people who talk during movies.

My favorite meal is...

spicy shrimp tacos.

A perfect day is...

reading, video games and fun with friends.

What I like about Jonesboro is...

it’s not too big and not too small.

Cats or dogs?

I have a cat but I love both.

E-book or hardback?

Hardback

Beach or mountains?

Beach

Dinner or supper?

Dinner (unless it’s Sunday)

I wish I could...

travel the world and attend every Grand Slam tournament in tennis.

Only my friends know I...

am very picky about music, video games, movies, books, etc.

My favorite saying is...

"Always look into all ways."