In Their Own Words – Getting to Know NDMU

Each year, Notre Dame of Maryland University honors a faculty member with the Mullan Distinguished Teaching Award. The award provides recognition to a faculty member that has demonstrated outstanding teaching that stimulates students, relates course material to current events, promotes the University’s Mission and is a champion of the student population.

The 2018-2019 awardee is Associate Professor Stephanie Wilhide Savick, Ph.D. She is an integral part of the School of Education and has deep roots in NDMU, having earned her bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. from the University.

In her own words, Dr. Savick explains why NDMU is important to her, her hopes for her students and some other interesting facts about NDMU’s Mullan Distinguished Teacher for 2018-2019.

What brought you to Notre Dame?

I knew I wanted to teach at Notre Dame after earning my Ph.D. Sr. Sharon Slear has been my mentor for over 20 years, and the chance for me to continue to develop under her leadership was a huge draw for me.

What does NDMU mean to you?

NDMU is home to me, not like a place, but a feeling...a feeling of belonging, love, and connection.

Favorite part of teaching?

My favorite part of teaching is interacting with my students. I love, love, love my students! What they probably don't realize is that they teach me just as much I teach them, and this is what keeps me motivated.

What does being the recipient of the Mullan award mean to you?

Winning the Mullan means the world to me as I continue to aspire to reach my potential as a scholar, a mentor, a professor, and to be recognized for one of the things God created me to be. It's exciting and humbling at the same time...a true honor! 

What do you hope to teach your students?

I hope I am teaching my students to appreciate the journey of learning. I believe that none of us ever really "arrives," I am motivated by opportunities for growth each and every day.

What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Look for an open window when a door closes. It has served me well over the years because it has reminded me that everything happens for a reason, and more often than not, those reasons go beyond human understanding.

If you weren’t a professor, what would you be doing?

I would probably be an attorney. I love to research and debate.

Dinner – do you cook or order take-out?

Both, but my dream would be to have a personal chef!

Aside from family, name something you could not live without.

My paper calendar – when I pull it out at meetings, everyone laughs at me because I still use it. I just can't seem to transition to an electronic version without losing my mind!