Getting to know you: Mary Beth Reese

A proud Screaming Eagle for nearly 15 years, Mary Beth Reese, instructor in communications, considers herself a lifelong learner. She received her undergraduate degree from Purdue University, was in one of the first Master of Business Administration (MBA) classes to graduate from USI and is currently working towards her Master of Arts in Communication (MAC) degree at USI. She's also flexed her creative muscles making pottery for Empty Bowls Evansville, an event that raises money to help with food relief in the community. 

As Reese approaches her capstone MAC project, she plans to center it on the issue of recruitment and retention within USI's public relations and advertising major. "It's challenging because a lot of students who are coming out of high school have no idea what public relations is," Reese explains. "They've often seen it and experienced it, but they just didn't know it was public relations."

Although it may be a challenge to recruit and retain USI PRA majors, Reese is determined to make a difference within the major, whether that be in the student or instructor role. "You're going to use that PRA degree whether you work in the industry or not," she says. "It's more than just a degree, it's a skill set."

Let's get to know more about this ever curious communicator. 

Why did you decide to get into public relations?

I think with public relations I always look at it as an opportunity to help consumers make wise decisions. It's an opportunity from a public relations standpoint to make sure that your consumers are informed and educated about products and services that you provide, as well as finding ways that you can connect with that consumer and provide that added value. Public relations is helping an organization connect with their external and internal customers. I think public relations is exciting, challenging and it's a lot of 24/7, but it's something new every day, and that's what I like.

Tell me about any hobbies or interesting tidbits about yourself.

I have a passion for animals. At home, we've always had several rescued cats. I found one here on campus and took him home. We've always had English springer spaniels. I have always loved those dogs. That's probably because when I was growing up, my mom's friend found an English springer spaniel that was lost, and she kept telling my mom, "You guys need another dog." So, we ended up taking Bozo. Ever since, I've always had one.

I'm now doing a few quilts. I just have fun with that. I don't have a lot of time to do it, but it's relaxing.

What is a typical work day like for you?

It's teaching, and it's serving on committees. Right now, we're trying to add a minor. We also did a whole curriculum change. So, I do a lot of teaching, but I do a lot of other things, too. I really like my classes to be service-based learning, so that I can get students engaged with clients and engaged with the community, because I think you get a lot more out of it than just having assignments.

Where did you work prior to coming to USI?

I worked at Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company. I was their spokeswoman for several years and their director of corporate communications. Then, it merged with Vectren, and I worked for Vectren for a period of time, then came here to USI.

What age do you wish you could permanently be and why?

That's hard to say because every age has something about it that is unique and fun. It would probably be 40 for me. I think at that point you've figured out who you are, you're comfortable with who you are and you have more opportunities to keep going and learning, but I also think that happens at any age.

To be in high school again, no thank you. College was fun but having a point where you have your career figured out and you're still learning is a good place. As you get older, you have more experience and a better appreciation for things.

What has been your proudest moment as a professor?

There are lots of different ones. The ones that probably mean the most to me are when students have been out working and they send me an email or a Facebook message and say, "Hey, you know that one class we had was challenging, but I'm so glad I did it. Thank you so much." That's the reward for me.

What is something people are completely obsessed with but you just don't get the point of?

I think the only thing I'm concerned about is when people are so obsessed with their technology that they're missing out on building real relationships. I think there's a concern that people are losing the ability to communicate with each other. When you're behind your technology, it's easy to say things that you wouldn't say face-to-face. It's harder face-to-face to work on your communication. I just wish more people would take more time for the face-to-face.

What slang or trend makes you feel out of the loop?

Well, the fashion trends, they just swing back around. A lot of music that people like is music that I've heard before.

I think the challenge is to keep up with words that people use that aren't necessarily part of the English language. When people use terminology and I'm trying to figure out what they mean by it, I always think about the students that come to the University from a different country for a semester. That must be so confusing to them.

I don't think there's anything that necessarily makes me feel out of the loop because I look at it like this-as long as you are participating in life and you're that lifelong learner, that in itself keeps you up to date with everything.

What is something you have always wanted to do but haven't had the courage to do?

There's a part of me that always wants to do those challenging things like jump out of an airplane, do a zipline in the mountains, things like that. Those are those things that challenge you to do something maybe you're not that comfortable with, but after, it's amazing.

(This interview was conducted by University Communications student worker Kaylee Johnson '20.)