Fast 5 With Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak

Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak criss-crossed the country (and the world) on her path to Whitman—from her home city of Cologne, Germany, to Texas, Washington and Pennsylvania. But it was the call of the Northwest and the small-campus environment that drew her to Whitman College and her new role as Provost and Dean of the Faculty.

We sat down with her to learn how she’s settling in and what she sees on the horizon for Whitman academics.

1. What sets Whitman apart from other schools?

The way in which Whitman is able to support students—and faculty are able to mentor students—in a small-class environment. When I hear about the kinds of field trips and experiential learning opportunities that faculty design, they’re very intentional in a way I have not seen before anywhere that I’ve been.

2. What’s next for Whitman academics?

Faculty have just created a new minor in Law, Culture and the Humanities that we hope will spark students’ interest. We’ve also had a discussion group on community-engaged teaching and learning. How can we build a robust and sustainable teaching environment that supports faculty wanting to take students out into the community and make that a real learning experience?

3. How has being an English professor shaped your approach to your role?

I loved reading because I loved learning about different worlds. I hope people see in me some sort of openness and disposition toward understanding others and always approaching the person that’s sitting across from me as a human.

4. Did you have a favorite book to teach? 

So many! In South Texas I taught Chicana literature. So one of my favorites is Gloria Anzaldúa’s “Borderlands/La Frontera.” I always go back to that. It’s essayistic, it’s novelistic, it’s got poetry interspersed. So sometimes when I look for a poem, I flip it open. It’s just what I needed.

5. What are your first impressions of Walla Walla?

I love it! I wanted to come back to the West. I was in central Pennsylvania in a pretty small town. Walla Walla offers a lot more amenities culturally speaking. And I just love the outdoors. Every Saturday my husband and I go for a hike. We try to clear our brains and enjoy nature and the mountains.