McKenzie Fleeman
Dr. Lauren Thompson, a member of the Marietta College class of 2006, is serving as the visiting assistant professor of history this year.
Thompson wanted to return to teach at Marietta because of the small class sizes and student-teacher relationships. She enjoys getting to know her students and interacting with them in and out of the classroom, whether it is attending a sporting event or being an advisor for a student organization.
Thompson also feels that that the relationships she formed with her professors at Marietta
were some of the most significant influences in her decision to become a professor herself.
“Marietta holds a special place in my heart because it’s where my roots of inquiry and journey to a Ph. D. all began because my professors believed in me,” Thompson told The Marcolian.
Thompson began her college journey at Marietta College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in history. She also has a Master of Arts in history from West Virginia University and a Ph. D. in history from Florida State University.
As a former student, Thompson says she can appreciate many Mariette College traditions. One of her favorite memories from her time as a student as was Doo Dah Day and she wishes the college would continue the tradition.
“It was the one thing we all looked forward to in the spring,” she said. “It was an all-day funfest of mud volleyball, inflatables, concerts and cookouts on Parsons Field.”
Thompson was pleased to see the improvements Marietta College has made to campus since she was a student, one of which was the addition of the Legacy Library.
“I was student body president, so I got to speak with the governor of Ohio, who was then Ted Strickland, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Legacy Library.”
Thompson also appreciates the new technology that was not available during her time at Marietta. She believes that these advances, including Moodle, Map Works and PioConnect, enhance the student-teacher relationship.
“I also think the Worthington Teaching Center is really great, as a faculty member, to know that I have resources to not only help with my classroom, but help me develop as a professor,” she said.
Thompson believes that one of the college’s greatest strengths continues to be the focus on a liberal arts education.
“I think the whole point of a liberal arts education is to make you an educated citizen and to empower you,” she said.
