FACULTY BIOS
Olayele Adelakun, Information Systems
Judy Bundra, Music
Julie DeRoche, Music
Richard Farkas, Political Science
Joseph Ferrari, Psychology
Lisa Gundry, Management
Matt Irvine, Digital Cinema
Andrea Lyon, Law
Amber Settle, Computer Science
Bibiana Suárez, Art/Art History
Bibiana Suárez, M.F.A.
Professor
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching at DePaul?
Throughout my eighteen years teaching at DePaul there have been many rewarding experiences, but two stand out for me. My association with the students, faculty and staff of the Latino/Latin American Studies program and the Center of Latino Research has been tremendously important to me both personally and professionally. Given my research interests, I have found colleagues and students there with whom I could have meaningful exchanges and share interests and experiences. Equally rewarding has been my part in developing our program in the Department of Art and Art History, both in curricular offerings as well as facilities. I have seen the rewards of that effort, as it leads to many of our alumni pursuing graduate studies (MFA), working and exhibiting professionally and teaching at the college level.
What do you like best about DePaul students?
Most of our students are committed to their education and are also friendly and respectful. Because I teach courses for both art majors and non-art majors, I like the fact that I also get to work with students whose main interests are outside of the art field. That brings a different perspective to my art classes that is beneficial to all involved.
What do students like best about the courses you teach?
In my student evaluations, students seem to appreciate not only my knowledge, preparedness and teaching methods, but moreover, the time I spend helping them outside of class time.
What has been your greatest success while teaching here?
Seeing three of the students who were enrolled in the first graduating class I taught at DePaul receive graduate degrees and go on to teach at college level as well as exhibit and/or publish.
What makes DePaul different from other universities?
DePaul’s urban mission and interest in social justice is definitely what makes this institution different from others. There is a commitment not only at the institutional level but also at the curricular level to expose students to challenging social and political issues that will help them to become sensible and responsible citizens, regardless of what their major may be.
How would you describe the DePaul community -- the diversity of students, faculty and alumni?
The DePaul community changes from college to college, so I can only speak for my college, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Although some work remains to be done in fully diversifying our college’s faculty and student populations, we are an increasingly diverse community with respect to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and approaches to teaching. This diversity is reflected in the number of multicultural and GLBQT student organizations as well as in the interdisciplinary programs whose content base not only educates our students about difference but also encourages them to embrace it.
What advice would you give to a student considering majoring in a Liberal Arts and Science concentration, such as art & art history?
I talk to prospective students about the benefits of studying at an institution which provides them with a balanced education between liberal arts and their major, in addition to the possibility of selecting an allied field in which to pursue a minor. In my opinion, a well-planned, integrated undergraduate education is the best choice for both studio and art history majors. It produces a well-rounded individual, one who can write well, think critically and have a strong content base to bring to their professional discipline and/or graduate level studies.
In art & art history, students can choose to specialize in fine art, art and design, media arts and art history. Can you tell us what drew you to become an instructor who focuses on these areas?
When I began teaching at DePaul our program was small with only two concentrations, studio (fine arts) and art history. Because I have a strong interest in art history and therefore make this subject relevant within the studio training I provide to students, DePaul’s art program was a good fit for me. In spite of our growth we have continued that curricular focus in our program that now serves more than two hundred majors, twenty-three full-time faculty and four concentrations.
What else would you say to prospective students considering DePaul?
DePaul is an excellent option. But in addition to the offerings I have already mentioned, its location in the Midwest’s largest, most cosmopolitan urban center with access to great resources for learning makes it a highly desirable place to study.
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