Beyond the Classroom: Dr. Channon Miller, Dr. Angela Nurse

Two members of the University of San Diego’s 2017-18 Diversity Postdoctoral Fellows cohort, Dr. Channon Miller in the Department of History and Sociology’s Dr. Angela Nurse, recently had the chance to get better acquainted with students, staff and fellow USD faculty members during the latest Beyond the Classroom event hosted by the United Front Multicultural Center.

Miller and Nurse, who arrived at USD in August, shared a little bit about their respective backgrounds — Miller grew up in Hartford, Conn., and attended Trinity College in Hartford and graduate school at Boston University while Nurse, originally from Wisconsin, earned her undergraduate and PhD degrees at Michigan State.

They each shared a favorite/inspiring book, spoke of their research interests, participated in an audience breakout discussion that asked “how has your identity impacted your USD experience?” and both gave advice they’d tell their younger self now.

Both women shared stories about their upbringing, lessons learned along the way and how they faced obstacles that have helped shape who they are and how their experiences helped them find their respective path in education.

Miller, whose degrees are in American Studies, expressed her appreciation for the 1982 National Book Award-winning book, “The Women of Brewster Place,” by talented black female author Gloria Naylor.

Nurse, whose degrees are a BA in psychology with an emphasis on social relations and a PhD in Sociology with an emphasis on African American and African Studies, cherishes author Maxine Leeds Craig’s book, “Ain’t I a Beauty Queen? Black Women, Beauty and the Politics of Race,” which was connected to graduate research on de-objectifying bodies and how African American women view their own skin color.

Both professors said they’ve enjoyed their time so far at USD and continue to learn more about the campus. Both are teaching courses during the spring semester.

To learn more about them, click on Q-and-A interviews done earlier this academic year by Communication Studies major Nadia Nguyen, a sophomore, with Miller and Nurse.

In addition to the Beyond the Classroom gathering, Miller and Nurse are participating in the Black Student Resource Center’s (BSRC) Black Faculty Chats, which is part of USD’s Black History Month programming in February. Nurse’s topic is “From Wisconsin to San Diego: Navigating Racial Boundaries Through Dress and Fashion,” on Feb. 21 at 5 p.m. Miller will speak on “Reclaiming the Civil Rights Movement,” Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. Both chats take place in the BSRC, which is located in Hahn University Center, Room 113.

— Ryan T. Blystone