Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: Headlines

Molly Mayhead is an associate professor of speech who's published book, Navigating Boundaries, is receiving rave reviews.

Q: Do you identify yourself more as a writer/author or a teacher?

A: As a teacher.

Which did you start out to be?

I started out in education but senior year I started looking into becoming a university professor.

Who were the major influences in your life that made you want to become a professor?

My parents, and a few really fine professors throughout my undergraduate and graduate years.

When did you first decide you loved writing?

In high school.

What do you love
about Supreme court
rhetoric? First
Amendment issues? Women's Rhetoric?

First, Supreme Court and women's rhetoric discusses key social and political issues, both historical and of our time. Secondly, I am fascinated by how people use words and symbols to persuade. Third, I enjoy the clash of ideas.

Have you ever participated in a protest or demonstration?

Yeah, several times I've protested at a demonstration against this university. Also, pro choice rallies.
How does it change you to be a published author, both as a writer
and as a person?

As a writer, once you publish, the expectation is to follow up with another and better publication. As a teacher, it allows me to draw examples from my research and writing.

What was the hardest part of writing the book?

Doing the Index. It's hard to do because it's the most boring. Researching is fun, writing is fun, what word is on what page is boring.

To you, what is the most important aspect of what you do as an author and a teacher?

To make a link between the writing and what I teach. Also, to make it known that the ideas don't occur in a vacuum, they need to come alive so I can show the relevance to students.


Where do you hope the writing takes you in the future?

I hope to never run out of ideas to write about or the passion for argument of issues that matter. The truth is, rarely do academic writers become wealthy or famous.

I'd also like to be on the Daily Show.•

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