Sonya Shepherd
Associate Professor
Zach S. Henderson Library
Biographical Essay
 Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, I realized at a young age that I desired to teach. I attended LaGrange College (LC) obtaining a BS in Computer Science with a Minor in Mathematics (1993). With the guidance of my godfather and LC’s Library Director, I decided to enroll in Clark-Atlanta University. I completed CAU in December 1994 with a MS in Library Service. I also attended Georgia Southern and graduated in December 2003 with a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration.
On January 16, 1995, I began working at the Zach S. Henderson Library as the Assistant Government Documents Librarian. Throughout the years, I’ve served on many State, University and library committees. I’ve also served as the Faculty Advisor to the Undergraduate Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council for many years.
Obtaining tenure in 2001 and being promoted to Associate Professor in 2005, I currently serve as the Instructional Technology Librarian and Associate Department Head of the Information Services Department (ISD) within the library. My responsibilities include teaching research and computer skills; serving as liaison to the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Colleges of Education, Information Technology, and Graduate Studies; and assisting with the daily operations of our department. I also hire and train the students that work in the library’s computer lab. And I assist graduate students with their theses/dissertations formatting.
Over the years, I’ve been selected to attend several prestigious leadership institutes or conferences– the Snowbird Leadership Institute (1999), the Library Administration and Management Association Leadership Institute (2004) and the Frye Leadership Institute (2005), all of which have helped me to become the librarian, educator, and leader I am today.
While education is very important to me, so is family, church, and my sorority. I’ve been married since 1999 and I have an 18 year old step daughter. I’m an active member of the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Decatur, GA as well as a watchcare member at Whitesville Full Gospel Worship Center in Statesboro. And I’m an active member of Alpha Kappa Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where I hold local and regional committee memberships.
Teaching Philosophy
I teach because I love helping others discover resources and services that will make what they do in their educational, professional, and personal lives more efficient and effective. I also would like for them to know what they do can be enjoyable. Reflecting on what students and faculty/staff should obtain from my instruction, leads me to the thought that I want them to ultimately become more confident in knowing they will be properly equipped to complete any task assigned to them. After obtaining instruction from me, I want students and faculty/staff to be able to do any or all of the following:
- Obtain and proficiently use computer and research skills, and utilize information found in their respective fields of study/research
- Become comfortable using technology
- Think outside the box on topics/activities (e.g., think of alternative means of saying/doing something)
- Realize what they are doing is a part of a process and there is a bigger picture to be considered
- Think about all the different ways of addressing that bigger picture
- Use critical thinking to evaluate information obtained and know how to best use that information as well as give credit where credit is due when ideas are not their own
- Try not to be afraid of what they can do and learn; be adventurous; the possibilities are endless
- Realize everyone is unique, so the way one person learns and completes a task is different from another person
Teaching Strategies
 I have taught a variety of one shot workshops, bibliographic instruction classes, point of instruction, and semester long classes. I have used many techniques to deliver class content (e.g., PowerPoint, web pages, WebCT, group presentations, and lecture). I continue to develop and improve my teaching strategies as I continue to teach. The training I provide to the ISD student assistants includes point of instruction (one-on-one); demonstrations; peer-to-peer instruction; web page tutorials; email quizzes; and WebCT tutorials and quizzes. I also provide annual performance evaluations which consist of email and Web form questions.
In short, I believe in using or doing the following:
- Hands-on, face-to-face, one-on-one, online instruction
- Always make myself available
- Stay abreast of resources and technology
- Reduce fears/stress
- Provide a support system (someone helped me, so I'm obligated to do the same)
- Collaborate with others, no one knows everything
- Appeal/relate to all populations
- Use personal experiences as teaching points
- Use pre- and post-assessments/class evaluations to gauge what has been learned, what individuals would like to learn, and how to improve delivery of instruction.
I feel it is important to use diverse teaching methods to reach those I am teaching so they will be able to receive, understand, and use the information they need. I also believe it is important to meet people in their environments, so they will be more comfortable with learning and will ask questions without feeling embarrassed. And no matter what, don't be afraid to ask questions no matter how many times you repeat them. To whom much is given, much is required (adapted from Luke 12:48). |
