Siddiqi named English and Journalism Chair
Alyse Thompson
Issue date: 9/14/09 Section: News
Dr. Mohammad Siddiqi was appointed to English and Journalism Interim Chair on July 1.
As interim chair, Siddiqi not only maintains the previous responsibilities of teaching his public relations class and advising the Western Illinois University chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, but also helps to preserve the wellbeing of the entire department.
"I make schedules for the faculty, run operations in the department, make sure the students' needs are served well, represent the interest of the department and make sure the classrooms and facilities are up to date and have no problems," Siddiqi said.
Although his very clear-cut duties are demanding, Siddiqi still believes in a higher purpose behind all of his efforts, despite the short time he will spend as interim chair.
"It is only a one year position. By the time I learn everything, I will exit from the responsibility," Siddiqi said. "In the meantime, I focus on serving the staff and students as best I can. I want them to gain excellence, be the best teachers and get involved in the college."
For Siddiqi, the excellence should come in three areas: teaching, research and service. And while his main goals this year revolve around those ideas, he still manages to do what he really enjoys: working with students.
"I love teaching. It's my passion; it is what I like to do the most, but the responsibility came at a time when I had to take it," Siddiqi said.
While his administrative tasks take up the majority of his time, Siddiqi negotiated his contract so he could still teach a public relations class, which is his favorite subject.
"That is my primary area of interest," Siddiqi said. "I see it as a growing field - more jobs and internship opportunities. Students from different majors can choose public relations, so I get to meet with a large pool of students from different majors. I draw satisfaction that the students enjoy being in class and that they get internships, and they get jobs in many disciplines."
As interim chair, Siddiqi not only maintains the previous responsibilities of teaching his public relations class and advising the Western Illinois University chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, but also helps to preserve the wellbeing of the entire department.
"I make schedules for the faculty, run operations in the department, make sure the students' needs are served well, represent the interest of the department and make sure the classrooms and facilities are up to date and have no problems," Siddiqi said.
Although his very clear-cut duties are demanding, Siddiqi still believes in a higher purpose behind all of his efforts, despite the short time he will spend as interim chair.
"It is only a one year position. By the time I learn everything, I will exit from the responsibility," Siddiqi said. "In the meantime, I focus on serving the staff and students as best I can. I want them to gain excellence, be the best teachers and get involved in the college."
For Siddiqi, the excellence should come in three areas: teaching, research and service. And while his main goals this year revolve around those ideas, he still manages to do what he really enjoys: working with students.
"I love teaching. It's my passion; it is what I like to do the most, but the responsibility came at a time when I had to take it," Siddiqi said.
While his administrative tasks take up the majority of his time, Siddiqi negotiated his contract so he could still teach a public relations class, which is his favorite subject.
"That is my primary area of interest," Siddiqi said. "I see it as a growing field - more jobs and internship opportunities. Students from different majors can choose public relations, so I get to meet with a large pool of students from different majors. I draw satisfaction that the students enjoy being in class and that they get internships, and they get jobs in many disciplines."
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