Faculty spotlight: Nicole “Nicki” Lee, Ph.D.
Nicole “Nicki” Lee, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in teaching at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work. She has been with the school for many years learning from others and teaching future social workers. Her kind demeanor and fun loving attitude keep students coming back for more. Her classes are often among the first to fill up; with students begging for an override into her class.
“I love to bring humor into the classroom because I think that in the social work profession, we deal with so many challenging issues, that we have to be able to find the spark, the humor, the beauty that is within each of the situations that we experience.”
Lee, is one of the many treasures that you can find within the School of Social Work and we are happy to share some of her story.
Can you tell me a little about the courses you teach?
I typically teach the research and human behavior courses for the bachelor’s and master’s programs. I recently started teaching the senior practice course for the B.S.W. seniors. The senior practice class is the first practice class where they have a two-semester internship. This practice class allows them to integrate in class knowledge, such as, theories of the profession with actual practice in a community-based agency. This also provides an opportunity for to refine their social work values and understand how they are integrated into diverse settings.
Let’s take a step back, how did your Social Work journey begin?
I attended College of William & Mary and thought that I would eventually become a pediatrician. My knowledge of other professions was limited and being exposed to other courses made me feel a sense of, there’s so much out here that I can do but I’m not quite sure what I want to do. I took lots of classes and did not declare my major until the first semester of my senior year. Interestingly enough, I still graduated on time. I became a geology major because I found out I loved research. I was really fascinated with the whole idea of the earth and what it can tell us about its history and also about ourselves, but then when I graduated I realized that I loved the research process. Learning, and all of the “awe” that’s part of the education process. But, I didn’t necessarily want to work with rocks. I needed that human contact, so I ended up working a few not for profit organizations that were in the health-care and I really came to love it. I was part of a nephrology social work group and worked closely with social workers, and developed a love for what they did. I decided that this is what I wanted to do. I went back to school for social work and then after that I decided to stay to complete my PhD. Immediately afterwards I worked for the YWCA in their sexual and domestic violence program and their child development.
How long have you been at VCU?
I was here as a student and I received my MSW and my PhD here. I have been teaching as an adjunct on and off for 10 years and this will be my fourth year as full time faculty.
So what brought you back the VCU School of Social Work as a faculty member?
Everything that I loved doing as part of my job at the YWCA involved learning and teaching: developing training programs, doing research, and writing different publications and grants. All involved working with others and engaging in research and there was a huge teaching component. We had this very strong student unit at the YWCA, and I taught as an adjunct for a while until a faculty position at VCU opened up. As an adjunct, I said to myself ‘wow, I really feel that this is something that I could do full time’, and it was difficult leaving the YWCA but it was the best decision for me and I ended up really loving it and the position evolved and so now I’m here.
One thing I did look up was your rate my professor. Have you looked at your Rate my Professor?
*Laughs*
Well I haven’t looked at it recently.
Well, the comments are really positive and your students seem to have enjoyed your class and the time they shared with you. Could you tell me what you try and do to make it so your students are saying things like “Dr. Lee is great! She is passionate about the subject matter at hand, whether it is research or human behavior (she teaches both). She’s tough, but fair. She will also be very responsive to you via text/email or if you need to meet for office hours. Use the book, show up to class, and ask questions.”
My philosophy is: when I enter the classroom my goal is to provide a positive learning environment, one that is respectful of students and supportive of the learning environment. I see myself as the facilitator of that process, and so when I enter, I tell students that I am the facilitator of this experience, but it is up to them to also bring knowledge into the classroom. I approach it using adult learning theories and thinking about the process by which we learn. We learn by repetition, we learn by feeling safe and feeling that we can admit when we don’t know something. We learn by taking risks. Being incorrect brings us that much closer to being right. So it’s really just about creating an environment where students feel that they are challenged but know that they also are responsible for creating the environment in which they need to succeed.
I feel very committed to helping students but also to enhancing my teaching skills. I see myself also as a learner. I am constantly learning; learning how to be a better instructor and learning how to craft the class so that it is accommodating for different learning perspectives.
During your time at VCU, what have been some of your favorite memories thus far? Is there anything that you are exceptionally proud of whether it is your own accomplishment or that of your students?
I think the achievements of my students make me the proudest because the research courses are so challenging to teach. Not only are you teaching content but you are also helping students realize their potential and helping them to overcome their fear of research. I have had many students come to be in the class and say, “I’m terrified. I don’t know how I’m going to get through this class.” So I am rewarded each time I see my students actually move from being terrified of research to developing a love for it and even if they don’t develop a love for it, leaving with an understanding of how to be a good consumer of research and feeling confident in that aspect. I think that’s what is really rewarding. It is amazing when students actually realize that research is a tool for social justice. Now, I guess if I had to think of a second time when its been most rewarding it would be those times when students are not doing well. It has challenged me as an instructor to be fair and consistent and even though that’s been hard in the end I feel like students respect me for it. I have learned to not take things personally and that people are not infallible but they still deserve your attention and respect all the same. Through any challenge I still know that I am their instructor and it is my responsibility to help students have the best possible learning experience that they can.
Are you currently a member of any boards or organizations outside of VCU or inside of VCU?
Well, as many people know I teach Zumba, so I am a member of Aerobics and Fitness Association of America; so I am CPR certified and I am licensed to teach three types of Zumba: Zumba for older adults, Zumba step, and regular land Zumba. I am also a member of the Virginia Greyhound Association and I am actively involved with the rescue and relocation of retired greyhounds. I’ve also adopted two of the greyhounds and I help others who are interested in providing a home for a greyhound.
What is your favorite thing in your office?
I love animals. The animal of the moment right now is the owl. So, I guess my favorite office item would be my owls. To me, they symbolize wisdom and they are very interesting animals. In fact, did you know that owls are predatory animals and when they eat, they ingest the entire animal, but unlike other animals they can actually regurgitate the bones. I find it fascinating from an evolutionary standpoint. Along with my owls, I would have to say my positive words on the walls would be something I enjoy having. I think that your environment influences your outlook so I try and keep it positive for my students and myself.
What are some things that you enjoy doing outside of the office?
I really enjoy spending time with my husband. We go to yoga together. It’s one of our date night activities. I also enjoy playing with all of my animals, doing zumba, practicing yoga and pilates. I just really like being fit and working out. I enjoy learning about health and how to increase healthiness. I have been a vegetarian for over 30 years and so I just like to see what research is out there on food and health and diet and how to be healthier. I am also very interested in genealogy. I’ve been able to track my mothers’ side back to the early 1800’s. I found out that I have a relative who fought in the civil war with the Louisiana 92nd Regiment United States Colored Infantry. Considering all that was happening at that time, I am very impressed with their service and look forward to diving deeper into my family’s genealogy.
Categories Faculty and staff