MU Spotlight 20/20

MARTHA REID

What is your role at the University and what is something many may not know about the work you do?

I am a professor in the English Department and typically teach courses in early modern English drama (Shakespeare and his contemporaries) and twentieth-century literature. I also advise the English majors who are pursuing secondary teacher certification in English and supervise their student-teaching semester. Students and newer faculty and staff members may not know that my first role at Moravian was in administration, so I tend to view college issues from more than one perspective.

My favorite spot on campus is…

My favorite spot on campus is my office in Zinzendorf Hall because it's comfortable, has a great view of the Comenius Quadrangle, surrounds me with books and valued colleagues, and offers quiet, personal space to talk with students.

What’s your favorite Moravian tradition?

My favorite Moravian University tradition is Christmas Vespers because of the beautiful music of the choirs and instruments, the glorious space of Central Church, the candles, and "Morning Star."

Have you given or received a #MyMoPaw yet?

I gave a MoPaw to Dr. Nicole Tabor, specifically for her role in bringing Anna Deveare Smith to campus, though just as much for her enduring and endearing goodness; and it made me smile because she received it with her usual grace and humility.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not on campus?

My favorite thing to do when I am away from campus is reading books (also my favorite thing to do when I am on campus) because, in the words of Emily Dickinson, "There is no Frigate like a Book/To take us Lands away."

Finish this sentence: “When I grow up, I want to be _____.”

I don't want to grow up. I am increasingly trying to grow down.

Who is your hero? Why?

Shakespeare is my hero because he understood what it meant to be human, and his art helps the rest of us to understand, love, and forgive each other.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

"Let it be." —The Beatles

What makes you happy?

Curiosity makes me happy, satisfying it makes me happier, and continually renewing it makes me happiest of all.

If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?

Anna Deveare Smith. Because she can play anyone! And I would be honored.