Every club has a wonderful adviser that puts in their own time and effort to make the group strong, organized, and successful. When Her Campus Xavier was founded, it was little more than an idea in the minds of Danielle Curtis and I, current Campus Correspondents and co-founders of HCXU. We approached Dr. Wendy Maxian, an associate professor in the Communication Arts department, and she instantly agreed, believing in our mission.
Throughout all of last year we were blessed with her unwavering support even though we were a young group, trying to figure out our own path to a sustainable club model. Now that we’re approaching the one-year anniversary of our launch, we found it fitting that we honor Dr. Maxian as our first Campus Celebrity of the new school year!
Originally from Fabius, New York, she made her way to Ohio when she attended John Carroll University – a fellow Jesuit institution located outside of Cleveland (fun fact, they also have a Her Campus chapter!). This year marks her 7th year at Xavier where her classroom focus is on how media is consumed and its transformative nature.
Dr. Maxian didn’t always want to be a professor; “I knew I wasn’t a nine to five person. It sort of evolved from there. I was a Teacher’s Assistant in the last semester of my graduate program.” How lucky we are that she chose academia!
Her interest in media was “something [she] was always interested in.” Dr. Maxian’s specific focus stemmed from her PhD adviser; the emotional connection between media and the recipient was also their focus. Students consistently praise her classes; so if you have a chance to take a Communication Arts class, consider one of her sections!
In her spare time, she hangs out with her big dog Sadie and Netflix-binges (see, it’s okay to do that even as a responsible adult!). Maxian comments, “I get sucked into the recommended section… Like because I watched something I’d like something else.” Don’t we all, Dr. Maxian. She also enjoys cooking and trying new recipes, though she admits part of this hobby is a procrastination tool.
Her advice to new students?
“Explore new interests. Find YOURS. Not your parents, not your professors, but YOURS. Dive in and protect your time.”Â