Meet Professor Timothy Cochran

Degree and from where it was received: B.A. - Theatre- Acting Emphasis- University of Northern Colorado M.A. - Human Communication- University of Northern Colorado Courses you teach: Public Speaking, Professional Speaking, Introduction to Communication, Fundamentals of Acting, Page To Stage Accomplishments (personal or professional): For the last 5 years, I have been able to utilize my background in theatre and communication at Western Nebraska Community College and now here at Holyoke Community College. Last year I served as Artistic Director of Theatre West Summer Repertory and have worked in theatres in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Massachusetts and Connecticut. I am most proud of conquering my own fear of public speaking while I was in college. I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to help students overcome their fears and become dynamic communicators at work and in their personal lives. -Presented research about Communication Apprehension at the National    Communication Association in Chicago -Acting and Directing Workshop for Sacramento's Imprint Theatre    Company - Student's Choice Award- Western Nebraska Community College - Started 1st 24 hour play festival in Nebraska Favorite thing about teaching: My favorite thing about teaching is to see students discover their passion and develop a hunger for knowledge. I love watching students negotiate their strengths and weaknesses by facing their fears of public speaking. It is amazing how many students seem to emerge from a cocoon when they put their chin down to tackle their communication fears. Memorable moment at HCC: It was probably when I had a student tell me that she was able to win a custody case for her child with the skills she learned in Public Speaking. She told me that she followed the theories that we learned about in class and was able to persuade the judge to grant her custody of her child. It really affirmed that what we are doing in the classroom will provide students with dynamic ways to interact with the public and achieve their goals. Also, the experience working on the HCC fall drama production of the Cripple of Inishmaan by Martin McDonagh. The students worked so hard on this show and were able to pull of an Irish dialect and tackle a very difficult script. Teaching philosophy: To care for and be receptive to our students needs. To provide students with the tools that will help them be successful in their future endeavors. Meet the Faculty     Holyoke Community College 303 Homestead Ave. Holyoke, MA (413) 538-7000