Many new professors began their first semester this week at the College. Some are visiting and some, such as Professor Ahmet Atay with the Communications department, are here to stay.† Originally from Cyprus, a small island in the Mediterranean, Atay studied in Turkey at the prestigious Marmara University which is home to over 50,000 students.† He received his B.A. in Radio, T.V., and Film in 1998.† He then received his first Masters in Telecommunications and Communication, Arts, and Culture at Ohio University, and then his second Masters in Communication from the University of Northern Iowa.† Finally, Atay studied at Southern Illinois University and received his Ph.D. in Speech Communication and Media Studies.

Atay has stayed in the midwestern region of the country since coming to the United States and admits that while he favors the “midwestern kindness,” he misses not being near the Mediterranean Sea.

Originally, Atay was interested in biology rather than communications. He also had the desire to make movies rather than analyze them.† Since his childhood, Atay has been interested in media in one way or another.† He has watched many of the older TV shows and movies, and though not from America, he has extensive knowledge concerning American film, history of pop culture, and media over a wide range of years.

Atay believes that communications has helped him in his everyday life even while outside the classroom.† He admits that at one time he was shy and disliked public speaking. However, now standing in front of 100 students he has confidence which he attributes to his extensive study of communications.

When watching TV or listening to the radio he is able to read into the politics or to critically watch an advertisement or show in order to understand why the producer is portraying a scene or character in a certain way in order to get a point across to their audience, rather than only seeng the surface of what is in front of him.

A major difference Atay notices between his experience at Marmara University and the universities here is that in Turkey the student is expected to know all the information prior to class.† The classes there were only lectures and rarely discussion-based.† While he taught lectures before at the University of Louisville, Atay says he looks forward to being able to engage his students in a more discussion–based class where their input is voiced and valued.

Atay will be teaching Radio Workshops, Public Speaking, and Radio TV and Film in America. Students should be expected to be pushed out of their comfort zones in these classes, but Atay believes this to be a positive aspect as it is the way he gained the confidence he has today.† He also suggests that to be successful in his classes it is imperative to come prepared.

In addition to these classes he will also get first-hand experience in advising a few students during their Junior and Senior Independent Study projects. Though new to the I.S. experience, Atay is in favor of the process and thinks it helps students engage in a topic that interests them to make them experts in their respective major.

For any further questions concerning Professor Atay’s classes please contact him at AAtay@wooster.edu