Dr. Jackie Simpson

Move over McGraw-Hill, Mr. Mint and Princess Frostina, long time residents of Peppermint Forest, Candy Land, are coming through. McMurry University Sociology professor Dr. Jackie Simpson uses Candy Land, toy airplanes, and other innovative teaching methods to help her students understand the ins and outs of sociology. “It’s different but it works! My theory is that if they (the students) do it, they will remember it. If they are laughing they will remember it even better.” For the senior class of 2006, sociology is not all they remember about Dr. Simpson. Simpson was recognized as the 2006 Senior Class Outstanding Professor of the Year.

Simpson currently teaches several Introduction to Sociology courses as well as courses in her specialty, the sociology of race and gender. Dr. Simpson’s introductory courses “introduced” her to the freshman student and she fell in love. She now teaches McMurry 101, a freshman orientation class. By teaching McMurry 101 and other introductory courses, Dr. Simpson has found a connection to new students and has become key figure in helping them adjust to college life.

Simpson is a firm believer in a one-on-one relationship with a student, an aspect that sets McMurry apart from other colleges and universities. “Students need to know you are human. It is important at a school like McMurry to have not only classroom interaction, but also social interaction with your students.”

Simpson also believes students are more apt to succeed when they are in a comfortable, home-like setting. This also happens to be the very reason she choose McMurry for herself. After earning her Doctorate at the University of Arizona, Simpson received several teaching offers. However, “McMurry was the most comfortable. It felt like home.”

So here’s to all you Sociology 101 text books, hope you can make it to King Kandy’s castle before Lord Licorice traps you in Licorice Forest!