Faculty Friday: Ryan Hersha

Ryan Hersha is an English Professor at SUNY Corning Community College who moved to the area from Michigan in 2010. He brings a unique perspective to the classroom, combining his knowledge of literature with his passion for communications. Through his classes, he hopes to inspire his students to become better writers and readers by exposing them to different types of literature, both classic and contemporary. His enthusiasm for the written word is evident in his teaching style and commitment to helping students find their voice through writing.

When he isn't teaching, Ryan enjoys cooking, experimenting with vegan recipes, and watching 1930s and 1940s comedies. His passion for language and literature, and his love of cooking, make him an ideal teacher for students looking to explore the world of words. He advocates encouraging creativity through writing and exploring new ways to express oneself. 

As part of our Faculty Friday series, we are delighted to introduce you to Ryan Hersha as we learn more about his hobbies and interests.

Q: When did you begin working at SUNY CCC, and why/how did you end up here?
A: Back in 2010, I moved here from the great state of Michigan, where I still have family and friends. I relocated for the sake of my teaching career, which has been richly rewarding--and I love the natural beauty of upstate New York.

Q: What classes do you teach at SUNY CCC?
A: I teach Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and a variety of English classes, including Film Analysis in the Digital Dome!

Q: What's your favorite part about being a faculty member at SUNY CCC?
A: My students inspire me. College is a time when we are not only learning about the world but challenging ourselves to change and grow--and persist through life challenges that can seem daunting. And I love to hear from students after they've gone on to further success in their academic and professional lives and to make a difference in their communities. These years attending college may be short in duration, but they are turning points, and you get to meet many interesting people.

Q: What's been the best part of your professional career?
A: My professional life has been enriched tremendously by my involvement in our faculty's union, which has been a voice for high-quality instruction for our students and improved state funding for the college, among many other issues. But in terms of sheer enjoyment, I have to say that I've had the most fun simply teaching and discussing the subjects I love every day with my students.

Q: What's one thing most people don't know about you?
A: I am very interested in the nature of consciousness and the so-called afterlife. For example, what do we make of people's accounts of near-death experiences? Do my jade plants appreciate my talking kindly to them? What do cuttlefish think about?

Q: What do you like to do during your free time/time outside of the classroom?
A: I enjoy running, hiking, traveling, reading, writing, listening to music of any genre, and watching old movies. A recent obsession has been screwball comedies of the 30s and 40s. I also enjoy time in my kitchen, experimenting with vegan recipes--and testing the smoke detector.