Originally an actor across the country in New York, Cal State Fullerton faculty member Gwendolyn Alexis decided to go back to school at an older age. She was in her 40s when she finished her undergraduate degree and in her 50s when she earned a master’s degree.
While working a public service career in New York, Alexis learned that government jobs include tuition reimbursement. She took full advantage of the employee benefit program and earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
Upon completion of her graduate degree, Alexis decided to pursue a career in higher education. Moving across the country with her family, she tapped into her professional network and engaged with several African American studies departments across Orange County. Eventually, Alexis was hired as a lecturer in Cal State Fullerton’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, teaching multiple courses early in her career.
Alexis’ positive reputation comes from her teaching style. She doesn’t lecture. She facilitates, and she turns her classrooms into families. She taught during the COVID-19 pandemic and was able to connect with her students online. Alexis said she enjoys the cohort structure because it allows her to connect and be part of a community with her students. As someone who enrolled in online classes herself as a student, Alexis said she understands the importance of online learning and the flexibility it allows students.
Now, Alexis teaches African American Music Appreciation, which is part of the Online B.A. in Humanities and Social Sciences. She believes music is always historically important, regardless of what is happening in the world.
To learn more about Alexis, watch her video interview or see her TEDxCSUF lecture. Visit the University Extension website to learn about programs.