By Kaitlin Forestieri (Whetstone Staff Writer)
Kaitlin Forestieri: What were you doing before you came to Wesley?
Dr. Gwen Pursell: I was an assistant professor at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame Indiana, an all woman’s college, so it’s been different.
Dr. Lori Azzara: I was a tenured professor and Department Chairperson for Behavioral Science at North Shore Community College. I also had my own private clinical practice. I am not interested in opening a clinic here in the immediate future.
KF: What brought you to Wesley?
GP: I was looking to get back close to my family, I’m originally from Delaware. My family lives in Smyrna and I found out Wesley was hiring. It was like it was meant to be. I attended the University of Delaware, University of Richmond, and Florida University in Boca Raton. I have been all over.
LA: I was brought to Delaware when I was married in August. Wesley was the only college I applied to because it was the best fit for my strengths and what I could bring to campus.
Dr. Gwen Pursell
KF: Do you have any specialties with your doctorate?
GP: Developmental Psychology. My specialties are running a day care, teaching, or anything involving children.
LA: I have my PSYD in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in Neurological Psychology and Forensic Psychology.
KF: What classes are you teaching?
GP: I am teaching Introduction to Psychology, Human Development, and Senior Seminar.
LA: Introduction to Psychology, Psychological Science which is a research course, Child/Adolescent Psychology, Developmental Psychopathology, and Senior Seminar. I am hoping I will be able to teach a Forensic Psychology course soon. It won’t be the first the school has offered, but it will be my first time teaching it. I have always kept busy so I am happy with the work load. I have been teaching for 30 years at a college level.
KF: Are you enjoying Wesley?
GP: I am enjoying Wesley, but I am still adjusting to having men in the class. I am used to large schools but small colleges are so different and it’s awesome.
LA: I am absolutely enjoying Wesley. Having smaller classes for all courses is great because I get to know my students. I really do believe Wesley is a fabulous school. It’s great for students who want a smaller student to teacher ratio. So far, it has been a great experience.
KF: Do you feel that you are fitting in okay?
GP: I do feel like I am fitting in well with everyone. Part of it is because I am from Delaware so I have things in common with people. My mom was also an adjunct here at Wesley so I feel at home.
LA: I am fitting in well. I am still getting my feet wet but I’ve found a few projects. Everyone I’ve met has been very welcoming.
Dr. Lori Azzara
