Biography - Judith C Fore

After high school, I went off to college like many students. Being away from home meant FREEDOM! I spent my first year of my studies at Madison College (now James Madison University) in Harrisonburg, Virginia. While there, I was determined NOT to let my studies get in the way of my college, and by the end of the year, it was suggested I not return. I include this in my biography because I know there are many of you out there in the same situation. Nine years later, I earned my BS in Speech and Theatre Arts with a minor in English from the University of Central Arkansas. After a move to far northern New York, I received my MA in Speech Communications from State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh. After moving to North Carolina and teaching for 5 years at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, I decided to return to school for my second graduate degree -- an M.Ed. in Theatre Education from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

My teaching experience includes over 20 years in Speech Communication as well as 2 years teaching freshman English. Courses I have taught in Communications include Introduction to Speech Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking, Oral Interpretation of Literature, and Grammar for Journalist where I co-wrote a workbook for the students of that class.

Besides teaching at NC A and T University, I have taught at several community colleges, both in North Carolina and Virginia. I particularly enjoy community college because of the wide diversity of students -- both young and old and from many backgrounds. I was delighted to join the faculty at American Public University Systems in August 2010 and look forward to getting to know both faculty and students.

I realize that Public Speaking is one of the most dreaded classes for students to take and many times saved until right before getting their degree. My philosophy, however, is to meet my students where they are and work on getting over that fear by making the class as relaxing and as low stress as possible. Anyone can do well in Public Speaking if they just give it a try, and I promise, in over 20 years of teaching, I have not lost a student yet because of fear. In fact, usually by the end of class I leave the students scratching their heads wondering what they were so nervous about!