Q & A with Becky Pratt-Sturges – BA Art History / History Minor 2006
What motivated you to enroll at NAU?
I transferred to NAU to complete my BA, which I started working on at Pima Community College in Tucson. I was familiar with the University of Arizona and also with Arizona State University, but I ultimately chose NAU because I wanted a much more personalized learning experience. I wanted small classes with faculty mentors who were as invested in my career as I was.
I also liked that NAU was significantly smaller overall than the other universities in Arizona, which meant I would feel more connected to the campus and to our community. I actually chose NAU before I was able to visit campus, and I still remember driving up on I-17 and seeing the peaks for the first time on my way to orientation. Orientation reinforced my belief that NAU was the right place for me, from meeting future best friends for life during that weekend to learning about all NAU had to offer.
As a first-generation college student, I believed NAU would provide the support I needed to navigate the “hidden curriculum” of higher education, and I can still attribute my successes here to my faculty mentors who guided me through not only my degree but the college experience overall.
Why and how did you select your final major and minor at NAU?
I knew before I came to NAU that I wanted to major in art history, and I chose my minor in history during the spring semester of my junior year—which was my first year at NAU since I was a transfer student. My first semester at NAU, when I began taking upper-division classes in medieval art history and modern cinema, confirmed my decision to pursue art history. My passion and commitment to art history grew over the course of the term and my years at NAU, fueled by the interest and passions of my professors and classmates. I originally chose art history after taking introductory classes at PCC because I was fascinated by the combination of visual culture and history, and I became committed to the idea that museums are for everyone. Art museums can often be intimidating, but once you have an understanding of the visual languages of historical pieces, a whole new world opens up. I experienced that during my years at PCC and wanted that experience and accessibility for everyone. History was a natural minor, as I knew I wanted to study medieval art and chose to take several classes on the European Middle Ages in the History department, as well as several courses in Russian history.
In what ways did your NAU coursework prepare you for your career?
I imagine my coursework prepped me in more ways than I can even imagine. First and foremost, though, my coursework and my mentors directly informed my understanding of the world around us through critical analysis and through opportunities to conduct original undergraduate research in preparation for graduate school. I was one of the first Hooper Undergraduate Research Award recipients, and my research served as the foundation for my master’s thesis and allowed me to present in a regular session at a major international conference rather than an undergraduate session. My classes also taught me invaluable communication skills that I used when I wrote research papers and essays, and when I gave oral presentations. My classes introduced me to classmates with similar interests and to other students from all different backgrounds, which is valuable experience for any career track.
What campus activities did you participate in while you were a student?
As an non-traditional transfer student working multiple jobs for Campus Admissions, the CAL Film Series, and the Department of CCS (which was then called the Department of Humanities, Arts, and Religion), I wasn’t able to participate in many events. I did attend research lectures on campus whenever possible. As the assistant to the CAL film series, I was able to attend all of the films and discussions as well, which is an experience I still remember fondly.
What part of your NAU experience do you value most highly today?
I value the connections I made with faculty the most. My faculty mentors contributed to my success at NAU immeasurably, both in navigating the first-gen experience with me and by continually challenging me to become the best writer and art historian possible. They answered my many questions and offered suggestions that helped me feel like I belonged. They nurtured my career aspirations and found opportunities for me to produce original research, and they supported me in becoming a candidate for advanced study in art history, which is a very competitive field. They continued to serve as mentors and guides during my graduate study as well. Their belief instilled confidence in me that helped me to be successful in my career and to be adaptable and flexible. Above all else, their support helped me to believe in my professional competence. I work today to model my own relationships with students after these experiences, and I hope to motivate my students’ success at NAU and beyond, just as my mentors motivated me.