Women's lacrosse player Michaela Lucas and Dr. Jay Black 

About Michaela Lucas: 

• 5-6 senior midfielder
• Native of Kensington, Maryland

About Dr. Black: 

• Schumann Endowed Professor of Journalisn and Media Studies / Chair of the Journalism and Media Studies Department  
• Owns a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism from Mercer University, an M.A. in Journalism Management from the University of Kansas and a Ph.D. in Public Communication from Georgia State University
• in Mathematics and Physics from Dickinson College and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina
• Has been teaching at Mercer since 2004

Dr. Black and Michaela Lucas

         Q&A with Michaela Lucas:

• What did you like most about Dr. Black's class? I am a Media Studies minor, which is why I am taking Dr. Black’s Media Law class. I love how Dr. Black always makes class fun and entertaining. Not a day goes by where our class is boring, which is why I enjoy going to class. I am also very intrigued about the regulations held in the Media, which gives me another reason to enjoy class.
•  What makes Dr. Black a good teacher? Dr. Black’s class is tough, but his style of teaching keeps the class engaged. He genuinely wants each student to do well, so he makes it a priority for us to fully grasp each concept we learn.
• What is something you’re involved in outside of class and sports that we may not know? I love to travel, and I am planning on traveling a lot after graduation in May.
• How do you manage academics, athletics and a social life? What is your key to good time management? Managing academics, athletics, and a social life is hard to balance, but making sure you priortize your time and plan/organize your schedule makes it easier to control. 
• What is your favorite spot on campus? My favorite spot on campus is our locker room. Our locker room has couches and T.V.s which make it the perfect place on campus to hang out in between classes and practice.
• What is the most important skill you've learned through participation in your sport? An important skill I have learned while being a part of the Mercer women’s lacrosse iteam s knowing how to work as a unit. I believe that working as a team in any challenge you face in life is so important for your personal well-being, as well as the search for a solution.
• Do you have any nicknames? Or if you could choose your own, what would it be and why? My nickname within my team and friends is Mick or Mickey. I don’t think I would ever change the nicknames I currently have because I like keeping it short and sweet.
• What are your plans post grad? I am currently applying to graduate schools for to get a Master’s in Social Work.
  
  
  Q&A with Dr. Black:
• What was it like having Michaela in your class? She is an angel. Just kidding. She is a trouble maker who sits in the back of the room giggling with her friend Jorden. Trouble makers are the best. We need more trouble makers in this world.
• What is your favorite sport or hobby? What do you like to do in your free time? Read. Watch movies. Trim my fruit trees. Eat potato chips and dip. Drink Topo Chico sparkling mineral water. I basically do the same thing I do every night, try to take over the world!
• How often are you able to watch your student-athletes compete? I’ve been known to attend some tailgating parties from time to time. Does that count? I was general manager of WMUB for a couple of years. I would watch our teams from the broadcast studio until something went wrong on the field. Then I would hop on a golf cart and go take care of the situation. Normally the problem was the announcers forgot to bring batteries for their microphones. I enjoy some college sports, especially when my students are playing. I try to go whenever a student asks me to go.
• What’s your favorite spot on campus? My office. It’s my happy place. The problem is the students keep knocking on my door. It’s like a parade somedays.
• What is your favorite thing about teaching? I enjoy a good classroom discussion. I don’t see my job as being a wise old soul who expectorates wisdom. My job is to guide my students to knowledge and self-discovery.  I enjoy the relationship I have with my students outside the classroom as much as I do inside the classroom, sharing their life and joy, but also being there for their hard times and sorrow. It’s hard being a college student sometimes.  Most of the time it’s a blast… as long as you do your homework. Easiest four years of their lives. They just don’t know it yet.
• What would students be surprised to find out about you? I’ve studied improvisational comedy, and spent time as both a circus clown and a stuntman.
• What is one class your schools offers that you wish you could take? Sculpture, potter, and drawing classes. I wish we had stained glass classes. That would be cool.

About Classroom Connections: In its second year, Classroom Connections is a weekly feature that showcases student-athletes away from the playing field and highlights the relationship between student-athlete and professor.