Getting to Know You: Stephany RunningHawk Johnson
#FacultyFriday w/ Stephany RunningHawk Johnson — Nov. 12, 2021
Faculty role: Assistant professor, Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education
Location: WSU Pullman
Why did you choose to do what you do?
I chose to be a teacher because I’ve always loved teaching, and I’ve always been drawn to science and math and the way the world works. As a child I spent a lot of time with my grandfather, who is Oglala Lakota like me, and he taught me to listen and to learn through doing and observing. As a teacher in the K-12 system I saw many issues and problem that the students face as a result of unfair systems and wanted to do more to change that so I decided to get a PhD and work on Indigenous science research projects to support Indigenous students, communities, and Elders as well as to promote Indigenous Nation Building.
What has been your favorite thing about WSU, as well as the College of Education?
My favorite thing about WSU and the College of Ed is how friendly and welcoming everyone has been, even with moving and starting here in the midst of COVID. I have the absolute best grad students!!!
What responsibility comes with working for a land-grant university? Why is being a land-grant special?
Working at a land-grant university gives me/us the responsibility to do our work with and for the people of the state of Washington. I also view this in particular as a responsibility to the Indigenous inhabitants of the lands of the state as these lands were stolen from these people. I am a guest here and need to keep in mind that my work is with and for Indigenous peoples.
If you could improve one thing about WSU, what would it be?
Like all academic institutions, I think WSU could be better about creating inclusive environments for all students, staff, faculty, and others.
What makes you an Agent of Change?
My presence in the academy makes me an agent of change. As an Oglala Lakota woman, mother, and professor of Cultural Studies and Social Thought I represent and promote categories of folks that are underrepresented in so many ways in higher education. I also get to do good work with students, undergrads and grads, that promotes critical thinking and inclusivity in order to create change at a larger, farther reaching level. In working with future teachers, of multiple sorts, I get to effect change far beyond those I interact with personally. I think this is a responsibility as well as a gift.
November is Native American Heritage Month. Why is your heritage so important to you and how do you work, in the United States, to ensure not only celebration, but equity and inclusion?
My heritage is my identity, it’s who I am and why and how I do the work I do. We are all better off when we see each other and celebrate our different ways of knowing and being, but it’s more than acknowledgement and celebration that’s required to create change. If I can be my true self in my personal interactions and in my work, I contribute to better understanding and inclusion. I also show this to others to support an environment where my colleagues and my students feel that I value them for who they are and they knowledge they bring.
Favorites:
Food: Chocolate
Restaurant in Pullman: Black Cypress
Book: Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Band: Aerosmith
Favorite Coug Sport:Volleyball
Hobby: Crossfit
Vacation spot (you’ve been to): Belize
Dream vacation spot (somewhere you’d like to go): Northern Africa