May 12, 2011

  

 

 

Logan leaves lasting impression on Northwest
By Brian Lentz and Mario Watts | Back to Headlines

Retiring speech and theatre instructor Jo Ellen Logan has been a part of the Northwest faculty since 1975. Throughout her 36-year career she has devoted herself to Northwest teaching Speech, Persuasive Speaking, Debate, Oral Interpretation, Acting, and Theatre Appreciation. She is currently the chairman of the Speech and Theatre Department.

In the Theatre Department she has worked in the capacities of director, costumer, and music director. According to Logan, Northwest’s production of ‘Cats’ will always stand out to her.

“We did that play in 2009. I costumed and directed it. It was something people said we couldn’t do, but we did it.”
Logan’s work in theatre has been appreciated by faculty, staff and students alike.

Chaz Tucker, a Music Education major from Olive Branch said, “Ms. Logan is one of the finest directors we have in the Fine Arts Department. She perfected West Side Story.”

Although she is very capable when it comes to the stage she is definitely not limited to it. Logan has thoroughly established herself in the classroom.
“I am very informal. I try to get people to be creative, to do something original.”

Shelby Aldridge a Nursing Major from Grenada said, “She is a sweet and good teacher. I like the way she teaches.”

Logan has always felt that preparing her students for the futurebeyond the classroom is a very important part of teaching. Zach Barrett, a Civil Technology major from Oxford said, “She is doing a really good job at equipping us for the future. She is preparing us for corporate America where we will have to talk to people.”
Logan cherishes the success of her students.

Logan considers her success with students to be the greatest accomplishment of her career.

“You just never know what type of impact you are having,” she said.

April Flinn, a General College major from Hernando said, “She improved my oratory skills. She has taught me a few things when it comes to giving speeches.” Trey Gansman, a General College major of Olive Branch stated, “It was a good class, I couldn’t speak in front of people before I had her class, and now I can. People should not worry about taking the class. She was a great teacher.”

Logan is looking forward to her retirement.

“I want to travel, do some gardening, sewing, all the things I have not had time to do. I also have a painting class I will be taking here at Northwest next semester. I am already signed up.”

Logan will treasure the time she spent at Northwest.

“I would like to thank all the people who have put up with me for 36 years, and all the people who made the last couple of years so special.”

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