December 9, 2024
Professor Sarah Dunning has been teaching and advising for the last 15 years. She is a senior lecturer and coordinator of the professional studies program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has come to High Point University as an adjunct professor.
Dunning has a communication bachelor’s degree and communication master’s from UNC Greensboro. She also has her Master of Education degree from North Carolina State University. It’s no surprise that Dunning loves all forms of communication. She has taught a variety of communication courses including design and systems thinking, interpersonal communication, and business communication, and this year, she is teaching human communication.
Growing up, Dunning has always been involved in sports. Whether it be golf, track, or basketball, almost any sport you can think of she has tried. But none have stuck to her the way tennis has. She is currently a coach at Grimsley High School, and her approach to coaching is similar to her philosophy when she teaches.
“Students start at a certain place, and I am hoping to coach or build them to a different place,” Dunning said. “I am also a fan of experiential learning and having an impactful activity in the classroom. I focus on having more impactful experiences and application-oriented exercises of the content so that students can get more experience with it.”
Before entering her career, Dunning remarked that she was often indecisive. She had no idea what she wanted to do: she changed her major three times, and after high school she worked at a spa. The career support that students received isn’t the same as it is today, but Dunning tackled her indecisiveness with her self-awareness. She knew what her strong suits were, and she used them to help her find the best career path for her.
“I was a director for two day spas, but then I realized that my minor was in women studies, and I realized I didn’t like focusing my career on how women feel they look,” Dunning said. “When I was in my mid-twenties, I kind of identified some things I was good at. I knew I was good at public speaking and teaching others. I got into the communication studies master’s program and became a teacher’s assistant. I knew within the first two weeks I should be a teacher.”
Dunning recognizes that students have problems with motivation, especially when it comes to staying engaged in their coursework or finding a clear career direction. She recommends that students find what makes them motivated and to give things a chance, even if they don’t think it’s for them.
“It’s important to seek out different opportunities and have new experiences,” Dunning said. “Maybe take an internship that won’t just help you become motivated, but possibly help you rule things out or help you figure things out. That way, you’re motivated in a sense of ‘I know where I want to go.’”
Dunning’s goal is for her students to grow their confidence in all their communication skills. She remarks that communication skills go beyond public speaking, but interpersonal communication with your peers, colleagues and bosses. She encourages students not to focus so much on technology and instead speak to those around you; those connections you make and skills you build is what is going to help you become a better communicator.
One of Dunning’s favorite sayings is “you don’t know what you don’t know.” She encourages students to try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.
“There are so many opportunities here with all of the resources and support,” Dunning said. “There are so many good people that work here that truly care about students and want you to find your way and your success. Take advantage of that. Get to know these people because they want to help you.”
Dunning brings her passion for teaching, communication and personal growth to High Point University. Whether in the classroom or on the tennis court, her mission is clear: to help students develop confidence, skills, and a sense of direction in their lives. Dunning recommends students take chances, embrace opportunities and invest in the connections that will shape both your career and character. With Dunning's guidance, the lessons learned will extend far beyond the classroom, preparing students not just for professional success but for fulfilled lives.