Instructor
Art, Communication & Theater
Office Location: Sorenson Language and Communication Center 1112
Faculty-Athlete Mentor: Women's Volleyball
Nowak is a faculty member in the Communication Studies program at Gallaudet University. She teaches a variety of Communication courses, including Introduction to Communication, Group Communication, Public Presentations, Interpersonal Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Introduction to Public Relations, and Gender and Communication.
An advocate of bilingual education, she has incorporated hands-on learning into her classes, with an emphasis on using American Sign Language and written English via as many channels as possible.
Born deaf to deaf parents, Nowak was educated in a variety of educational environments, including residential, day and Montessori schools. She holds bachelor's degrees in English and Communication Studies from Gallaudet University, a master's degree in Deaf Education from McDaniel College, a master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Gallaudet University, and a Ed.D in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D in deaf education with a concentration on student athletes and deaf sports.
Nowak was a student-athlete while at Gallaudet. She played four years on the women's basketball and volleyball teams where both programs had success in the Capital Athletic Conference and advanced to the NCAA tournament.
Nowak's pedagogical interests lie in the fields of deaf student athletes, deaf sports, deaf critical theory and student engagement.
Nowak currently resides in Washington, D.C.
Why Gallaudet?
"There's simply no place like home. Gallaudet is home, in all senses of the word. The sense of community is prevalent across the board, and especially in the Field House. When I cheer for the GU teams, I’m cheering for my own people. Each student athlete has their own story, and the stories here at Gallaudet are incredible."
What impact can athletics have on college students?
"Student athletes are the cream of the crop. They are the best of the best - I can't say that enough. I believe that participation in athletics enhances the whole college experience. Playing sports gives students a chance to express themselves on different levels, and the opportunity to represent themselves, their families and the University. Playing sports has a huge impact on college students."
