News Article

Aside from being passionate about developing educators for her home region, Nicole Covey just might be the new faculty member you want to pick for karaoke night. Let’s learn more about the Wynne native.

Nicole Covey

Place of birth:

Wynne

Family:

Husband Michael, Son Kinman and wife Kelly with grandchildren Ryker and Kennedy, Son Mason

Your philosophy on education in under seven words:

Work hard, be nice, always grow.

Why did you choose A-State?

I am an A-State graduate for my bachelor's and master's degrees, I live here and this is my hometown. I want to impact my community by playing some role in developing a great product — in my case, teachers for our area schools.

What makes a good professor?

I think first establishing relationships with students, letting them know you care about them and their success. I think also being present — available for conversations and guidance. Also, knowing your content — you can’t teach what you don’t know. Lastly, being willing to learn from them — we need to grow, too!

In college, I was known for...

being nerdy and very focused.

What is the one thing I’ve learned I’d tell my college self...

have more fun because adulting is hard!

Who was your favorite teacher (and why)?

My favorite teacher was Ms. Forrest at MacArthur Junior High here in Jonesboro. She loved history and helped me develop a love for history as well. She made teaching and learning fun, which I wanted to pass on by becoming a history teacher.

What makes for a good student?

Actively engaged in learning, willing to fail and work to succeed, a risk-taker willing to step outside the box and get a little uncomfortable outside their comfort zone, and a hard worker.

When I want to crush karaoke, my song is...

too many to list!

What I like about Jonesboro is...

it’s my home. I’m invested!

What’s the value of a university education?

I’ve always told people education is important because it opens doors of opportunity. It is also something that can’t be taken away once it’s achieved.

If you could teach another field, which one and why?

I think either music or sports — I have a deep love and passion for both.

What is the one thing you wish you could teach everyone about your field?

Teaching truly makes all other professions possible, and we have an amazing opportunity to impact our world in a global manner by developing lifelong learners who go on to do incredible things. True educators don’t take that responsibility lightly.

What music is playing in your car?

The Message on Sirius — contemporary Christian.

What is your favorite podcast?

Any TedTalk on education!

My favorite motion picture is...

I love so many, but the one I watch and re-watch most often is A Few Good Men.

The television series I must TiVo...

Law and Order.

My favorite trip was...

when my mom and I traveled to Italy this past year.

If I could travel anywhere it would be...

anywhere in Europe.

The best advice I ever received was...

my first year of teaching a fellow teacher let me know real early, “honey, they don’t pay you any more for working any harder than the rest of us!”. That statement hit me hard, and it has stuck with me as an impetus for developing systems and structures for hiring good teachers, growing good teachers, and retaining good teachers. It also helped me to realize that you need to love teaching in your heart for it to become your job — it needs to be a passion inside your heart.

My hobby is...

singing.

My passion is...

family.

My pro sports team is...

Texas Rangers baseball.

My pet peeve is...

being mean.

My favorite meal is...

spaghetti.

A perfect day is...

curling up in a blanket with my puppy, good snacks, and interesting movies.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs

E-book or hardback?

Hardback

Beach or mountains?

Mountains

Dinner or supper?

Dinner

The one thing I’d take to a desert island (and a boat is not an answer)...

Netflix and way to watch it.

I wish I could...

live closer to my grandbabies.

Only my friends know I...

I can be fun and laid back.

My favorite saying is...

It is what it is.