WSC’s communication department has welcomed a new assistant professor to its staff this fall, Allyn Lueders.

Lueders was born in Shreveport, La., but moved to Papillion when she was in 5th grade.

“I was born in Louisiana and grew up in the south until I was ten,” Lueders said. “So I love Cajun food, like jambalaya and gumbo.”

Since she was raised in the south, Lueders isn’t the typical Huskers fan.

“I am an LSU college football fan because I grew up watching it with my dad. I love the Huskers too, but I have to stay loyal to my Louisiana routes. Geaux Tigers,” Lueders said.

She attended Nebraska-Wesleyan for undergraduate school and continued her education at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, where she received her master’s degree. Lueders also has a Ph.D from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan.

Her first teaching job was at East Texas Baptist University, but Lueders was ready for a change.

“It is a little smaller than WSC, and I liked it, but the weather was too hot and it was too far away from my family,” Lueders said.

Lueders came back to Nebraska after hearing about a job opening from her mother-in-law.

“I guess she really wanted us back closer to home!” Lueders said.

Lueders is very passionate about teaching and helping her students inside and outside the classroom.

“I love teaching college students because everyone is coming into their own and college is such a great time in life. I also love the opportunity to help people realize what their dreams for life are, and how to make them a reality,” Lueders said. “Plus, college students get my sarcasm/humor in a way that I just don’t think kindergartners would.”

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading and watching movies. Her favorite movie is “The Princess Bride.”

Lueders said she is loving Wayne so far and is glad to be here.

“The students are all great and we have really interesting discussions in all my classes,” Lueders said. “Plus, the weather is nicer and I really like the small town feel.”