Communication Arts adds new faculty

Waxahachie, TX – October 14, 2011 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University’s (SAGU) Communication Arts Department hired Ursula Gutierrez and Julia Hunt as faculty members this fall. 

Ursula Gutierrez, a Florida native, has instructed SAGU acting/drama-related courses since January 2011. Gutierrez obtained a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministries from Southeastern University and a Master of Arts in Directing from Texas State University.

Gutierrez describes herself as an encourager; she desires her students to pursue their dreams no matter how impossible they may seem. “Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability,” she says. Gutierrez believes that even though SAGU’s Theatre department is young, it displays a high standard of excellence and professionalism.

“We take a different approach to ministering the Gospel in Theatre; instead of preaching, we communicate through storytelling. Storytelling resonates with people and calls them to action,” says Gutierrez. “Jesus taught in parables, and we get to be like Him in that way.” To Gutierrez, theatre is a unique way to teach unbelievers about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Gutierrez is directing two productions this semester: "The Boys Next Door,” October 27 – 30 and "Over the River and Through the Woods,” December 1-4.

Julia Hunt resided in southeastern Virginia for seven years before coming to SAGU, teaching at various universities and community colleges while obtaining her doctorate in Communications at Regent University. Hunt holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a master’s degree from Wheaton College.

Hunt has taught for over fourteen years. She desires her students to be spiritually and academically challenged. Two of her courses, Ethics in Media and Communication Theory, she considers “ripe with opportunities to practice critical thinking.” She agrees with businessman and author Lee Iacocca that a person can have brilliant ideas, but if he is unable to communicate them, than they get him nowhere.

Prior to teaching at SAGU, Hunt worked as a legislative assistant in Washington D.C. as well as a ghostwriter for Beverly LaHaye for Concerned Women for America. When her schedule permits, Hunt enjoys professional photography and working on various film projects.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The University was established in 1927, and now offers more than 60 associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.