Monica Teegardin, assistant professor of exercise and sports science, began working at Marian University six years ago after completing her master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology. At the time, her sister was an undergraduate student at the university, and she was drawn to the community atmosphere on campus. 

Teegardin played basketball in college and was on her way to become a high school math teacher when she was introduced to exercise science by one of her professors. She liked that it was along the lines of sports and knew that was the direction she wanted to head. Teegardin explained seeing her students learn and grow as individuals, from their very first year on campus to after they graduate, is one of the most rewarding and reassuring parts of being a faculty member. 

Q&A with Monica Teegardin

Q: What is your favorite part of working at Marian?

A: I would say the students. They are great people, and they’re energetic. I love the community feel here at Marian, and everybody’s very nice. You get to know people. I think developing relationships on a personal level, carrying on conversations, and knowing students by name adds a different aspect to the learning atmosphere. You’re not just a number or some student in my class. That’s one thing I just really enjoy here. 

Q: Outside of work, what do you like to do?

A: My husband coaches football, so I to attend football games. Most of my students know that on Saturday’s I go to football games. I go to high school football games on Friday because my dad is a high school football coach. I enjoy being very active. I love being outside. I love shopping. 

Q: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: For a point in time, I wanted to be a doctor or Division I basketball coach.

Q: Halloween is near. What was your favorite costume growing up?

A: Probably the year I was a clown. I really liked that one. In junior high, my friends and I were the Spice Girls. I was Sporty Spice. And, yes, we were still trick-or-treating in junior high. Anything for candy.