Professor has passion for purple

Barbara Bullard has no problem attracting students who are nervous

about public speaking to her Orange Coast College classes. The speech

communication professor’s classes fill up on the second day of

registration.

Bullard, 61, was the youngest teacher ever hired at a California

community college, and she has received five National Institute for

Staff and Organizational Development awards in the last 10 years.

But her popular classes and numerous accolades aren’t the only

ways Bullard has made her mark at Orange Coast College. Completing a

term in one of Bullard’s classes could leave many students seeing

purple with her purple clothes, purple accessories and even purple

pens. She says the color helps students concentrate and encourages

them to be more alert in the classroom.

Bullard sat down recently with the Daily Pilot’s Nasir Jiwa to

reflect on her nearly four decades in the classroom, her future plans

and, of course, her passion for purple.

How long have you been teaching and what made you stay the course?

I’ve been teaching for 39 years. I had lots of opportunities --

probably 25 for teaching, business, law, politics -- but I love the

students.

In those 39 years of teaching, what are some of your most

memorable moments?

Some of the early ones were when the speech teams dominated

California speech competitions. Every semester there are some

[memorable moments] like awakening bright students and their talent.

My class once threw me a birthday party with purple balloons and

purple dream catchers. Rewarding is the word.

Why do you have such an affinity for the color purple?

It looks good on me. Besides, bright colors stimulate the pineal

gland, which elicits endorphins to help students learn better.

You retired from full-time teaching. How’s part-time?

I’ve adapted quite quickly. Until they hire more teachers, I get

to keep my office. What a great perk.

What are your plans for the future?

I’d like to write more and speak more outside of class. I’m going

to speak in Mt. Shasta. I’m also going to speak in Texas soon. And

I’d like to travel -- to New Zealand, to Costa Rica. Retirement means

opening up other possibilities.

What about all the books you have collected in your office over

the years?

It would be so nice to donate them to a women’s shelter. Imagine

what it could do for them.

What’s your favorite saying or proverb?

I have a few: “If it is to be, it must begin with me.” “Be the

change that you want.” Oh, yeah, and “Knowledge is power.” That’s a

major one.