Faculty Spotlight: Lizzie Ngwenya-Scoburgh
Family Photo (L to R): Ariella, Lizzie, Donavon (husband), Anthony and Ayanda.
Lizzie and her daughter on the beach of the Indian Ocean, along the coast of Durban, South Africa.
When did you start at UCBA and what are your current responsibilities?
I started at UCBA in 2009 as an adjunct for one year and began the tenure process in 2010. My primary role is teaching in the Business & Economic Department along with participating in service-oriented roles within my department and the college. My Ph.D. is in Organizational Management & HR and my MBA focus was International Business. I teach management courses to first-year students and upper-level courses in human resources and international management.
What is your favorite thing about working or teaching at UC Blue Ash?
Our intentional approach for the wellbeing of our students’ academic success and as a whole being. Our small class sizes allow me to meet my students where they are, help them identify their strengths, and most of all see their development as they progress in their career at UC. UCBA provides me the opportunity to create an inclusive classroom atmosphere and opportunities to inspire young minds as they develop into great future leaders. I also enjoy working with our UCBA student-centered faculty.
A photo of zebras that Lizzie took on a safari in The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly called Swaziland).
What is the best advice you received from a fellow faculty member?
When my very first department chair, Rita Taylor, hired me, she told me to never forget to keep a good work-life balance. The first time she set my teaching schedule she asked, “what time do your kids have to get on the bus?” That’s when I knew this was the right place for me. Another good piece of advice was from Janice Denton, who told me to move towards attaining my academic goals peacefully so that I when I achieve them, I still feel whole. That is the strategy I used to pace myself toward filing for full professor after a difficult year of losing my Dad.
Is there a current/recent book or podcast you’re enjoying?
I am currently reading “Tracking Wonder” by Jeffery Davis. He describes “Wonder” as a quiet disruptor of unseen biases to help us dissolve our habitual ways of seeing and thinking so that we may see the glimpse of beauty anew in what is real, true, and possible. My latest favorite podcast is “Ask JBH” by Janice Bryant Howroyd. She is the founder of ActOne Group, the largest privately held minority-woman owned HR company founded in the U.S. She interviews guests who have made an impact in society, business and philanthropy. She gets them to share their stories to inspire others.
What kind of hobbies or activities do you pursue outside of work?
I practice yoga and walk when we have good weather. I love to travel with my family, explore new cuisines and volunteer. I also love to spend time shopping with my daughters. A girl can never have enough clothes.
Is there a fun or interesting fact you would like to share about yourself?
I speak four (4) languages, Zulu, siSwati, Xhosa, and English. These are only four of the thirteen (13) official languages of South Africa.
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