Biography
Dr. Blankenship began her Spanish studies at Marshall University. During her time at Marshall University, she studied abroad in Madrid, Spain. Upon completion of both her B.A. and M.A., she moved to Lynchburg, VA to begin her teaching career. Before coming to Liberty in 2006, Dr. Blankenship taught Spanish at various levels from middle school to college. Since beginning at Liberty, she has taught both lower and upper division Spanish courses and now serves as an Associate Professor of Spanish.
Additionally, Dr. Blankenship holds a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from Regent University. She serves as a Subject Matter expert for multiple TESL courses for Liberty University Online as well as the Graduate Program Director for the Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language degree. Currently, Dr. Blankenship teaches both TESL and Spanish courses residentially for Liberty.
In 2015, Dr. Blankenship was named the inaugural Department Chair for the then newly created Department of Modern Languages. During her time as Chair, multiple new language courses and programs were implemented. The department also produced Liberty University’s first ever student Fulbright recipient. Additionally, a Master of Arts degree in TESL was launched in which Dr. Blankenship still serves as the program director.
Courses Taught
- Spanish 101: Elementary Spanish I
- Spanish 102: Elementary Spanish II
- Spanish 202: Intermediate Spanish I
- Spanish 301: Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition
- Spanish 321: Modern Spanish Literature
- Spanish 305: Civilization and Culture of Spain
- Spanish 403: Second Language Acquisition
- Spanish 419: Methodology and Curriculum in Teaching Modern Languages
- Spanish 499: Internship
- Teaching English as a Second Language 403: Second Language Acquisition
- Teaching English as a Second Language 419: Methodology and Curriculum in Teaching Modern Languages
- Teaching English as a Second Language 600: Introduction to TESL
- Teaching English as a Second Language 601: Methods and Materials for TESL
- Teaching English as a Second Language 699: Internship
Scholarly Interests/Current Research
- Second Language Acquisition
- History and Culture of Spain
- Teacher Perceptions on How Language Learners Learn
- Online vs. Traditional Learning Formats
Institutional Service
- Program Director, Master of Arts TESL (2019-present)
- Teaching English as a Second Language Subject Matter Expert for Liberty University Online (2018-present)
- Department Chair, Department of Modern Languages (2015-2019)
- Modern Languages Committee (2006-2013)
- Assessment Coordinator & Chair of Assessment Committee (2013-2015)
- Liberty University Fulbright Committee (2014-2018)
- Conversational Spanish Subject Matter Expert for Liberty University Online (2011-2012)
- Secretary for Modern Language Committee (Fall 2006-Spring 2013)