SPS Stories
Faculty Spotlight
The (Many) Definitions of Success
Fast Facts
- Teaches the Writing Proposals and Grants course at NYU SPS
- Believes improvisation is a key life skill
- Has taught at NYU SPS since 2014
<p>Sue Davies completed her undergraduate studies at Bryn Mawr College and attained an MS in Information Technology from Pace University. She also boasts a certificate in Database Design and Development from Columbia University. She started teaching at SPS in 2007, before the MSPW program was started, but in 2014 became part of that program after its creation.</p>
<p>"I spent 35+ years in the nonprofit sector leading development (fundraising) teams at United Way of New York City, Montclair State University, Rutgers University, the All Stars Project, the American Cancer Society, and elsewhere," she recalled. "I then started teaching at NYU SPS to support and develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders."</p>
A Changing Landscape
<p>In her class, Davies provides students a simulated experience of working in the nonprofit sector as a writer. They learn to research foundation funding opportunities, prioritize them, and then write a grant proposal. Through the course, they become grant writers. They also learn how to adapt their writing and "writing voice" for different organizations. </p>
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The nonprofit sector (and the world) is transforming in many ways. I feel that I am contributing to that transformation by teaching both older practices and emerging ones. I love teaching. Seeing how students grow through the class I teach—Writing Proposals and Grants—keeps me going."
Multiple Definitions of Success
<p>Davies believes that there are many definitions of professional success. For example, she succeeds when she sees students complete their first grant proposal. Success is seeing a student who is struggling get to the end of the course and succeed–doing what they did not think they could do. "Success is seeing the entire class grow into professional writers!" she exclaims.</p>
<p>Davies is also a self-avowed big believer in improvisation for teaching, learning, and life. "Yes, and… is a central tenet of improv. Take everything as an offer and build with it" she urges students. "Take an improv class and apply it to life!"</p>
Don't Forget to Play
<p>Furthermore, it's critical to keep learning. Davies advises students to follow new developments and play with them. "It's only by experimenting and talking to others that you will be able to decide what is useful. Set aside time to read and explore. Join professional organizations and build your network. Then, take what you've learned and build on it. And stay in touch—we love hearing from you about your successes and challenges!"</p>
<p>Are you ready to see where an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-professional-writing.html" title="MS in Professional Writing">MS in Professional Writing</a> at NYU SPS can take you? Start the next chapter of your career with a degree from the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media.</p>
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