A Q&A with Dr. Stephanie Plain Potter
Dr. Stephanie Plain Potter joined San Jacinto College in 2020 as an adjunct professor and has been full time since 2023. She is an English and integrated reading and writing professor for San Jac Online. Being a lifelong learner helps her bring current knowledge and innovation into the classroom.
Describe what you do for the College.
I teach English and INRW courses online and serve as an advisor for the Texas State Teacher Association for Aspiring Educators, advisor for Accent Literary Magazine, and an advisor for the Creative Writing Club. I will also volunteer this year as a scholarship ambassador.
The most enjoyable part of your job?
The most enjoyable part of being a professor is sharing knowledge, skills, and ideas with students while continuing to learn myself. This ongoing process of learning and teaching has made me a lifelong learner.
As a professor, I contribute to the College's goal of student success by creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students can develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. I strive to make my course content relevant and accessible while encouraging students to reach their academic and personal goals. Through mentoring, providing timely feedback, and continuously improving my teaching practices, I help students build confidence, achieve learning outcomes, and prepare for future educational and career opportunities. My commitment to lifelong learning also allows me to bring current knowledge and innovative approaches into the classroom, further supporting student success.
What is a San Jac event you enjoyed participating in outside of your regular duties?
I enjoy the annual Education Day held each summer because it provides an opportunity to witness and celebrate student success. Seeing students achieve their goals is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role as a professor. I also enjoy Student Engagement Days and the opportunity to interact with students outside the classroom. Participating in activities and games with students helps build positive relationships, fosters a sense of community, and allows me to connect with them in a fun and meaningful way.
A recent accomplishment you are most proud of?
I am a proud mother of four wonderful young adults. I am also proud of being recognized as the top advisor in Texas for aspiring educators at community colleges. I am also proud of publishing my tenth book and being selected as a delegate for both national and international professional organizations in my field of religion.
A place you’ve never been to that you’d love to visit someday, and why?
I have never been to Paris, but I hope to visit someday. As the child of a French educator, I have always appreciated French culture, and I am a hopeless romantic. To me, Paris is the ultimate city of love.
What is something you own too many of?
I love, love boots and probably own too many pairs. In fact, I have at least eight pairs of black boots alone. I own boots in almost every color, though I am still missing a pair of orange boots to complete my collection. One of my colleagues even gave me a painting of a frog wearing boots and a cowboy hat, which perfectly reflects my love of boots and accessories. I also enjoy collecting hats, rings, earrings, purses, and other unique accessories that allow me to express my personal style.
If you could only have one food for a week, what would it be?
If I could eat one food every day, not every week, it would be tacos! Breakfast tacos, chicken tacos, seafood tacos... tacos of every kind. I never seem to get tired of them, and I'm always excited to try a new taco recipe or flavor combination. Simply put: TACOS, TACOS, and more TACOS!
What is a skill, different from anything you currently do or have done, that you would like to learn?
I would love to learn how to play the piano. I grew up in a home with both a piano and an organ and took lessons as a child. Although I have a keyboard at home now, I would love to develop my skills further and become a proficient pianist.
Your favorite fictional character, and why?
I enjoy the writings of Edgar Allan Poe and admire his unique style and storytelling. However, I would not say that I have a single favorite fictional character, as there are many memorable characters across literature that I appreciate for different reasons.
What is a personal tried-and-true method of stress relief you would suggest to others?
It is essential for me to have "Stephanie time" at least once a week for stress relief. As a licensed and certified counselor, I have learned that while it is easy to encourage others to practice self-care, I also have to make it a priority in my own life. To recharge, I take myself out to dinner, go for a walk, or visit some of my favorite places, such as Barnes & Noble. True nerd! Setting aside this personal time helps me maintain balance and well-being.
Do you have any pets?
I have two "grandpets" who live with me. My granddog, Pistachio, is actually my daughters’ dog, but since she is away at college, he stays with me. My grandcat, BuhBuh, belongs to my second son, but he recently moved back home, so I get to enjoy having both grandpets around. They bring a lot of joy, companionship, and entertainment to my daily life.
One thing that never fails to make you laugh out loud?
Seeing my children laugh brings me great joy and often makes me laugh right along with them. Their happiness is one of the greatest sources of joy in my life.
Hobbies, activities, interests when you’re not on the clock?
I am a creator at heart, so I love to write and draw. I am also an avid frog collector and have built quite a collection over the years. My office and home are filled with frogs, and I wear a frog ring and necklace every day. Frogs have become a unique part of my personal style and a fun reflection of my creative spirit, individuality, and personal beliefs.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
