Mia Morton Hubbard
Mia M. Hubbard, M.A. (She/Her) is an Associate Professor in the Communication Department at Sinclair Community College.
Mia’s path into education was anything but conventional. She began her career in banking as a personal banker and later worked in the travel industry with AAA as a domestic travel agent. It was a professor who recognized her potential and encouraged her to consider teaching—a moment that helped Mia discover her true calling. Since stepping into the classroom for the first time, she has been passionate about helping students uncover their strengths, recognize their potential, and pursue their goals with confidence and clarity.
Mia serves as Course Coordinator for Interpersonal Communication, a role she has held for 5 years. She is also an active Faculty Senator, serving as a liaison between faculty and administration and contributing to institutional leadership and shared governance.
Her impact extends well beyond the classroom. Mia has taught leadership courses for emerging managers, mentored international students, and facilitated study abroad experiences in Costa Rica and South Africa. She is also a dedicated author of the children’s book Black Is…, which promotes self-esteem and self-acceptance among young readers, values she intentionally integrates into her teaching.
A dynamic public speaker, Mia frequently hosts programs and events, bringing energy, authenticity, and a deep commitment to connection into every space she enters.
Her excellence and dedication have been recognized through multiple honors, including the SOCHE Teaching Excellence Award, the NIA Award for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and recognition as one of Sinclair’s Amazing 31 Women.
Mia is currently pursuing a PhD in Philosophy in Communication, expected in Spring 2027. With a deep love for inspiring growth and amplifying voices, she aspires to one day impact thousands on an even larger stage—guided by purpose, perseverance, and faith.
• Liberty University - MA, Strategic Communication
• Wright State University - BA, Mass Communication/Media Studies
• Sinclair Community College - AA, Communication Arts
• SOCHE Teaching Excellence Award
• NIA Faculty Award
• Amazing Women / Amazing 31 Women Recognition
• Sinclair
• National Communication Association
• National Association of Colleges and Employers
• Miamisburg, Ohio School System
• Homefull
• Habitat for humanity
• Various Community Events
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to God. Daily prayer and spiritual practice ground my days, steady my perspective, and remind me that my work is part of something larger than myself.
That rhythm of reflection enables me to function with clarity and purpose, especially in seasons that are demanding or uncertain. It keeps me centered, grateful, and focused on service rather than achievement alone.
For me, success is not simply about productivity or recognition—it is about faithfulness, discipline, and showing up each day with intention.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is simple: Don’t stop learning.
Even as a teacher, you are still a student. Continually pursuing new knowledge, whether through research, reading, or staying attuned to cultural trends, keeps your work relevant and alive.
I make it a point to know the music, films, and conversations shaping my students’ world. Meeting them where they are allows me to teach in ways that are both rigorous and meaningful.
Learning isn’t a stage of a career; it’s a lifelong commitment. And the moment we stop being curious, we stop being effective educators.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
As both a professor and a children’s author, I’ve spent my career moving between academic and creative spaces. Early on, I sometimes felt pressure to fit neatly into one identity. Over time, I realized that the most meaningful work happens when you stop shrinking parts of yourself to meet expectations.
My advice is this: claim your full range. You don’t have to choose between being rigorous and imaginative, ambitious and generous, scholarly and creative.
Seek mentors who value your voice, not just your productivity. And when opportunities feel slightly beyond your comfort zone, take them anyway. Confidence tends to follow courage.
Most importantly, don’t lose the sense of wonder that brought you into this work. That spark is not a distraction from seriousness; it’s often the source of your most meaningful contributions.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Higher education is in the midst of profound change. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is challenging us to reimagine what, and how, we teach. The real opportunity isn’t competing with technology, but redesigning learning to focus on critical thinking, creativity, and ethical judgment. These skills matter more than ever.
At the same time, important questions about cost-effective education, access, and demonstrating the value of a degree are pushing institutions to evolve. This is a challenge, but also an opportunity to make higher education more inclusive, flexible, and responsive to today’s learners.
Ultimately, this is a moment of reinvention. The future of higher education will depend on how intentionally we shape it.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the center of both my professional and personal life is faith. It grounds me, shapes how I see others, and reminds me that my work is ultimately about serving something larger than myself.
I also believe deeply in continuous learning.
Whether I’m in a university classroom or writing for children, I see growth as a lifelong responsibility. Curiosity, humility, and the willingness to keep learning are essential—not just for students, but for me as well.
Service to students is another core value. Education is not simply about content delivery; it is about mentorship, formation, and helping students recognize their own potential.
Finally, belonging, inclusion, dignity, and respect guide how I move through the world. Every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. In both academic and creative spaces, I try to create environments where people can show up fully as themselves.