Getting to know Christopher Rivera

When Dr. Christopher Rivera interviewed for director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, he was only 33. It was the type of role he imagined he might have in his late 40's, but when he saw the center he knew he had found his home.

The young director has much to offer the University, he's traveled the world, and even taught internationally in Turkey. Rivera received his Ph.D. in interdisciplinary studies and understands the importance of having control over one's education through an interdisciplinary approach.

Rivera continues to set high goals for himself, "I always thought I'd like to be an openly-gay university president someday," he said.

Let's get to know the ambitious Dr. Rivera.

Tell me about the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and how you'd like to see it evolve?

It's a lounge study center, a break space, a library, a film viewing space and also is used as a classroom. I start by saying the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies is a physical center.

Academically, there's the International Studies Major, minors in arts and heritage administration, gender studies and classical studies. It also is home to humanities courses as well as the liberal arts capstone courses. All of those components make up interdisciplinary studies.

I'd eventually like to see a major in interdisciplinary studies with different tracks, such as gender studies, film studies, African studies and a free track where students do very individualized learning processes. The idea would be to create another major within the center that is a bit more all-encompassing.

What attracted you to USI?

This job and this physical space. When I interviewed and they brought me into the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, I looked around and got a chill. I thought, 'if I don't get this job, this will be one that I regret.' I thought, 'I'm someone who could make this space a safe learning environment.' I knew I could bring new life to this space. I focused on that through the whole interview. It was an incredible opportunity. The University has put a lot of faith in me and belief in my intellectual and academic ability, so all those components combined made this an attractive place for me. 

What do you enjoy about teaching?

The mentorship. I love the interaction with students and watching them learn and grow. I enjoy seeing how their minds work and challenging them in ways that expand their worldview. I love that they struggle, but rise to the occasion. They're good students, and I'm blessed this is the group which I'm exposed to. I can be myself academically and personally.

I truly believe that I can learn from my students. I tell them I respect them and that I'm them, 10 or 15 years from now. There's nothing I've done that they can't do. They just have to work hard. I try to instill that in the class. And I really do think that my research is shaped by classroom discussions with students, and the assignments that I read. It's a give and take.

What's your teaching style?

I want to create critical thinkers, active listeners and participators in the classroom. I want them to challenge and push boundaries because it generates dialogue in the classroom.  I see myself as someone who can allow them to think critically and challenge one another in a safe, respectful way and open up real dialogue that hopefully has real effects.

What do enjoy doing outside of work?

Exercise. I love fitness because I lost over 100 pounds 16 or 17 years ago. I like eating healthy and cooking fresh. 

Tell me about your travels.

I have a passion for traveling. I've been to at least 23 countries.  I've gone as far east as Sri Lanka and Turkey.  I've been throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and Eastern and Western Europe. I've been to at least 25 states as well.

I like to find local food that is cheap but good. I also try to visit the zoos and museums.

What is the strangest thing you've eaten?

Chilled grasshoppers in Mexico. The grasshoppers weren't bad but it was just being aware of what they were. They were so spicy and dry and there was this crunch. I distinctly remember, that I was trying to be cool.  I didn't make any facial expressions - I just kept eating them like I loved them because I knew that was respectful. But, the tentacles and legs would get stuck between your teeth, and I just remember wanting to get out of there as soon as possible. Had I not known what they were, it would've just been a salty snack.

If you had a theme song that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be and why?

"Break my Stride" by Matthew Wilder or Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All," because I believe learning to love and accept yourself is so important. That's why I like both of those songs. One is about not giving up, and, no matter what happens, keep going, and the other is about knowing that following your own way is more important than following others.

You're a newlywed. If we look at how quickly gay marriage has moved forward, did you ever think five or 10 years ago that you'd be able to marry the person you love?

I'm an optimist. I knew that I wouldn't give up.  I knew Kivanc [who he met while teaching in Turkey] would be here legally and I wouldn't stop until it was figured out. I've always lived a life of authenticity, and knew, at the end of that battle, I wasn't going to lose out on love because someone else thought we weren't appropriate. On a very basic level, I'm not surprised because I wouldn't settle for less.

What is the most dangerous/adventurous thing you have done or would consider doing?

Leaving America behind for an indeterminable amount of time and moving to Turkey. I'd never been there and didn't know the language. I had done Google searches and had very minimal information; I ended up living there for three years. When I think back on it that was probably the riskiest thing I've done.

As far as the most adventurous thing I would do, I could see Kivanc and me on the "Amazing Race."