NSU Academic Times 2025
The Academic Times is a monthly newsletter that has highlighted faculty and staff accomplishments since 2010. Be included in next month's edition of the Academic Times! Please work through your dean's office or for more information.
Read Now: January Academic Times!
Academic Spotlight: Thank-A-Prof
During the fall of 2024, the Office of Academic Affairs sponsored a program called “Thank-a-Prof.” This provided an opportunity for students to acknowledge a professor who made a positive impact in their life with a personal note of thanks. We are excited to share a few of those notes.
The Tahlequah Bond Committee: Building a Better Future for Our Community
The Tahlequah Bond Committee, a newly formed citizen-led group, is paving the way
for a brighter future by addressing the evolving needs of our community. Composed
of dedicated residents, business leaders, and organizational representatives, the
committee works to identify, assess, and prioritize projects that enhance the quality
of life for all Tahlequah residents. With Chair Mark Gish and Co-chair Chrissi Nemo
leading the effort, the committee also includes members Dana Boren, Dillin Springwater, Janet Bahr, Camerin James-Fite, James Berry, and Michelle Naylor.
Purpose and Mission The primary role of the Tahlequah Bond Committee is to gather input from diverse stakeholders and build consensus around the community's priorities. By doing so, the committee ensures that the bond issue packages they recommend to the City of Tahlequah for local voting reflect the shared needs and aspirations of residents. Their mission is to promote initiatives that contribute to economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and improve public amenities.
Current and Upcoming Projects The committee is actively focusing on infrastructure development, city facilities, and the enhancement of public amenities. These projects aim to address immediate needs while fostering long-term economic development and an improved quality of life. While specifics are still being finalized, the commitment to community-driven decision-making remains central to the process.
Engaging the Community To ensure proposed initiatives align with the most critical and broadly supported priorities, the committee emphasizes active engagement with citizens, local businesses, and organizations. By conducting needs assessments, analyzing community feedback, and evaluating potential long-term benefits, the committee works to create proposals that truly represent the interests of Tahlequah’s residents.
Laying the Groundwork for Success As a newly established committee that has convened twice, the group is in the early stages of its journey. While specific milestones are yet to be achieved, optimism abounds. The committee is dedicated to learning from the process and collaborating with the community to develop meaningful proposals that leave a lasting impact.
How to Get Involved Residents play a vital role in shaping the future of Tahlequah. To stay informed, individuals are encouraged to attend public meetings, participate in surveys, and follow updates on the City of Tahlequah’s website and social media channels. Community feedback is essential, and residents are invited to join discussions, share their perspectives, and help the committee prioritize projects that matter most.
The Tahlequah Bond Committee is committed to creating a community-driven vision for growth and improvement. With the support and involvement of residents, this initiative has the potential to bring significant positive change to Tahlequah.
NSU Ethics Bowl: A Platform for Ethical Reasoning and Leadership Development
The NSU Ethics Bowl offers students a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful, structured discussions about complex ethical dilemmas. Unlike traditional debates, the Ethics Bowl focuses on ethical reasoning, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue, rather than simply "winning" an argument. Participants are judged on their ability to analyze ethical issues, communicate effectively, and respond insightfully to opposing viewpoints. For more details, visit the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics website at https://www.appe-ethics.org/.
The topics discussed in the Ethics Bowl often reflect real-world challenges, including business ethics, medical decisions, environmental policies, artificial intelligence, and social justice. Examples of past dilemmas include balancing privacy with security, addressing corporate social responsibility, and considering the ethical implications of emerging technologies.
Participation in the Ethics Bowl is open to all NSU students, regardless of major or prior experience. Students need only a willingness to learn and engage in meaningful conversations. By participating, students develop critical skills in ethical reasoning, teamwork, and public speaking. These abilities are highly sought after in professional settings and enhance resumes by showcasing leadership and analytical capabilities. Networking opportunities with peers, faculty, and industry professionals further enrich the experience.
Teams consist of 4-6 students and are formed based on interest and availability. Weekly team meetings allow participants to analyze case studies, practice presentations, and receive guidance from faculty mentors like Dr. Megan Weinkauf. "Seeing students grow in their ability to think critically and articulate their ethical reasoning is incredibly rewarding," Dr. Weinkauf shared. "The Ethics Bowl is about equipping students with skills that extend far beyond the competition—it’s about preparing them to navigate the ethical challenges they’ll face in their careers and communities."
Competitions take place annually, with state and regional events in the fall and nationals in the spring. This year, the state competition will be held in Oklahoma City at the end of October, and regionals will occur in early November in San Antonio, Texas. Both events are hosted on weekends, and travel expenses are covered for participants.
NSU Ethics Bowl teams have a strong tradition of excellence, with students frequently earning recognition for their preparation and ethical reasoning. A standout moment came this year when team leaders Jacob Hardbarger and Lauren Shores skillfully tackled a challenging case on Non-Disclosure Agreements. Their exceptional analysis secured a win for NSU in that round, highlighting the power of preparation and teamwork.
Jacob Hardbarger, a two-year Ethics Bowl participant, shared, "Debate has guided me to find my voice. Ethics Bowl has taught me how to use my voice in support of things that matter to me most. Thanks to CBT and its stellar support of NSU Ethics Bowl, I will soon graduate and be sent forth into the world advocating for others and ensuring my communities are well informed, safe, and make excellent ethical decisions through both public policy and business practices."
Lauren Shores echoed Jacob’s sentiments, saying, "I'd like to add that our coach, Megan Weinkauf, was a guiding force in our success this year! I learned a lot from the competitions, my teammates and competitors, and Dr. Weinkauf—it was a valuable experience for me. Jacob and I were also able to connect as a two-person team, and I think that connection aided in our reasonings and accomplishments this semester. My favorite moment was probably at regionals. At that point, I found myself really immersed in the argument. I had a lot to say, and having the evidence to back up the way I viewed the issue at hand was refreshing."
Students interested in joining the Ethics Bowl can contact Dr. Megan Weinkauf at weinkauf@nsuok.edu. Announcements about team recruitment are made at the start of each semester, with deadlines for team formation and initial meetings occurring early in the term. The Ethics Bowl provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to grow as leaders, thinkers, and ethical decision-makers. For those considering joining, this is your chance to make a difference and engage with some of the most important issues of our time.
Dr. Weinkauf’s dedication to the Ethics Bowl and her guidance as a mentor have been instrumental in fostering an environment where students can thrive. Her expertise and encouragement help ensure the program's continued success and impact at NSU.
Professional Development Panel: Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Career
Students in the College of Business and Technology recently had the opportunity to attend a Professional Development Panel featuring a distinguished group of professionals. The panelists included Jennifer Bentley from Northeastern Health Systems, Jean Logue from Northeastern State University, and LaRue Logue from ABB Motors and Mechanical. Held on a Saturday, the panel provided invaluable insights into what students can expect in the workforce after graduation. It offered a unique chance for students to engage directly with experienced professionals.
The panel profoundly impacted the students, offering them real-world perspectives and practical advice. Dr. Leshay McNack facilitated the session and noted that the discussion was particularly valuable for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Many students remarked on the benefit of hearing directly from industry professionals, which provided them with a clearer understanding of how to apply their academic learning in a professional setting. Topics such as career growth, industry trends, and overcoming challenges sparked lively discussions, leaving students with a wealth of actionable insights.
Among the most significant takeaways from the panel were the importance of networking, continuous learning, and adaptability in an ever-evolving job market. The panelists stressed the need for students to align their values with the organizational culture they will encounter in their careers. They also shared valuable tips on how to stand out in job interviews and make an impact early in one’s career. These insights resonated deeply with the students, motivating them to think strategically about their professional futures.
The engagement from students was another highlight of the session. Many students were actively involved throughout the event, asking thoughtful questions and contributing to the discussion. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were evident as they eagerly absorbed the knowledge shared by the panelists. Several students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact directly with professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
Dr. McNack emphasized the importance of events like this, noting that they provide students with the chance to connect with industry leaders, gain insights beyond the classroom, and prepare for success in their careers. Such events strengthen the relationship between academia and industry, offering students a platform to explore potential career paths and learn from those who have successfully navigated the professional world.
This Professional Development Panel exemplifies the value of providing students with opportunities to engage with professionals and learn from their experiences, enhancing the overall educational experience at NSU's College of Business and Technology.
On November 1, Drs. Vanessa Anton (Dean of the College of Education), Lisa Bisogno (Associate Dean, COE), Kelli Carney (Assistant Dean, COE), Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education), and Lori Riley (Assessment Director) participated in the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium Fall 2024 Convening. The event provided an opportunity to engage with representatives from other universities and area public school districts to explore current district needs and discuss potential partnership initiatives.
Dr. Alesha Baker (Library/Media) and Dr. Jason Proctor (Teacher Education) presented, “Transformative Approaches: Empowering Educators to Understand, Assess, and Implement AI Systems” for the Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities (TECSCU).
On December 7, 2024, Drs. Sherry Been (Elementary Education), Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education), and Christine Gleason (Teacher Education) supported area elementary and middle school participants by judging at the GIRLS & GEARS VEX IQ Tournament hosted by Bixby Middle School.
Ms. Jameie Combs (Special Education) hosted the Oklahoma School for the Deaf conference in the Deaf Community and Careers class.
Dr. Renee Cowan (Reading) has an article in press entitled, “The Science of Reading and Comprehension: Useful Strategies for Improving the Comprehension of Teacher Candidates” in an upcoming issue of The Oklahoma Reader.
Dr. Renee Cowan’s (Reading) presentation proposal has been accepted for the ISTELive (International Society for Technology in Education)/ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) Annual Conference in July. Her session is entitled “Leveraging Alphabet Books to Increase Writing in the Content Areas.”
Dr. Tamra Day (Special Education) will be attending the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) 2025 Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.
On November 16th, Drs. Christine Gleason (Teacher Education), Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education), and Bradlee Ross (Teacher Education) presented at the OACTE Fall 2024 EmpowerED Conference: Inspiring Educators for a Stronger Profession.
Dr. Jarilyn Haney (Special Education) will be presenting at the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) 2025 Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Her presentation is entitled “Creating Inclusive Environments: Collaboration, Student Engagement, and Evidence-Based Practices.”
On November 15th, Shelby Conatzer (Full Intern), Dr. Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education), Anaya Hobson, Summer Parker (Pre-I Intern), and Karissa Tran (Pre-I Intern) provided technology rotation activities during Jefferson Elementary's Family STEM Night (Union Public Schools).
Under the direction of Clinic Director Dr. Ingrid Massey (Reading), the Broken Arrow Reading Clinic hosted more than twenty teachers over a five-day period for Literacy First Training. Both NSU students and local educators attended this outstanding presentation.
Dr. Brandy-Lea McCombs (Elementary Education) presented "Rooted in Ghana & Moving Forward with Healing" at the annual Pearl House Gala in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Dr. Brandy-Lea McCombs (Elementary Education) presented “Reading Strategies: Multiple Copies & Small Groups” to local educators of the Kurdan Region, Nigeria on December 27, 2024.
Dr. Meagan Moreland (Reading) produced a news segment on Tulsa’s Channel 6 (KOTV) about making Christmas sweaters incorporating literacy on December 19th, 2024.
Dr. Meagan Moreland (Reading) recently shared a newscast on KOTV, Tulsa’s Channel 6 News. She modeled how to incorporate gratitude jars and literacy for children.
On November 20th, Dr. Bradlee Ross (Teacher Education) spoke about virtual teacher support and retention at Connors State College’s Honors Research Seminar.
Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) and Dr. Martha Parrott (Assistant Dean, Gregg Wadley College of Science and Health Professions) recently shared, “Learning Mathematics through Literature: Sparking Connections and Inspiring Joy and Wonder,” with a group of twenty-five in-service teachers in Osage County, Oklahoma.
Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading) shared professional development sessions on “At-Promise Readers and Interventions for Students with Dyslexia” to Marble City and Brushy Schools.
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Drs. Kari Henry Hulett and Maria Gray, faculty members in the Department of Educational Leadership, presented a session titled “Empowering Women Leaders in Higher Education: Vision and Success Through Transformational Leadership” on November 22, 2024, at the Oklahoma Women in Higher Education Fall Conference in Edmond. Drawing from their roles as women in leadership, their presentation blended practical experience with theoretical insights to address the conference themes.
PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELING
Dr. Stephen Grissom (Psychology) presented on “Juvenile Competency Evaluations” to the Annual Children’s Court Improvement Conference on October 17, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Department of History, in partnership with the with Center for Tribal Studies and Too Fond of Books, hosted a successful author talk and book signing event with Dr. Donald L. Fixico (Mvskoke/Semvnole/Shawnee/Sac and Fox) at the NSU Jazz Lab on November 14th, 2024. Dr. Fixico spoke about his new book The State of Sequoyah: Indigenous Sovereignty and the Quest for an Indian State. Dr. Michelle M. Martin, Assistant Professor of History, organized the event in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. Over 50 people attended and Mvskoke Nation Second Principal Chief Del Beaver and his wife Rhonda and Mr. John Beaver, Mvskoke Nation Cultural Affairs, attended the event.
Dr. Michelle M. Martin’s HIST/AIS 3723 students created a museum exhibit as a part of their classwork during the fall 2024 semester. "Let Us Be Wise": The Cherokee National Female Seminary opened on Thursday, November 21st and will be on display until mid April 2025. The exhibit is located on the third floor of Seminary Hall. An opening reception was held with generous support from the Department of History, the Center for Tribal Studies, the Center for Women’s Studies and the NSU Foundation. The students learned valuable teamwork and research skills and were supported by Blain McClain, NSU Archives and Special Collections, and the staff of the Cherokee National Research Center.
Dr. Michelle M. Martin, Assistant Professor of History, spoke at the Bartlesville Area History Museum in honor of Native American Heritage Month. At their Lunch and Learn she presented All The Sorrows of the World: Hannah Worcester Hicks and the Civil War in Indian Territory.
Dr. Lara Searcy and Libby Maple (M.S. Leadership, English, Summer 2022) co-authored a book chapter titled, "#WritingIs…Meaningful, Independent, Authentic, and Blended: Moving from the #WickedProblems of Standardization and Compartmentalization” in the book, When Teaching Writing Gets Tough: Challenges and Possibilities in Secondary Writing Instruction, published by Teachers College Press in 2024. This book chapter was an extension of Libby's graduate Thesis: Teaching Portfolio work.
NSU students, staff, and faculty along with Tahlequah community members provided over 660 Christmas and Holiday cards for the 2024 drive coordinated by Dr. Christine Hallman, Professor of Geography and Sustainability studies. Some cards were signed with messages of hope and kindness while others were created with good intentions and care. With collaborations in Tahlequah, Tulsa, and Claremore, the cards were distributed to elders, hospital patients, veterans, and active duty service members across the region. Thank you to everyone who donated blank cards and signed or made cards. You brought joy and made a difference in our community.
Dr. Justin Kroll, Assistant Professor of Music, performed as Tenor soloist in Handel's Messiah with Muskogee Community Chorus on December 9. He also performed the role of Lord Riccardo Percy in Donizetti's Anna Bolena with Winter Opera St Louis on January 17 and 19.
Dr. Audell Shelburne, dean of COLA, was featured in December on a podcast from eMerge Unchained in which he is interviewed by Aubrey Green, who is an NSU alum and owner/editor at Blue Clover Editing. Shelburne has had three poems published in January 2025, “Leaving Leaves for Later” and “Strata” in Verse Virtual and “Our Darling Boy” in eMerge.
Christopher Miller, Professor of Drama, wrote and directed an original play titled The Human Animal: From Ape to AI. The show featured three NSU Drama students and was presented at the NSU Playhouse December 5-8. Dr. Robyn Pursley, Professor of Drama, designed costumes and properties for the production and Scott Pursley, Professor of Drama, designed sound, lighting, and scenery for the show.
On November 20, 2024, Dr. Christine Hallman, Dr. John McIntosh, and Dr. Saroj Thapa from the Geography & Political Science Department collaborated with Rhonda Baber (Lake Regional Electric Cooperative) to hold NSU's annual celebration of GIS Day by inviting speakers from Enertech (Wichita, KS), Meshek & Associates, LLC (Tulsa), and Cherokee Nation along with a Land Use Planning and GIS consultant. Three of the speakers are NSU alumni. About twenty people attended either in-person or virtually and retired NSU Geography professor, Dr. Chuck Ziehr shared a historical summary of GIS Day and Geography Awareness Week. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is digital mapping technology used to analyze, model, and interpret spatial data in order to solve problems.
Faculty from the Gregg Wadley College of Science and Health Professions passed out fidgets to students during finals week in the Science Building.
Dr. Das-Bradoo was invited to give a talk at the First Friday Seminar Speaker Series at Oklahoma State University – Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) at Tulsa on December 6, 2024. Her talk, titled “DNA Replication Proteins: Multitasking Superheroes” was well received by both graduate and medical students, as well as faculty at OSU-CHS.
The Nutritional Sciences Department collaborated with the Physician Assistant Studies (PA) Program for their first Lifestyle Medicine Module this Fall. The collaboration began with Dr. Kavita Shah's lecture exploring the pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. For the collaboration, the Nutritional Sciences department hosted a one-day event about the health benefits of a Whole Foods-Plant-Based diet. On December 4th, Dr. Katy Fuller (Nutritional Sciences) presented a class to the PA students about the Whole Foods-Plant-Based Diet and the critical role of nutrition in health prevention and treatment. This was followed by a hands-on culinary food lab where the PA students prepared various plant-based dishes. Students from the Nutritional Assessment and Counseling class also completed a two-part project involving a nutritional meal analysis of the assigned dishes and submitting a report on plant-based diets. The collaboration was supported by a $250 Taste of Lifestyle Medicine Grant from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, which funded grocery costs. Dishes prepared included Vegan Caesar Salad, Cauliflower/Potato Mash, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash Soup, Tofu and Black Bean Taquitos, Lemon-Garlic Fettuccine, Vegetable Tofu Stir Fry, "Nice" Cream, and Vegan Brownies.
Dr. Weihuan Zhao published a paper in the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. Dr. Zhao investigated the thermal protection improvement of firefighters’ gloves by using phase change material.
Dr. Mark Paulissen, Professor Emeritus of Biology, has been collaborating with a research group from Clemson University and the University of Arkansas on a study of a species of all-female lizards living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas/Mexico. Late in 2024, the team published two short notes on which Paulissen was a co-author. They are:
Camper, B. T., R. T. Manuel, S. C. Godwin, J. E. Cordes, M. A. Paulissen, J. M Walker, and S. A. Bewick. 2024. First identification of caudal bifurcation in Aspidoscelis laredoensis (Laredo Striped Whiptail) in Clonal complex B. Sonoran Herpetologist. 37: 176-178. and Cordes, J. E., B. T. Camper, R. T. Manuel, S. A. Bewick, M. A. Paulissen, and J. M. Walker. 2024. Coelomic accommodation of a large clutch in Aspidoscelis laredoensis (Laredo Striped Whiptail) Clonal Complex B. Sonoran Herpetologist 37:179-180.
Dr. Cammi Valdez was selected to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM), which recognizes individuals and groups "who have made significant contributions to mentoring and thereby support the future productivity of the U.S. science, technology, engineering and mathematics, (STEM) workforce."
Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony
The Oklahoma College of Optometry Class of 2027 participated in their White Coat Ceremony on Friday, November 15, 2024. It was a wonderful event for our second-year students. You could see the excitement and pride on their faces and their loved ones in attendance. The White Coat Ceremony signifies a transition into the clinical setting as second-year students begin their clinical education by seeing patients in direct patient care starting in January.
NSUOCO Alumnus of the Year Award Presented at Converge 2024
The “NSUOCO Alumnus of the Year” award was formed to recognize outstanding alumni contributions to the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry. The inaugural award was presented to Dr. Jeff Miller at the Converge 2024 continuing education conference held at the Hyatt Regency in Tulsa in early November. Dr. Miller graduated from NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry and completed his residency in Advanced Diagnosis and Therapeutics in Ocular Disease from the VEF (Vision Education Foundation) of Oklahoma. He practiced in Tulsa for nine years prior to joining Cockrell Eye Center in 1999. He is a past President of the OAOP and has been recognized by the OAOP as Young OD of the Year, received the Pillar in Optometry Award, OD of the Year, and Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Miller is a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry and has served optometry in many capacities with the state association such as Congress Committee Co-Chair, Executive Board as well as American Optometric Association on the Federal Relations Committee Co-Chair. After his OAOP Presidency he again served on the OAOP Board of Directors from 2015 to 2020. Dr. Miller is active in his community, having served on the boards of Stillwater’s Smart Start Childcare and Learning Center, the Stillwater Public Education Foundation and the former Pawnee Municipal Hospital Foundation. He is a past President of the Pawnee Rotary Club and since 2003 has volunteered in the annual Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes program.
Dr. Miller is a trusted resource and mentor to many fellow optometrists and students. He is a talented clinician and is someone our entire profession looks up to.
Welcome back everyone,
We hope that you all had a wonderful break and happy holidays! In the RASP office,
we have been working hard to meet application deadlines, while also getting ready
for Oklahoma Research Day! For those unfamiliar with ORD, it is a free statewide conference
that provides students and faculty the opportunity to showcase their research, scholarly,
and creative activities through poster presentations. It is a great place to meet
like-minded people, network, and exchange ideas. If you are interested in participating,
please register on the Oklahoma Research
Day website.
With many great proposals still developing, we would like to recognize these individuals for their hard work over these last few months in submitting their grant applications:
- Cheyanne Olson – ODWC
- Dr. Courtney Hamby – NSTI
- Dr. Weihuan Zhao – DOE Collaborative – EPSCOR
Application Notices:
Oklahoma Arts Council (OAC) is now taking applications. The portal opens on January 15th, 2025 and the submission deadline is February 18th, 2025.
SURP, Summer Undergraduate Research Program, deadline is on January 22nd, 2025.
Keep an eye out for information regarding NSU’s Faculty Research grant!
Please feel free to contact the RASP office with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your grant applications. We hope you have a great Spring semester!
Jessica Secratt
Director of RASP
918-444-2243
Tory Lander
Assistant Director of RASP
918-444-2029
THANK-A-PROF
During the fall of 2024, the Office of Academic Affairs sponsored a program called “Thank-a-Prof.” This provided an opportunity for students to acknowledge a professor who made a positive impact in their life with a personal note of thanks.
We are excited to share a few of those notes below.
College of Business & Technology
Your guidance has been so much more than just academic instruction. You've been a mentor who genuinely cares about my entire professional journey, not just my performance in the classroom. Your commitment to students goes far beyond traditional teaching—you invest in our potential, challenge us to grow, and provide support that extends well beyond our coursework. The impact you've made on my life is lifelong. You've shown me what it means to be not just an educator, but a true advocate for students, helping us navigate our academic and professional paths with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering belief in our capabilities. Thank you for being the kind of professor who transforms lives, someone who sees potential, nurtures dreams, and helps students like me build confidence in our abilities. Your mentorship will continue to inspire me long after I leave this classroom.
College of Education
I really appreciate your heart to teach this strategies class. Because of you I will continue my education. This class was the highlight of my freshmen year!
College of Business & Technology
I appreciate your real life stories and ability to connect to students on an individual level. I felt like you were a friend as well as a professor after the class ended. That's a special quality to have and I appreciate that. Too many things in life have become so superficial and surface level and it's nice to have someone that takes the time to get to know each student on a common level. NSU needs more Professors like you! Keep up the good efforts! You are making a difference in so many lives.
College of Liberal Arts
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your guidance and support throughout Composition 1. Your insights and feedback have been incredibly valuable, and I genuinely appreciate the time and effort you put into helping me improve my writing skills. At first I thought your grading was really hard, but then I realized how much it was helping me become a better writer! I am really going to miss getting to have this class at 9am MWF and miss having you as a teacher! Thank you so much again for everything you have done for me!
College of Education
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the impact you’ve had on my personal and professional growth during our time in Practicum I. Your ability to offer a different perspective encouraged me to reflect deeply on my values, beliefs, and approach to counseling. Your genuine insights challenged me in the best way possible, opening my mind to new ways of thinking and fostering a greater understanding of myself and others. Your support and wisdom have been instrumental in helping me grow not only as a counselor but also as a person. I will carry the lessons I’ve learned from you into my practice and strive to emulate the thoughtful and compassionate approach you’ve demonstrated. Thank you once again for your guidance and for being such a significant part of my journey. I truly appreciate all you’ve shared and hope to stay connected.
College of Science & Health Professions
I have taken a couple classes that you have taught in the MSN program, and you are amazing! You lift all your students up and give us confidence in ourselves. You have helped motivate me to do my best to achieve my goals. Thank you very much.
College of Science & Health Professions
I truly appreciate your dedication and contributions to science. Your passion for wildlife is inspiring, and it's made a lasting impact on me. After taking this course, I have a new perspective on science, especially biological science. The way you engage us in each lesson and explain complex material in terms that are easy to understand has made learning not only possible but enjoyable. Thanks to your teaching, I can retain information better, and I find myself excited about topics I never thought I’d be interested in. Your wit, relatability, and humor make you a bright light for students. Please keep doing what you do!