Educators are constantly presented with opportunities to make a profound impact on their students’ lives.
While their impact is most often observed in the education sector, it extends beyond the classroom. Many bulldog students can name countless educators who have made a great impact on them and helped them have a better college experience.
Engineering technology senior Mohammed Shirzad talked at length about three professors who have been very influential on him during his time at Ferris. They are Patrick English, Jeremy Themm and Dean Vanwormer.
“The first one, I will say, is Dr. English,” Shirzad said. “I give heavy credit to him. He has stepped into his degree, and he’s been trying to change it to be better for students.”
Shirzad discussed plans to change the program, noting that many of the classes are becoming outdated with the rapid rise of new technology.
“We’re trying to get into more software side, not more hands-on,” Shirzad said. “Hey, let’s do more designing. [We can] thanks to Professor Themm, who bought a 3D printer with a head flow system. Now we don’t have to walk to Swan and wait a week to get our prints done.”
Throughout his years at Ferris, Shirzad has had several notable professors whom he has expressed gratitude for.
The professors who teach and mentor students can make or break their college experiences, and many even attribute their opportunities to these professors.
“Then there will be Dean [Vanwormer],” Shirzad said. “He taught me a lot because of the knowledge he had, and I was able to intern for one of the big companies, General Motors.”
Some students have not had to look far to find excellence in their professors. Sometimes, the most familiar people have been the most influential professors.
Dental hygiene senior Tessa Harley talked about how impactful it was to have her own aunt, Teresa Harley, as one of her college professors.
“I feel like she’s helped me a lot during clinic,” Harley said. “She gives good feedback, like she’s very open and honest, and a lot of our clinical instructors always say what you’re doing wrong, but she always follows up with something positive, which I really appreciate.”
For Harley, positive feedback was a helpful confidence booster, as some professors overlook the importance of encouragement alongside what students should work on.
“She’s very flexible,” Harley said. “She builds your confidence, which is nice.”
Other students recognize the genuine passion many professors have for their teaching, which creates a more positive and engaging learning environment.
Architecture sophomore Jack DeBoode commented on what he appreciated about his former professor, Cami Sanderson.
“Professor Sanderson was my communications teacher, and she really brought joy into the class,” DeBoode said. “You can see that she enjoyed her job.”
Additionally, DeBoode praised Sanderson’s care toward students and desire to see them be the best that they can be.
Sanderson’s upbeat approach in the classroom has gained favor with many students across campus, who appreciate a professor who is passionate about their area of expertise.
“Just the fact that she actually cares about her students, but she’s also going to challenge you, is really nice,” DeBoode said.
Ferris is filled with many professors whom students continually express their appreciation for, as they have made a positive impact through their care and dedication to their students.