Bluffton students share a unique and valuable experience when it comes to relationships with professors.
“It’s all about relationships” is a phrase that every Bluffton student has probably heard at least once. Community is one of Bluffton’s four core values, and professors seek out opportunities to exhibit this value.
Nate Otto, senior education major, said that he’s had multiple influential professors.
Dr. Perry Bush
“For me, it’s a toss up between Chuck Sheirloh and Perry Bush,” said Otto. “They are both very passionate and knowledgeable.”
So, what makes a professor influential?
Bluffton students have a wide set of opinions on our professors that range from the best to the worst. Being challenged isn’t always fun, but Bluffton professors know how to push their students.
“They challenged me to go more in depth and to do more than just the minimum,” said Otto.
Some other students, like Micayla Hanover, are drawn to professors like Crystal Sellers-Battle.
“She’s a fun person to be around, and she’ll tell you what you need to hear whether it’s what you want to hear or not,” said Hanover of Sellers-Battle. “She’s had lots of struggles in her life and continues to work hard; she’s a good role model for perseverance.”
Challenging students and being a good role model are just a few of the many ways professors can improve students’ lives. Some professors, such as Marathana Prothro, use other methods to be influential.
Communication in the Professions students taught by Marathana Prothro. Photo courtesy of Marathana Prothro.
Junior Torri Futch enjoys how relatable Prothro can be during classes.
“She’s relatable, yet professional, intuitive and practical,” said Futch. “She is a very well rounded professor.”
Senior public relations major Claire Clay said that she would’ve transferred if it weren’t for Prothro.
“My freshman year, I enrolled in Introduction to Journalism with Marathana, I didn’t even know how to say her name,” said Clay. “But, it was her that made me feel like I belonged at Bluffton at a time when I didn’t feel that way.”
Clay goes on to discuss how her relationship with Prothro developed.
“Her main focus with me isn’t just academics but also my personal life,” said Clay. “[She] is one of my closest allies, both personally and professionally.”
Influencing student’s lives isn’t as hard as it seems. Students like Tessa Short find it easy to build a relationship with professors.
Melissa Green (left) teaches her advertising students. Photo by Alyssa Eby.
Gary Schiefer works at his desk. Photo by Dakota Fredette.
“Melissa Green and Gary Schiefer are so personable with their students regardless of what the class is,” said Short. “They remember the details in students lives and are always willing to help mentor or just talk.”
Others like senior Hanna Brian love seeing the humorous side to their favorite professors.
Sophie Hobbs and Deanna Barthlow-Potkanowicz
“My favorite is easily Deanna Barthlow-Potkanowicz from the psychology department,” said Brian. “She’s amazing and super funny; she helped me realize I wanted to go to grad school.”
Being a genuine person seems to be what some students look for in a professor, but how does attending Bluffton affect our relationships with professors?
Carrie and Gerald Mast. Photo by Nicole Centofanti.
Gino Spadaro notices when his professors fit into the culture here at Bluffton.
“Gerald Mast knows what he’s talking about, and he’s very passionate about what he teaches,” said Spadaro. “You can tell that he cares about his students and he represents Bluffton University very well. He just seems like he fits the mission statement very well.”
Coach Steve Yarnell. Photo courtesy of Colton Steiner.
For freshman Eric Bender, it’s all about having conversations.
“Steve Yarnell is so personable, and I love having conversations with him,” said Bender. “He’s helping me with my career without even knowing it by providing me with so many options.”
Dr. Alex Sider. Photo courtesy of Bluffton University Public Relations.
Others like sophomore Nicholas Hoffman look for relationships with professors that listen.
“Alex Sider is extremely intelligent,” said Hoffman. “He allows for ideas to be heard without shooting them down like others might.”
On a campus filled with so many caring and interesting professors, relationships seem to flow freely and grow easily. Maybe it is “all about relationships” after all?
Editor’s note: Crystal Sellers-Battle is not pictured due to maternity leave.
