For me, many of my teachers were amazing mentors, especially Dr. Craig Wood Maddox, associate professor of music, and Dr. Michael McFarland, associate professor of communication and media studies. But in the interest of including a non-faculty member, I would have to say Patricia M. Fort, wife of Dr. Robert Fort, who was an adviser for Sigma Alpha Iota when I was president of the chapter. We would have lunch downtown every Friday and talk business and even more. I learned so much from her that year and really cherish those memories. She’s an amazing woman who, while not on the faculty, continues to support Stetson and its students every day. — Amy Traugh Longtin ’00 William R. Nylen, professor of political science, taught with such passion for his subject area that he inspired me every day. — Amanda Sharkey Ross ’99 When I was there, I probably would not have picked Dwaine Cochran, professor of psychology, but now looking back, I see that he was always there for me, guiding me and helping me and supporting me with great wisdom. I keep remembering more and more influential professors … getting a Stetson education is truly a transformative experience. — Carol Morgan ’76 That's hard... I would have to say Peter May, professor of biology, is one of the professors who I could not have done so well without. He really helped show me and others that biology is not only interesting ... it can be darn funny. There is also Phillip Lucas, professor of religious studies. He was always honest with us and of course caught us whenever we were BS-ing through things ... And he taught that sometimes you do your best work just by starting with, well, utter ridiculousness. — Hannah Tennyson, Senior Sims Kline, associate professor and research librarian; he was an unbelievable resource with practically EVERY PAPER I had to write. — Julia Joy Morgillo, Senior Betty Thorne, professor of decision and information sciences. She is so very passionate about her subject. I don’t know if you will ever meet someone who is more passionate about statistics than she is. She is also a huge inspiration regarding her faith
and what she has been through in life. She always stressed to work hard, have fun, and remember what is really important in life. — Robbie Harper ’02 Major General Claude H. Chorpening. I had him for engineering and math my freshman year (’64’65). He had retired as a major general from the Army. He taught two courses a year (one in fall and one in spring) for which he was compensated $1. Not sure if that was semester or year ... ha ha. Chorpening was an awesome man. He was the most demanding teacher I ever had. — Bob Murch ’68 Elizabeth Dershimer:) — Stephanie Parnell Leach ’03 Kwan-chen Ma, professor of business, is a great mentor. He cares deeply for all his students. He encourages his students to be the best they can be and more. He even hires students at his personal business to ensure they learn more and obtain real-world experience for the job market. He stays in touch with students many years after graduation to know how they are doing and what they are doing. He is a great networker to help students with obtaining jobs after graduation. He is a great mentor! — Gage Gorman ’03 John Pearson, professor of English, and Julie Schmitt, assistant professor of theatre arts—more than they’ll ever know. The little things taught in class helped me. Pearson was easygoing and very helpful to me as a first-year student. Schmitt’s charisma in class was infectious!! I still refer to things I learned in her class as a working actress. — Ariel Azul John Booth, who taught statistics in the School of Business Administration, was very helpful as I considered whether to pursue a career as a CPA or as a lawyer. — John Paul Parks ’78 Lori Snook, associate professor of English, inspired, encouraged and enlightened me so much so that although I was a finance major, I ended up with an English minor just so I could take all of her classes! — Myndi Giebels Haggart ’97 Don Musser, senior professor of religious studies, has provided me with some great insights. He continues to
help guide me in my academic career. — Jennifer Tyre Lancaster, Senior Charles Vedder, professor of sociology, inspired my critical thinking, and Dr. Terri Witek, professor of English, honed my pen to carve the words as I truly intended, fear be damned. And Dr. Phillip Lucas, professor of religious studies, who showed me how to delve into the deeper mysteries of my self/soul and the belief systems of this chaotic mad sphere called Earth ... All of whom I owe a gracious thank you, for as much as I drank it all in in my youth, it resurfaces like pleasant ripples in the lake of life. — Will Lewis ’81 Michael Denner, associate professor of the Russian studies program. Stetson is fortunate to have such a charismatic and brilliant professor in its midst. — Bimini Lee Wright ’11 My top three would be Elisabeth Poeter, associate professor of modern languages and literatures; Nick Maddox, professor of management and international business; and Rosalie Scaturro Carpenter, assistant dean of students. But there are many others as well (Joshua Rust, assistant professor of philosophy; Mike Bitter, professor of accounting; Monique Forte, late professor of management; and Nathan Wolek, associate professor of digital arts, to name a few). — Brad Brubaker, Senior Management and International Business Professor Nick Maddox! — Chelsea Knox, Senior Kimberly Reiter, associate professor of history, and Kimberly Flint-Hamilton, associate professor of sociology and anthropology. They gave me a voice to write my story, my truth and my history. They legitimized my research and encouraged me to go on when I felt like I couldn’t any more. — Amy Neubauer, Senior Michael Rickman, professor of music, without a doubt! Besides being a fantastic teacher, he was (and still is) a constant source of motivation, inspiration and wisdom for me. From our lessons to our chats about music or aesthetics or anything over coffee, his impact on my life has been profound. — Wade Meyers, Senior Bruce Bradford, professor of geography and environmental science.
He taught me to try new things and that whatever I want to do is never out of reach—I just need the desire to do it. He’s been so helpful in many different ways. I couldn’t imagine going through my first few years without him. — Kara Stephens, Junior Elizabeth Dershimer, teacher education!! — Liz Bornhorst, Senior Wow! The first name that rushed forward was Dean Etter Turner (1940s) ... feet rooted in the past, she still tried to understand all the women in her charge and make change (seemed slow to us sometimes). She had grace and patience: faced physical challenges with grace and courage. But there were so many others...Robert Sherer, history professor; American Studies Professor John Hague ... Stetson may be unique in how great the ties are. — Janice Baric Bartolotta ’72 For the Lady Hatters, we would love to mention Kendra Gilbertson and Michael Gonzalez from Stetson University Club Sports! Without their guidance and help starting the club team, who knows what lacrosse would look like here at Stetson. I think we owe them a ton for making sure our club was a pioneer in the club sports and lacrosse world. From every team member past and present, we thank them! — Stetson Lady Hatters Lacrosse Club Wow, so many to choose from. I’d have to highlight Dr. Michael Branton, professor of mathematics and computer science; Dr. Bruce Bradford, professor of geography and environmental science; and Dr. Eugene Huskey, professor of political science. — Gary Sipe ’01 Dr. Rick Medlin, professor of psychology, was someone who inspired me to be better, saw something in me that I did not see in myself, and just genuinely cared about his students. — Patty Goodridge Costley ’98 STETSON Magazine welcomes letters to the editor. However, we ask that you focus your letter on a topic or article in the magazine. Send letters by email to wnoblitt@stetson.edu, by fax at 386-822-8925, or snail mail to Bill Noblitt, Office of University Marketing, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., 8319, DeLand, FL 32723. Because of space limitations, we may edit some letters.
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