Faculty Testimonies

Anthony J. Gaudin

Professor, Biology

What is my goal? My overall goal in my classes is to present each class at a level that informs the students and inspires them to further their search for knowledge in this topic.

I constantly question and ask students to keep an open mind about things that they have summarily dismissed in the past and have never had to think about. My mantra is "Cite the evidence. How strong is the evidence?" I remind them that they can spend the rest of their lives without knowledge of many things but a breadth of knowledge and experience makes life more complete.

Terry Johns

Associate Professor, Liberal Arts and Sciences/Mathematics

Success in my class is not solely measured by the number of students who persist and pass, but also by the number of students who persist and pass a level of mathematics beyond what I am teaching them. I dare not hand them a crutch in my class that will cause them to limp in another. I dare not shortchange their library of skills at my level. Leaving holes in the foundation inevitably causes the "house" of mathematics to come crashing down.

The most gratifying words that I can hear from a former student are, "I was well-prepared at the next level."

Melissa Speck

Associate Professor, School of Business

My philosophy of teaching is best reflected in a quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, "Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of becoming." This is why I teach; I have the privilege of helping people realize and develop their potential.

Each semester, I start my class with "I'm happy to be here." I believe that every student deserves to have an instructor that is well-prepared, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their job. I hope I help them become what they are capable of becoming.

Abdalla Hazaimeh

Professor and Program Chair, Math and Physical Sciences

I relate to many Ivy Tech students because they come from all walks of life and many of them have entered college as a result of hardship, such as job loss...Regardless of their circumstances and educational goals, I believe the students who have been in my classes would agree that I gave them the best I have in my knowledge of the subject matter and sometimes more than they could handle.

Not many people get to do a job they love, want to keep improving at it, and seek excellence all in one lifetime. I am living the dream.

Kasandra L. Housley

Assistant Professor of Political Science

I teach political science, which is one of many ways to understand the human condition. In this way, I have the chance to contribute to the betterment of our society and our world. I develop global citizens. The world is changing rapidly, it is dynamic, and it is my duty to prepare them for that reality. When a student comes away with a clearer snapshot of that emerging reality, I am energized and ready to do it again the next semester. Getting them to ask big questions about the future humanity is what it is all about.