Jose G. Case Manager

For me, it's helping students navigate the college experience. You don't always see the "ah ha!" moment right away, but once they feel like NMU is their home and they know where to go for resources and get their questions answered, it makes you feel good. 

Also, running into students either at events on campus or in the community and they actually say hi to me first, that always puts a smile on my face. Knowing that they feel comfortable connecting with me, even briefly, is pretty rewarding to me. 

May 05, 2026 06:03 PM

Stacy B. Professor

One of the most rewarding parts of being a faculty member is the opportunity to work closely with students and play a meaningful role in their growth and development. While research, scholarship, and professional accomplishments are all important, it is often the day-to-day interactions with students that make the work truly fulfilling. Watching students gain confidence, discover new interests, overcome challenges, and succeed both academically and personally brings an incredible sense of purpose to the profession. The relationships built through teaching, mentoring, advising, and collaboration create a lasting impact that extends well beyond the classroom, and for many faculty members, those connections become the most meaningful and energizing aspect of academic life.

May 06, 2026 05:26 PM