The 2022 Kalamazoo College football seniors have selected their Most Valuable Professors to recognize this season. These Most Valuable Professors were recognized before the home football game on Oct. 1.
The Hornets selected Dr. Jennifer Perry, Dr. Patrick Hultberg, Dr. Charlene Boyer Lewis, Dr. Hannah Apps, and Professor Amy MacMillan.
Tristan James selected Dr. Perry from the psychology department as his Most Valuable Professor. James appreciates Dr. Perry's teaching style as it makes class topics relatable to specific career paths. He also enjoys the way that the classroom environment is usually fun. James is grateful for Dr. Perry's guidance with his independent study project on sports psychology and training.
Dr. Hultberg from the economics department is the next Most Valuable Professor, selected by Payton Fleming. The way that Dr. Hultberg keeps the classroom atmosphere engaging is something Fleming appreciates. He is also grateful that Dr. Hultberg has always made the class enjoyable.
Jake Robertson chose Dr. Lewis from the history department as his Most Valuable Professor. Robertson states that Dr. Lewis reinvigorated his love for history through the teaching style of finding a way to reach everyone in the classroom. He is also grateful for Dr. Lewis' guidance during some tough times. The grace she showed and her care for him helped ease a mountain of stress from his shoulders when he was struggling, something he will never forget.
Honoring Dr. Apps, who could not make the ceremony, from the economics department as their Most Valuable Professor were Noah Piercy and Andrew Widger. Piercy appreciates Dr. Apps for always making class engaging and fun, helping him expand his knowledge on the subject matter. Widger also credits Dr. Apps with having the most significant impact on his college education. The guidance as Widger's academic and senior individualized project advisor is a couple of things he is grateful for Dr. Apps.
The final Most Valuable Professor was Professor MacMillan from the business department. While Professor MacMillan could not make the ceremony, she significantly impacted the classroom with Lance Taylor, Ryan Hanifan, Micah Groom, Justin Negrete, and DaShawn Meeks all selected her. Taylor appreciates Professor MacMillan's passion for helping students grow and learn about the business world. Her teaching style, plus her feedback and suggestions on his work, is what Hanifan enjoys, as it has better prepared him and his classmates for a career in the field of marketing. Groom values Professor MacMillan for creating an atmosphere where it is fun to go to class, be engaged, and just be learning because her approach to teaching prepares students for life after college. Negrete respects Professor MacMillan for treating him as more than just a name on a class roster and for her care, helping him create opportunities for experience in the business world. Finally, Meeks claims Professor MacMillan is energetic, genuine, and transparent as a leader. The energy she brings and her generosity made her more approachable to questions, helping Meeks become a better learner. These five are not the only fans of Professor MacMillan, as 29 other student-athletes have also selected her as a Most Valuable Professor, making Professor MacMillan the most honored professor on campus.
On behalf of the athletic department, THANK YOU to these Most Valuable Professors for positively influencing our student-athletes. Your work is greatly appreciated!
Kalamazoo College senior athletes have the opportunity to recognize their Most Valuable Professors throughout the 2022-23 season.