Dec. 2, 2008 issue

One thing I heard, over and over, about EMU before I came here five years ago was that faculty here had such a great connection with the students, and I've found that to be very true. There's wonderful interaction with students, both in class and outside of class. The students want to do more than just sit and be lectured to; they want to be active learners and do outside projects.

As an instructor, I appreciate how that allows for more creativity in the classroom. One of my graduate classes is doing a project for a nonprofit group in town; my graduate students in sport management plan, promote and run a fundraiser each year. Their willingness to go beyond what's in the book allows them to be able to have those types of experiences, and I also view that as a way of giving back to the community.

I think another thing that makes Eastern special is that our faculty are the ones who teach. That makes a huge difference. I'm able to share my own research with my students. I think that's huge, along with the fact that most of us have our doors open. Students can just drop by. It creates a connection that's not just student-to-faculty member, but also faculty member-to-student. I think that's why we find we have alumni who want to be on our sport management advisory board. People take that experience with them after they graduate.

I'm originally from Southern California, but I 've come to feel at home here. I've been able to get close to the students; and we're starting an undergraduate sport management program next fall. I think a lot of good things are happening here and, as coordinator of the sport management program, I've been able to get in on the ground floor. I want to be here to see the programs grow. — Contributed by Amy E. Whitesall

 

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