Sophomores value their faculty, survey says

About 60 percent of sophomores surveyed provided more than one name that mattered to their education when asked if any NAU faculty or staff member has positively influenced their NAU experience.

About 725 sophomores participated in the annual, web-based sophomore survey that assesses students' satisfaction with the university. Conducted in spring 2007, student comments about faculty and staff are available now, while the full report will be released later.

This year, six people were noted numerous times: John Wettaw, part-time faculty, chemistry; David Pierotti, associate professor, biological sciences; William Archer, lecturer, business; Scott Antes, instructor, anthropology; Troy Hutchings, director of the College of Education's student services; and Astrid Sheil, assistant professor, communication.

Here's a sampling of comments:

"Dr. Wettaw remembers everyone and genuinely loves teaching," reported a chemistry student. "He will bend over backwards with his hair on fire and sing the national anthem in Greek if it will help you learn."

One student said Pierotti was, "the best teacher ever." Another said, "He made BIO 201 and 202 the most enjoyable experience I've ever had academically."

A student said Archer "taught me real-life experience, not simply textbook answers for business and ethical situations."

A student reported that Antes "gave me the passion for anthropology. He refuses to give up on me. Even though I've had to struggle, I want to graduate so he can see I listened."

Hutchings helped create a teacher. "His class and his teaching style are the main reason I decided to become a teacher," a student wrote.

Sheil's encouragement helped one student who said, "She is always is open to sharing her experiences, not afraid to ask anyone what they felt about something and always encourages students, even when they are unsure of themselves."

The full report can be viewed online.