Professor, teacher, mentor or counselor, no matter what the title, many of us were influenced, challenged and inspired by someone during our college career. Perhaps you were inspired to study abroad, pursue graduate school, excel professionally, get involved on campus or simply to earn a degree throughout difficult times but no matter what you will always grateful for their help.
Tell us “who inspired you” while you were in college by sharing their name and class or department along with a brief story of how this individual inspired you.
Dr.William Kennedy,school of business. A brilliant mind and ability to deliver his message. He once caught me napping,and told me it would not bother him if I failed his class.The downside for me was the military would draft me,and ship me off to Viet Nam where I might have my ass shot off. Those words proved to be a great motivator. Oh,and I made a “B” in his class.
Larry Aslin, Director of the UofA Speech and Hearing Clinic, inspired me as a student. His suggestions and instruction as a clinical supervisor and instructor not only guided me as a student clinician, but they continue to be a part of my service delivery as a practicing speech-language pathologist and clinical supervisor. Mr. Aslin suffered a personal tragedy during my years at the university and demonstrated a continued professionalism that I have never forgotten. While I was fortunate enough to have many quality instructors and professors at the University of Arkansas, Mr. Aslin was the person who helped to shape me into a more well-rounded professional.
I have to respond to this call for postings. I must say that the professors I encountered in the theatre department (1967-68) were good people, knowledgeable and “real.” But George R. Kernodle stands out as one of the best professors I have ever encountered. He was a titan among twentieth century theatre historians for his work on the proscenium stage as picture frame, and for his books and articles–he early incorporated Asian as well as European theatrical forms in his studies at a time when scholars were very Euro-centric. But the reason he so thoroughly influenced my life was that he was a human being and a dedicated teacher. In the summer of 1968, he invited a number of students to his home where he and his wife Portia entertained us with a cold collation and wonderful conversation. Both Kernodles were full professors, and the conversation was electric with ideas. I still think of that luncheon occasionally, forty years later. What a professor!
Preston Sisk
M.A., Speech and Dramatic Arts, 1969
Without a doubt, Dr. Charles Robinson in the History department made the biggest impact on my life during my four years at UA. He had the uncanny ability to take you right to the very point of history he was teaching about. It was as if you were almost there in the battle. He also knew how to slip a joke in every now and then just to lighten the mood. No one else ever came close to being as interesting and fascinating as Dr. Robinson.
I have to respond to this call for postings. I must say that the professors I encountered in the theatre department (1967-68) were good people, knowledgeable and “real.” But George R. Kernodle stands out as one of the best professors I have ever encountered. He was a titan among twentieth century theatre historians for his work on the proscenium stage as picture frame, and for his books and articles–he early incorporated Asian as well as European theatrical forms in his studies at a time when scholars were very Euro-centric. But the reason he so thoroughly influenced my life was that he was a human being and a dedicated teacher. In the summer of 1968, he invited a number of students to his home where he and his wife Portia entertained us with a cold collation and wonderful conversation. Both Kernodles were full professors, and the conversation was electric with ideas. I still think of that luncheon occasionally, forty years later. What a professor!Preston SiskM.A., Speech and Dramatic Arts, 1969
Without a doubt, Dr. Charles Robinson in the History department made the biggest impact on my life during my four years at UA. He had the uncanny ability to take you right to the very point of history he was teaching about. It was as if you were almost there in the battle. He also knew how to slip a joke in every now and then just to lighten the mood. No one else ever came close to being as interesting and fascinating as Dr. Robinson.
Even today I still remember and really appreciate Dr. Don White, who was my marketing professor in graduate school. He took a real interest in not only me but the rest of our class. He was able to communicate the real world to us and better prepare us to go out and be productive after our graduation. I will always be grateful for the time he spent with me.
Steve Nipper
BSBA 1971
MBA 1973
Even today I still remember and really appreciate Dr. Don White, who was my marketing professor in graduate school. He took a real interest in not only me but the rest of our class. He was able to communicate the real world to us and better prepare us to go out and be productive after our graduation. I will always be grateful for the time he spent with me. Steve NipperBSBA 1971MBA 1973
In graduate school, Dr. Parker, now deceased was truly my inspiration. Three times I was ready to quit, however, he kept telling me not to let “them” get to me. Ironically, the other teacher I most remember was my fifth grade teacher who also was a Mrs. Parker, no relationship to Dr. Parker.
In graduate school, Dr. Parker, now deceased was truly my inspiration. Three times I was ready to quit, however, he kept telling me not to let “them” get to me. Ironically, the other teacher I most remember was my fifth grade teacher who also was a Mrs. Parker, no relationship to Dr. Parker.
As a struggling student in the late 60’s, Dr. Rodney Ryan encouraged me to complete my degree. Since I was a PE major I was assigned to more than one of his classes. He always had a smile and words of encouragement. He seemed to take a personal interest in his students. Through the years, I have seen Dr. Ryan at several “A” Club and UofA Athletic events. This past fall I had the opportunity to see him and thank him again for his support of me as a student. I told him I had retired after teaching Health Education for 35 years. The smile was still there!
As a struggling student in the late 60's, Dr. Rodney Ryan encouraged me to complete my degree. Since I was a PE major I was assigned to more than one of his classes. He always had a smile and words of encouragement. He seemed to take a personal interest in his students. Through the years, I have seen Dr. Ryan at several “A” Club and UofA Athletic events. This past fall I had the opportunity to see him and thank him again for his support of me as a student. I told him I had retired after teaching Health Education for 35 years. The smile was still there!
Dr. James Chase of the Department of History. He encouraged me to pursue excellence in my studies always. But what I remember most is an exchange I had with him in a grocery store. Money was always a struggle, and I earned extra income by pulling a shift in the deli at the Food4Less. He saw me in there slicing meat and thawing shrimp one night and was appalled. He offered to loan me money on the spot because he thought I should be devoting myself to my studies. I never took him up on this generous offer, but I always remembered the gesture. What a scholar and what a gentleman!
Dr. James Chase of the Department of History. He encouraged me to pursue excellence in my studies always. But what I remember most is an exchange I had with him in a grocery store. Money was always a struggle, and I earned extra income by pulling a shift in the deli at the Food4Less. He saw me in there slicing meat and thawing shrimp one night and was appalled. He offered to loan me money on the spot because he thought I should be devoting myself to my studies. I never took him up on this generous offer, but I always remembered the gesture. What a scholar and what a gentleman!
Anne Vizzier, PhD, Professor of History. Dr. Vizzier was the first woman professor I had when I came to the University way back in 1958. She was a role model for women students in those days: brilliant, a gifted teacher, and an example of integrity and conscience. In those days, she showed that a woman could have a family and a career.
Anne Vizzier, PhD, Professor of History. Dr. Vizzier was the first woman professor I had when I came to the University way back in 1958. She was a role model for women students in those days: brilliant, a gifted teacher, and an example of integrity and conscience. In those days, she showed that a woman could have a family and a career.
While in attendance at the University of Arkansas, Professor Gerald Jordan became an inspiration to me. While studying print journalism, I learned a plethora of information from him and how to go about “getting the story.” Aside from a teacher that I had in high school, no other professor has influenced me like Professor Jordan. His positive nature and attitude towards helping students grow in their writing and social skills helped me to pursue my journalism interests. Although I received an M.A. in History, I cannot help but return back to my roots in journalism. Never have I ever met a professor so dedicated to the profession and the students who desire a career in this industry. I give my deepest thanks to Professor Gerald Jordan for being such a positive influence in my life.
Nicole Allbritton
B.A. Journalism ’07
While in attendance at the University of Arkansas, Professor Gerald Jordan became an inspiration to me. While studying print journalism, I learned a plethora of information from him and how to go about “getting the story.” Aside from a teacher that I had in high school, no other professor has influenced me like Professor Jordan. His positive nature and attitude towards helping students grow in their writing and social skills helped me to pursue my journalism interests. Although I received an M.A. in History, I cannot help but return back to my roots in journalism. Never have I ever met a professor so dedicated to the profession and the students who desire a career in this industry. I give my deepest thanks to Professor Gerald Jordan for being such a positive influence in my life. Nicole Allbritton B.A. Journalism '07
While I was a student at the University of Arkansas, I was magnificently inspired by Professor Henry M. Alexander, who served as Chair of the Political Science Department. He looked like an archtypical British Prime Minister, came from an aristocratic family in Jackson, Mississippi, peered over his wire-rimmed glasses, wore a white moustache, and used a hearty sense of humor to make his salient points regarding State and Local Government, Municipal Government, Public Administration, Arkansas Government, and State and Local Taxation. When I first met him, I was a way-faring freshman and was slightly scared of him and then during my sophomore year, I took a summer course in State and Local Government with him and found it to be the best class I had ever had, so proceeded in the remaining years of my undergraduate work to take the other four courses he taught. Each was surprisingly better than the one before. After I graduated, I moved to Washington, DC, to work in the US Department of Justice, while Robert F. Kennedy was Attorney General. I wrote to Professor Alexander once during that time to give him a little update on my activity and he answered, with words of encouragement the day he received my note. In a year, I returned to the U of A to do post-graduate work and went by Professor Alexander’s Office to say hello to him and he asked me if I would be interested in working for him, and assisting the other professors in the department. I was thrilled, because I was interested in becoming a professor myself. To this day, that was my most enjoyable job, day in and day out, first as departmental secretary, then graduate assistant, and then teaching assistant. He finally complimented me by saying that I was he most accomplished student he had ever had in his 40 year teaching career. After getting a Master’s degree, I eventually dated his son George and served on the Board of Directors of the Opera Company of Boston, his step daughter’s organization. So, we became personal friends, and he was my academic mentor, professional advisor, and personal friend. I don’t think I would have become myself, as I function today, without his encouragement and guidance, as well as inspiring instruction. He passed away at age 63, after a heart attach, amputation of a leg, and severe surgeries for throat cancer, but even during these trials, he was a deeply devoted professor to all who sought to become public servants and to build Arkansas. He was also a great sports fan.
There were several. All in the History Department. Dr. Anne Vizzier, Dr. David Sloan , Dr. Henry Tsai, Dr David Edwards. This is short and simple. Thank you all for teaching/showing that history is cool.
There were several. All in the History Department. Dr. Anne Vizzier, Dr. David Sloan , Dr. Henry Tsai, Dr David Edwards. This is short and simple. Thank you all for teaching/showing that history is cool.
Professor Anne Vizzier was a gifted and inspirational instructor, when I sat in her classes during 1965-1966. Her ability to link her classroom lectures to bibliography and current research was unparalleled; and, if fact, served as a model for me when I began my teaching career. Over the years, I have never forgotten her, thinking of her especially during the preparation of my own lectures.
Professor Anne Vizzier was a gifted and inspirational instructor, when I sat in her classes during 1965-1966. Her ability to link her classroom lectures to bibliography and current research was unparalleled; and, if fact, served as a model for me when I began my teaching career. Over the years, I have never forgotten her, thinking of her especially during the preparation of my own lectures.
Professor Anne Vizzier was an excellent teacher – her stories made the past alive, and inspired me to research more deeply and inspired a deep love of history within me. I will always think of her with great respect and admiration.