2019 Outstanding University Teacher Award Winner, Tenure Track
Joseph Zompetti, Ph.D.
• Earned his Ph.D. in Communications at Wayne State University in 1998
• Currently he is a professor of Communications
My motivation to become a college professor comes from
A deep-seated belief that our students can make the world a better place. I just hope I can play a small part in that. I know the teachers I had believed that, which is why they were so impassioned. I try to emulate that sense of hope and dedication.
The most rewarding aspect of teaching for me is
Seeing students grow. Many of the courses I teach are somewhat depressing (i.e., political communication!), but our students are bright, energetic, and largely open-minded. They see the world differently than we do. Their perspective, for the most part, is positive. This gives me tremendous hope.
The most challenging aspect of teaching for me is … (and what I do about it)
Trying to encourage students to view knowledge as power and something more than just getting a grade. I think the subject matter of my courses, which is always serious, helps me to challenge students to see how they play a unique part in making the world better. In that way, while I know they will always be concerned about their grades, I think many of them also understand the importance of learning our material that transcends their G.P.A.
