In light of recent events regarding Dr Walker and Dr Leeper that have occurred at Wayne State College, I wanted to take this opportunity and share my concerns as an alumni to the administration.

 
First I would like to say that while my education classes gave me great theory and training in teaching, it was Dr. Leeper (and by association) Dr. Walker that taught me how to be a great teacher.

 
See, it’s not always just about the content you teach, sometimes it’s about making the students see a concept from a different and unfamiliar point of view. Often times it’s about building relationships with students and helping them see the potential that they cannot see in themselves. Other times it’s about teaching students to stand in the face of adversity and put up the tough fight, because you are on the right side of history, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.

 
Speaking up for what you believe should not get you fired. Standing up to the status quo should not get you fired. Being passionate about your job and your students should not get you fired.

 
I loved my time at WSC, however I cannot support an organization that sees fit to treat amazing professors the way it has treated Dr. Walker and Dr. Leeper.

 
So I’m standing up. Not just because it is the right side of history to do so, but also because if I am half as good at teaching as those two professors are, it is because of what they taught me both inside and outside of the classroom.

 

Ashley Nemmers Shultz
Class of 2006