Opinion

Letter to the Editor

Ashley Nemmers Shultz
November 11, 2015

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

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R

Ryan • Nov 18, 2015 at 5:31 pm

I’m a 2009 graduate of WSC, and have always been proud to say that until now. I took a government class with Dr Leeper during my very first semester, and its one of the only classes outside of my major that I actually recall specific details from. Dr Leeper is undoubtedly the best professor I had while attending Wayne State College. I am ashamed to see the way he and Dr. Walker are being treated, and can no longer recommend Wayne State College to my friends or family.

https://thewaynestater.com/9189/opinion/letter-to-the-editor-12/#comment-207
K

Kathleen O'Donnell Grone • Nov 11, 2015 at 9:57 pm

I had Dr. Leeper as an instructor. He is a fabulous teacher. He gave me much to think about and ponder. I love his classes so much that I’d find myself researching outside of his curriculum – studying, writing and reading. I learned so much from him and believe he made me a better person. I was in my 30’s and 40’s when I took his classes.

https://thewaynestater.com/9189/opinion/letter-to-the-editor-12/#comment-206