As the semester moves along, it’s a good time to check in and see how new faculty members of Eureka are adjusting to life on campus. From teaching in the classroom to getting involved in campus life, these new staff members are settling into their roles and helping shape Eureka’s future.
Professor Ewalt is in her first full-time faculty position, and right out of grad-school. A seemingly excited frame of time to be certain, but no transition goes without its difficulties.“Being young was something I was a little scared about,” she said. Most professors come into work at an older age, given the length of time it takes to get a doctorate. On top of this slight fear, she faces the daunting prospect of piles upon of homework, “50 pages a day” she says.
With just these two aspects, some might already feel stressed beyond their limits, but not Professor Ewalt. Her perspective is much more positive, and even inspiring. She sees her younger age as an aspect that can be effective as much as it may interfere. Students may feel more comfortable and like they can talk to her easier. Some may ask, ‘What is the point of all this work?’ It’s an investment into easier years in the future. “It gets easier the longer you’ve been there.” The beginning is tough, but once she has mastered the form of her curriculum, the workload will decrease in time.
Professor Martin is a previous freelance worker, and part-time worker at ISU and Bradley University. With so much previous experience, it has been a treat for her to witness the differences Eureka has offered. Surprisingly, she has found her time at the school to be quicker in more than a few ways. At first, this posed somewhat of a challenge but quickly she found she actually had a preference for it. As her first semester back, this experience started as somewhat of a jolt. Though paired with the speedy communication with the administration, she found much to love coming to Eureka College.
During her time working in Public Health, she had taken a break from all academia, finding herself longing for more. So in a wise response to that, she took a break. Using this time to give back to her community and think about what she might love. It was after this break she had rediscovered her love for teaching, and Eureka as a school emphasized everything she loved about teaching. “The things I took a break for initially, aren’t as common here,” she said. Additionally, given Eureka’s size, Professor Martin loves watching her students grow throughout their time in and out of her classes.
Once a student of Eureka College herself, Professor Stukey has found her way back into the community she loved. With it being her first semester, she has learned and is learning much in the ways of teaching. Like Professor Ewalt, there was a period of stress in regards to the work she would assign. Trying to make decisions that are beneficial for everyone and their schedules can be a very difficult balance.
Before her time at Eureka, she worked as a teacher’s assistant at Purdue. With such a bold departure in school size and style, one may wonder just what caused the decision of Eureka. As it turns out, Professor Stukey had always wanted to work at Eureka as a dream. In fact, the only thing keeping her from reaching this dream was that her predecessor and old Professor, Dr. Quin was still holding Professor Stukey’s current position. Because of this, Professor Stukey had originally been looking at bigger schools. It was all under a meeting for coffee this past fall that professor Stukey had learned of Dr. Quin’s plan to retire. Upon hearing this, Professor Stukey knew this was where she wanted to be, and Dr. Quin encouraged her to take the position.
It is through these stories of chance, or determination that we are granted our current mentors. All of whom have found things to love in their work. Professor Ewalt has found love in seeing genuine growth in her students, not just via grades, but through true understanding. Professor Martin adores students seeing her students take a chance in art and “sometimes, even if they don’t admit it, they’re proud of it”. Professor Stukey takes pride in watching her JCR101 students take initiative in their efforts of working on a clothing drive and giving back to the community.
These new members of Eureka share a commitment to the school’s community and values. Whether it be inspiring art, encouraging growth, or fostering academic initiative, each brings a unique passion for supporting students. Eureka’s close-knit atmosphere has offered them a meaningful place to pursue their goals, and each has found a sense of belonging. As they continue to settle into their roles, their perspectives and dedication enrich Eureka’s academic landscape and shape its future. It’s clear that they chose Eureka to make an impact and Eureka, in turn, is shaping them.
