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Even reluctant science students thrive in MCC instructor's class
McCOOK, Neb. -- In his fifth year teaching at McCook Community College, Rob Bogardus has built a reputation as a science teacher who can "make you love his classes even though you thought you hated science."
For his dedication to excellence in the classroom, his accessibility to students and his passion for discipline, Bogardus was named this year's recipient of the Gene A. Budig Outstanding Faculty Award. The announcement came during Commencement exercises at MCC Friday.
"He makes learning fun and makes you want to come back for more the next day," said one nomination letter. "He is always willing to help students before, during and after class or extra time in the lab. He leads hands-on experiments that help students learn the subject matter and increase their curiosity and eagerness to learn biology."
"He is an amazing instructor," said one student who nominated the biology instructor. She wrote that Bogardus does a great job of making lectures interesting and fun which makes it easier to retain the material.
"Mr. Bogardus really cares about us. He knows what my goals in education are and wants to help me get there," said a student, who has particularly benefited from Bogardus' suggestions about taking specific classes she needs to best benefit her career.
His willingness to teach these courses in the summer on site has helped to increase summer enrollments at MCC.
"Rob is reaching a population of students who may only be taking a few courses with us to transfer back to another institution and biology is an essential part of their transfer curriculum," said one MPCC employee.
One freshman enrolled in a biology class this past fall and was inspired to nominate Bogardus for the outstanding faculty award.
"I personally haven't been interested in studying biology and I've always had a rough time comprehending the material. To my surprise, I found Mr. Bogardus' class very interesting and not as difficult to learn as I had expected."
When students had a difficult time understanding a chapter they came in and asked for help. "Like all good teachers, he was more than willing to work with me until I understood what I was doing."
Bogardus began teaching biology at MCC in the fall of 2009. He has a Master of Science degree in integrated biology and a Bachelor of Science degree in conservation biology, both from Brigham Young University. He is an ornithologist and has published numerous articles in a variety of professional journals. His professional affiliations include the American Ornithologist's Union, Animal Behavior Society, Ecological Society of America, and the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology.
On campus, Bogardus is known for his easy-going demeanor when talking to potential students, advising current students, or speaking to groups of students like those he meets each year during Inter-high day.
"It is always clear to anyone who meets Rob that he is passionate about his career and his love for the field but also students. He makes it a point to connect with students when they come for an on-campus visit and encourages them with a smile to take his introductory biology courses," said one MPCC employee.
Because of his passion for science, students remember Bogardus when they return to campus and sign up for classes. Many students ask specifically for Bogardus' courses because they have heard from their friends that it was a great course. Likewise, MCC students who have gone on to other schools often comment how much they miss his classes.
"By continually offering and building the biotechnology courses, Rob is giving students in a small environment the opportunity to work with some of the most high-tech biotechnology equipment available, which most community colleges do not have."
MPCC officials believe that giving these students an introduction to research builds a great foundation for them to learn research techniques that they can carry with them to their transfer institutions and be more prepared as pursue careers in medicine, medical research, science and/or teaching.
Zoology and "Birds of Nebraska" are also courses that Bogardus has developed in his time at MCC. His passion lies with the study of birds and he has given students an opportunity to learn about and discover a wide variety of birds. Students have raved about this course because it is interactive and hands-on. They go out on field trips to find birds in their natural habitat. Rob has ignited a love for bird-watching and combined his passion with a curriculum that students enjoy and carry with them even after the class is over.
Outside the classroom Bogardus has been supportive of a variety of extra-curricular activities and helped develop and co-found the group SMAC (Students Making Active Choices).
"Rob has challenged students to stand up for what is right. This group is all about making choices that may not be the norm, role modeling, and teaching more informed choices," said one nomination letter.
It is also a group that has grown over the years and has increased student awareness on many issues they are dealing with as college students: health, nutrition, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual activity, peer pressure, cultural events, support, outreach and more.
"Rob saw a need for a group that encourages positive living and choices. He helped make it happen."
"I love being a part of SMAC," said one student. "Mr. Bogardus made me feel very involved and welcome. He is continually telling us that SMAC is our club, reassuring us that we are in charge while holding us accountable."
It is common to see Rob cheering on his students outside the classroom by attending many of the athletic events and fine arts performances on campus.
"It is clearly part of Rob's mission to be a great instructor, but he carries out this mission in so many ways that are not just limited to what he does in the classroom and his impact is something to be proud of and deserves recognition," said one MPCC employee.