‘It’s we, not me.’ How faculty veterans support student success
For UNC Charlotte faculty members who are United States Armed Forces veterans, military service continues to shape how they teach, mentor and build community on campus.
“The training, skills and exposure to diverse groups and places have allowed me to have greater respect for all, and that is ingrained in my teaching,” said Maisha Cooper, a U.S. Navy veteran and associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology.
In recognition of Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, and as part of Fall Faculty Flourish Week, the Center for ADVANCing Faculty Success is highlighting some of the University’s faculty military veterans.
“Their leadership, discipline and commitment to teaching, research and service enrich our academic community and strengthen student success,” said Tehia Starker Glass, interim executive director of the Center for ADVANCing Faculty Success and professor in the Department of Reading and Elementary Education. “We appreciate the perspectives they bring, the mentorship they provide and how they model resilience, care and integrity for our students.”
Here’s what four faculty members had to say about how their military service influences their teaching, mentorship and support of students. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Candace Brown, U.S. Navy veteran
Associate professor of gerontology, Department of Epidemiology and Community Health
“The value that greatly influences my work in the classroom and with research is ‘leave no man behind.’ While the motto is primarily applied when in combat, its foundation guides how I educate. I want all of my students, whether in the classroom or doing research with me, to start and complete the work together. It is ‘we,’ not ‘me.’”
Maisha Cooper, U.S. Navy veteran
Associate professor, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, and assistant dean of engagement, College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences
“Having worked with people from all different walks of life, I am now better able to mentor and teach the broad student population we have at Charlotte with ease. My Navy experience has helped me be more relatable to my students and mentees. It has shown me that we should never judge a book by its cover — and that care, concern and humility can have a lasting impact on students.”
Dawson Hancock, U.S. Army veteran
Professor of educational research, Department of Educational Leadership
“My years of military service made me realize that people’s backgrounds and experiences shape their thoughts and actions in ways that I had never considered. Those years of service taught me to be more sensitive, inclusive and supportive of those around me.”
Diana Rowan, U.S. Army veteran
Professor and director, School of Social Work
“I often remind our students that a predictable path isn’t always the most beneficial one. If your life and career journey are always smooth sailing, you miss the crucial opportunities needed to develop resilience and sharpen your character. My own experience as a U.S. Army commissioned officer was foundational in this regard, as I was taught to always plan for contingencies and to always be flexible. When our social work students face unexpected challenges in their academic journey, I encourage them not to be distressed but to view that ‘unplanned’ phase as a vital opportunity to develop their adaptability and pass that mindset on to their client populations.”
Fall Faculty Flourish Week
The inaugural Fall Faculty Flourish Week, from Nov. 10-14, recognizes faculty contributions to learning, research, leadership and community at UNC Charlotte. The week offers opportunities for faculty to connect with one other and explore resources available to them through several events throughout the week. There will be another Faculty Flourish Week in the spring.
Check out what’s happening during Fall Faculty Flourish Week.