Since John Brown University first opened in 1919, there have been hundreds of professors that have taught at the institution. Each one is unique with teaching styles specific to them and a personality you cannot replicate.
This year, Professor Caitlin Salomon joined a long list of elite teachers and over 100 years of rich history. She has made her mark in the English department that will never be erased or replaced.
“As a student who reluctantly entered college, but eventually found their footing, I wanted to teach at an institution [like JBU] that might similarly be a haven to students struggling with their own circumstances,” Salomon said. “I was especially drawn to JBU’s status as a missional school, allowing students of all faith backgrounds to attend while making Christ visible in the classroom and community. The genuine kindness of the faculty and staff towards me, and towards one another, also stood out.”
Professors are very knowledgeable people, often going through years of post-undergraduate studies and becoming well established within their field of study.
“Prior to teaching at JBU, I was a PhD student and instructor of English at the University of Delaware. I enjoyed learning to teach at a large institution while being able to design my own courses. Last Spring, I taught a course on apocalyptic literature, my area of expertise, which was especially fun,” Salomon said.
While having the proper credentials to be hired as a professor is extremely important, being able to facilitate a classroom once you’ve been hired is the difference between being just another professor in a student’s journey and being an inspiration in their life for decades to come.
“I hope Professor Salomon knows how much of an impact she has already made on me, especially as an Elementary Education major. She has really challenged me to be proactive in my teaching and to think beyond just completing an assignment or learning information for a test,” freshman Marrissa Brown said. “I have learned so much from her about what it means to be intentional, prepared, and involved as an educator. Even as a freshman, she has already helped shape the kind of teacher I want to become, and I am genuinely grateful for that.”
Whether teaching freshmen or seniors, Professor Salomon’s impact can be seen across all students she teaches at John Brown University.
“I really enjoy how open Professor Salomon is to having hard conversations as we work through early American Literature. She does a really good job of drawing us into meaningful discussions either with a partner, in groups, or with the whole class,” senior Karissa Schwing said. “I wish that other classrooms would implement more of this conversational teaching method as opposed to straight lectures.”
Professors are some of the most influential role models in a young adult's life. In a world where there’s so much confusion, a caring professor is like a light that never goes out.
“I hope to model for students what it looks like to pursue a Christian vocation as a young professional. As someone who has witnessed several friends deconstruct their faith or gradually move away from Christianity post-college, I am glad to say that my life and calling ultimately remain rooted in Christ,” Salomon said. “I want students to know that doubt is not disbelief and that many fellow saints have had fears, troubles and trials that resemble their own. We can take courage that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.”
Photo by Adeline Gruen
