Purdue University Fort Wayne

Meet Our Best Professor Finalists: Part 4 of 4

Throughout the week, we've highlighted our faculty members nominated for Best Professor in the Fort Wayne Newspapers Readers' Choice Awards. Our final spotlight is Andrew Kopec, Professor of English.

Kopec views education as a collaborative process that empowers students to become confident readers, writers, thinkers, and engaged citizens. His teaching philosophy centers on both challenging and supporting students while encouraging them to take ownership of their learning.

"I see education not simply as the transfer of knowledge from me to them, but as a process of helping students become more capable, engaged individuals and citizens," Kopec said.

Inspired by the diverse experiences and ambitions students bring to classrooms, Kopec finds fulfillment in helping students discover strengths they may not have realized they possessed. His goal is always to help students build confidence in themselves and their abilities.

"I hope students leave my classes with greater confidence in their ability to learn, adapt, and solve problems," he said.

Beyond course content, Kopec hopes students develop habits of curiosity, resilience, communication, and critical thinking that will benefit them throughout their lives and careers.

Congratulations to Professor Kopec on this well-deserved recognition and the lasting impact he makes on the lives of our students every day. 🖤💛

✅ Vote for Professor Kopec at the link in the comments every day until August 9.
✅ While you're there, don't forget to vote for PFW in the Best College and Best Higher Education categories!

Meet our Best Professor Finalists: Part 3 of 4

We continue introducing our faculty members who have been named finalists for Best College Professor in the Fort Wayne Newspapers Readers' Choice Awards. Next up is Damian Fleming, Associate Professor of English and Linguistics.

Through the study of ancient languages, literature, and mythology, Fleming helps students explore one of humanity's biggest questions: what it means to be human.

Fleming creates opportunities for students to participate directly in scholarly work through specialized research experiences, manuscript studies, academic conferences, and collaborations with visiting scholars. These hands-on experiences give students a firsthand look at the process of academic discovery.

His commitment to student success extends beyond academics as well. Fleming coordinates PFW's Medieval Studies program, leads the popular Medieval Studies Movie Nights, and advises Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, helping students build meaningful connections with their peers and passions.

Congratulations to Professor Fleming on this well-deserved recognition and the lasting impact he makes on the lives of our students every day. 🖤💛

✅ Vote for Professor Fleming at the link in the comments every day until August 9.
✅ While you're there, don't forget to vote for PFW in the Best College and Best Higher Education categories!

Meet our Best Professor Finalists: Part 2 of 4

We're continuing to introduce our faculty members who have been named finalists for Best College Professor in the Fort Wayne Newspapers Readers' Choice Awards. Next up is Jim Platzer, Lecturer in Leadership and Talent Development in the Doermer School of Business.

With 25 years of management experience at a Fortune 200 company, Platzer brings real-world leadership lessons into every classroom. His approach is built on creating strong relationships with students and helping them connect what they learn today to the careers they'll build tomorrow.

"My teaching philosophy revolves around building a positive student-teacher relationship," Platzer said. "I let my students know up front that my goal is their success."

Platzer believes effective teaching starts with clear expectations, engaging course design, and helping students understand why concepts matter. By connecting classroom lessons to workplace challenges and opportunities, he helps students see the value of leadership skills in their future careers.

"Leadership is one of the top-rated skillsets employers are looking for today," Platzer said. "I feel blessed to serve my students by providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities for students to be successful."

Congratulations to Professor Platzer on this well-deserved recognition and the lasting impact he makes on the lives of our students every day. His faithful companion Maggie shares in his distinction.🖤💛

✅ Vote for Professor Platzer at the link in the comments every day until August 9.
✅ While you're there, don't forget to vote for PFW in the Best College and Best Higher Education categories!

Meet our Best Professor Finalists: Part 1 of 4

Over the next four days, we're introducing our faculty members who have been named finalists for Best College Professor in the Fort Wayne Newspapers Readers' Choice Awards. First up is Sarah Sandman, Professor of Practice in English and Linguistics.

For Sandman, teaching is more than a profession. It's a passion.

"I can't envision my life without being in the classroom," she said.

What inspires her most is the opportunity to connect with students individually while helping them discover new ideas and perspectives. Her goal is simple but powerful: creating a classroom where every student feels valued.

"I hope my students leave my classroom feeling seen and heard in a deep way," Sandman said. "I want their experience, above all else, to be one of kindness and humanity."

Congratulations to Professor Sandman on this well-deserved recognition and for the impact she makes on the lives of our students every day. 🖤💛

✅ Vote for Professor Sandman at the link in the comments every day until August 9.
✅ While you're there, don't forget to vote for PFW in the Best College and Best Higher Education categories!

🖤💛 Mastodon nation, your support makes all the difference.

The final round of the Fort Wayne Readers' Choice Awards is officially underway, and Purdue University Fort Wayne is honored to be nominated for:

🏆 Best College
🏆 Best Higher Education

We're also proud that 4 of the 5 finalists for Best College Professor are PFW faculty members!

You can vote once per day through August 9 and help recognize the people and programs that make PFW special.

✅ Vote using the link in the comments.
📱 Earn an additional vote for PFW in Best Higher Education by texting DONS to 1-260-372-4027.

Thank you for showing your Mastodon pride and supporting PFW!

Tickets for the Oct. 22 exhibition vs. Purdue at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum are on sale now!

🎟️ https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050064E6DA232B77

A new chapter begins soon at Purdue Fort Wayne. 🏠🦣

Trace will soon welcome its first residents, creating a new on-campus living experience for our students. Get a first look inside our showroom apartment and some of the amenities that will help students live, learn, and connect.

We can't wait to welcome you home, Mastodons. 🖤💛

to where it all began. ✨

These photos capture the construction and early years of the Education Building, later named Kettler Hall. Since its construction, the building has served generations of students and remains an important part of Purdue Fort Wayne’s campus history. 💛🖤

What memories do you have from Kettler Hall?