Original: February 8, 2011 Issue 10
By: Shelli Block
Contributing Writer
Students appreciate an engaging professor
Professor Timothy Kearns, affectionately called “Professor Emeritus” by his students, is a professor of Latin at Montgomery College.
“Learning Latin is very important,” says Kearns. “Some think one needs it in order to be well educated. Others think it’s a luxury.”
Kearns feels that one must be “motivated to communicate… One has to have a love of study, a love of learning.”
Kearns’ common sense and relaxed approach to Latin resonates well with his students. Most earn high marks in his courses, and some enjoy his fascination with the language.
“He’s a really cool professor,” offered Latin student Jon. “He’s very caring; he tries to make sure we understand the material without making it boring.”
Another student, Nemo, pointed out his “engaging personality,” and expressed appreciation of his flexible teaching style. “He knows when to stay focused and when to let up a little.”
Ashley also chimed in, saying, “The class is not strictly about Latin; it’s also about culture, and I find that fascinating.”
Kearns is in his mid 30s and has received a bachelor’s degree in Greek and Latin from the University of Texas at Austin and his masters in Medieval and Byzantine culture at Catholic University.
Professor Kearns advises a Latin group which meets Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. For more information, email Professor Kearns at [email protected].