By Mason Lipsey / Staff Writer

Missouri Valley College students said effective teaching, accessibility and communication were key factors in defining a good professor.

With more than 30 majors and multiple academic programs, students interacted with a wide range of instructors during their time at the college. While students could choose their classes, they often had little control over who taught them.

Missouri Valley College maintained a 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, which the college promoted as a benefit to student success. Students said smaller class sizes could help, but teaching style and engagement ultimately mattered more.

Freshman Peyton Dawson said clear communication in the classroom was one of the most important qualities.

“I think a professor who can fluently explain his or her topics in front of the class has more value rather than just providing a simple explanation and expecting students to know the rest.” 

Dawson said personal relationships with professors were not always necessary.

“It depends on the teacher and the situation. Overall, I would prefer a non-personal student-teacher relationship.” 

Junior Adonis Whitley said accessibility and adaptability were essential in a professor.

“I think what makes a good professor is being able to be available and being helpful, including breaking things down and making sure they understand.”  

Students said the impact of a professor often extended beyond lectures, with some valuing mentorship and support outside the classroom.

Dr. Daryl Chastain, a biology professor, said passion played a central role in effective teaching.

“I can’t speak about myself being a great professor, but I think those who are great will relate it to something you care about,” Chastain said. “Passion keeps you advancing.”

Chastain said that passion helped build stronger relationships with students and motivated instructors to support them academically.

Students and faculty agreed that while class size and structure played a role, qualities such as communication, availability, and passion ultimately defined effective teaching.