Page 19 - Academic Report FINAL VERSION WEB

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Jeffrey Tarver What led you to this career?
After earning my master’s degree I wanted to uti-
School of Teacher Education & Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Jeffrey M. Tarver is lize my education in other ways than just working in
corrections. Academia was a perfect fit because it
an assistant professor in afforded me the opportunity to apply my knowledge
the School of Education while also impacting lives.
and Behavioral Sciences. What’s the biggest misconception people have
He joined the MGA faculty about your position/job?
in 2014.
What do you do at MGA? That all professors live in an ivory tower and are
unapproachable.
I’m a criminal justice What do you consider your greatest achievement?
professor/advisor/program
coordinator. You would I consider my greatest achievement the positive
come see me for questions influence that I’ve been able to have with children do-
and advising about the mestically and abroad through my nonprofit organi-
criminal justice program. zation, LIFE League, Inc.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had, and what did was it from?
you learn from it?
Always speak the truth. Even if it makes some
Custodian at Stone Mountain Park. I learned that people uncomfortable. My grandmother.
you get paid for your value you add and not for your What is your greatest fear?
time.
What energizes you at work? Not reaching my full potential in life.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Knowing that I’m not only educating my students
in the field of criminal justice, but also guiding them Malcolm X.
in life. What is your motto?

Go hard or go home!

Dr. Renat Khatmullin the number one goal for me as the instructor.
What’s one thing that surprised you about working
School of Health & Natural Sciences at MGA?

Dr. Renat Khatmullin I was astonished by the friendliness of the MGA
is an assistant professor in community. From the first day of my work, I felt wel-
the School of Health and comed by students, faculty, and staff members of
Natural Sciences. He joined MGA. Many of my colleagues treat me as they treat
the MGA faculty in 2015. their family members and friends. I am proud and
happy to be part of the MGA family.
What do you do at MGA? What’s the biggest misconception people have
I teach a variety of un- about your position/job?
dergraduate chemistry
courses and conduct re- Many people think that chemistry is challenging
search with undergraduate because it is hard to memorize and understand. I per-
students. sonally do not believe that chemistry is hard. It is a
rather very logical discipline which can not mastered
What energizes you at by memorization but rather by understanding.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
work?
In-class discussion with my students about the My son who was born recently. It is rewarding and
role of chemistry and science in everyday life. challenging at the same time to be a parent.
Which talent would you most like to have?
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re
Playing piano, but never had an opportunity to
really proud of? commit myself to learn.
I had several MGA students who worked in my re- If you were to die and come back as a person or a
thing, what would it be?
search group over the past four years. Three of them
came to my research group with the intent to gain I would like to come back as a bird to fly and see
more hands-on experience working in the lab. Initially, the world.
they all wanted to pursue medical careers. To my sur- What is your most treasured possession?
prise, after completion of their research work, they in-
stead decided to pursue chemistry degrees. Currently, My collection of model airplanes as my passion is
they are working towards their chemistry degrees at for civil aviation.
other institutions. It makes me feel good about what Who are your favorite writers?
we do here at MGA. Inspiring and motivating students
to be successful in the pursuit of their future careers is Agatha Christie is my favorite writer.

Academic Affairs Annual Report 2019 | Middle Georgia State University 15