The Knowlton Center is delighted to recognize Dr. May Mei, Professor of Mathematics and Chair of the Department, as January’s Faculty Champion!
Dr. Mei brings a unique perspective to career readiness, one grounded in her own humorous and humble reflections about her career journey. “When I was in sixth grade, I used to say I wanted to be a hermit when I grew up. And I was a very cute child, so this response elicited some double takes from the inquiring adults,” she recalls. “That gives you some idea of how career-focused I was and am.” Despite this self-deprecating humor, Dr. Mei’s path to academia has been shaped by both fortunate accidents and her undeniable charisma, making her an inspiring guide for Denison students.
“I believe that a liberal arts education is about living a good life, but it doesn’t hurt to think about a first job.”
-Dr. May Mei
Dr. Mei emphasizes the importance of supporting students as they prepare for life after Denison. “Being a professor is pretty much the only job I’ve ever had, which places a severe restriction on the kind of advice I’m able to give about other jobs. That’s why I’m grateful for the guidance that the Knowlton Center is able to provide my students,” she shares. Her collaborative work with the Knowlton Center ensures that students are not only prepared to take their first steps after graduation but also empowered to pursue fulfilling lives.
Dr. Mei has been a long-term advocate of the Knowlton Center and its resources, frequently finding creative ways to collaborate with career coaches and integrate career readiness into her courses. A standout example is her Technical Communications class, where coaches Jillian Yoder and Blake Gooch joined Dr. Mei to provide live feedback on student oral presentations. This hands-on collaboration not only enhanced students’ presentation skills but also connected them with real-world perspectives on effective communication.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Mei actively promotes Knowlton Center events and serves as a tireless champion of faculty and Knowlton Center collaboration. Her efforts demonstrate the value of bridging academic learning with career preparation, creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with both.
Dr. Mei’s dedication to her students extends far beyond the classroom. Through her partnership with the Knowlton Center, she works to integrate career readiness into the liberal arts experience, encouraging students to reflect on their academic and personal growth as they consider their futures. Her thoughtful approach aligns with the values of a liberal arts education, connecting the pursuit of knowledge with practical applications in the real world.
Thank you, Dr. Mei, for your commitment to helping Denison students launch their careers and for your partnership with the Knowlton Center. Your support and advocacy make a lasting impact on our students’ futures!
