Beyond the Classroom: Oakland University Faculty Who Are Making A Difference
Posted on Dec. 12, 2025 / Subscribe 0
A year ago, I was at a crossroads related to my major and future. I felt lost and didn’t have a clear path forward. By a chance of fate, I decided to take an Intro to Public Relations course. Within a week I knew I had found my future career path.
My confidence in my skills came from support I received from my professor, Dr. Chiaoning Su, and was later reinforced the next semester by professor Dr. Valerie Palmer-Mehta.
A year later, I have had the opportunity to work with amazing professors and instructors in the Communication, Journalism and Public Relations Department who have, and continue, to shape my career. I recently spoke with Chiaoning Su, Ph.D. and Valerie Palmer-Mehta, Ph.D., two professors who have stood out in their dedication to students, to learn more about their experience as professors.
From my experiences, you have been an extremely involved mentor/professor (both inside and outside the classroom). What inspires you to be so involved with your students while they are in college and well after graduation?
“Meaningful engagement with students reflects my belief that education is about holistic development and lasting relationships, not just imparting knowledge,” Palmer-Mehta said. “I've been fortunate to benefit from extraordinary mentorship throughout my own journey who took me under their wing and helped guide my success. I'm also inspired by OU alumni who give back so generously and have a strong commitment to OU students. And my fellow faculty members inspire me daily with their dedication to OU students. It's incredibly rewarding to walk in the shadow of such mentors and in the sunlight of alumni and colleagues who are genuinely committed to the success of others. That commitment inspires me every day. Staying connected with former students and mentors is a form of academic fellowship that enriches my life, and I hope it enriches theirs as well.”
“My grandmother was an elementary school teacher for 40 years,” Su said. “Growing up, I often heard stories about how she went the extra mile to make sure her students were not only well taught but also well fed in post-war Taiwan. That spirit of dedication runs deep in my family’s DNA. Later, when I came to the United States as an international student, I received tremendous support from professors. They patiently helped me adjust to the language and culture in the beginning, and later guided me with wisdom when I was ready to spread my wings. I understand that college is a critical stage for students as they prepare to launch their careers. I hope to play the same role in supporting them, just as my grandmother and my mentors supported me along the way.”
How can professors/mentors work to become better involved with the students/new pros they work with?
“Professors can be involved by showing up consistently, creating opportunities, modeling values, and maintaining connections,” Su said. “I try my best to get to know each of my students as individuals with diverse backgrounds so I can tailor my mentorship. Some need a gentle push, while others may need help reining in their ambitions.”
“It’s also important for me to lead by example and provide constructive, individualized feedback,” Su added. “Students are often navigating uncertainty, so guidance that is both honest and encouraging helps them grow. Staying in touch after graduation reinforces the idea that mentorship is not transactional but relational and long-term. That’s why I regularly invite alumni to return and share their experiences with current students, celebrating their successes and milestones along the way.”
“I see the relationship between professors/mentors and students/new pros as reciprocal and bi-directional; professors/mentors and students/new pros alike can deepen their involvement with each other by prioritizing genuine, supportive relationships grounded in shared interests, values, and goals,” Palmer-Mehta said. “Second, for professors/mentors, I believe this means being accessible and making time for one-on-one conversations; actively listening to understand students'/new pros' unique needs and challenges; and offering tailored guidance and support, while also encouraging reflection and self-advocacy. Our students and new professionals are our future, and it's essential that we invest in them. Communities thrive when everyone is flourishing—your success is our collective success.”
As the internship coordinator, you serve as an amazing resource for students who are looking for internship opportunities. What qualities do you recommend students look for in an internship to have a great experience? How do you help your capstone students get the most out of their internships?
“Our students are diverse and aspire to pursue a variety of career pathways, therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all internship and no single perfect formula to follow,” Palmer-Mehta said. “It can be helpful if students start with some personal self-reflection. This foundational thinking helps students identify internships aligned with their interests, needs, and professional growth. Students benefit from seeking internships that offer hands-on experiences aligned with their career interests, where they're challenged to grow and contribute meaningfully. Look for organizations with robust onboarding, established internship programs, and supervisors who are invested in mentorship—those who provide clear expectations, regular feedback, and accessibility.”
“In supporting students through their capstone experience, I guide goal-setting, help navigate workplace challenges, and facilitate career exploration,” Palmer-Mehta added. “Through structured assignments and evaluations, I help students maximize their learning through reflective practice, skill building, and career readiness activities—including developing professional materials like ATS-optimized resumes, cover letters, and portfolios, as well as practicing elevator pitches and interview strategies, alongside networking with industry professionals.
What do you enjoy most about serving as the advisor for OU’s Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter ? What benefit do students gain from PRSSA (and transitioning to PRSA Detroit)?
“What I enjoy most about serving as the advisor for PRSSA is seeing our students thrive and celebrating their successes along the way,” Su said. “PRSSA provides an incredible platform for students to develop leadership skills and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Another aspect I value deeply is the sense of community PRSSA fosters. Students don’t just build resumes; they build relationships. This community becomes a lifelong network of encouragement and collaboration, one that strengthens as they transition into PRSA Detroit. That transition connects them to an even broader community of seasoned professionals who are eager to mentor, collaborate, and open doors. Ultimately, what excites me most is cultivating the next generation of PR talent. By supporting students through PRSSA and then watching them grow into professionals within PRSA Detroit, I get to play a small but meaningful role in shaping the future of the field.”
Conclusion
Professors who make a difference are those who are dedicated to getting to know their students and genuinely helping them on their career path. I am fortunate to have such amazing professors who are willing to go above and beyond in their teaching methods and kindness to help me on my journey.
Allison Gavagan is a junior at Oakland University studying Public Relations & Advertising and Psychology. She is the 2025 Chapter Intern at PRSA Detroit and the Communications Intern at Uncommon Bold.
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