For years, some teachers and professors have complained about low pay and not getting enough recognition for the job they do. And, some at The University of Memphis believe professors are still underpaid and underappreciated.
"I don't think that the business world and the community really know the value of teaching," said David Acey, a professor of communication. "They (the community) take it for granted."
Acey said many people miss the importance of the role that education plays in preserving society.
"If everyone would look at the value of teachers, they would be advocating for getting teachers better pay," Acey said
Acey said most professors teach for the love of the profession. Otherwise, Acey claims, many of them would be gone.
"I think we (professors) deserve a raise for all the hard work and dedication," he said.
Bob Taylor, chairman of the management department, said most students appreciate the job professors do.
"Two-thirds do (appreciate professors) and about one-third don't," Taylor said.
Taylor said he has had a lot of students who have come back and told him how much he influenced them.
"I know they appreciate me," he said.
Taylor said one of the most difficult things about being a professor is the occasional inability to reach a student.
"We want to think students are learning," he said.
Anika Perry, a freshman psychology major, said she does not think professors get enough credit.
"Teachers are not recognized enough," she said.
Perry also said she could not become a teacher because of the lack of recognition they receive.
Nakiva Johnson, a sophomore health and human performance major, said she thinks most students appreciate their professors, though some are also taken for granted.
"Some students can be ungrateful to their professors," Johnson said.
Heather Guess, a freshman journalism major, said the professor's performance matters.
"I think it depends on the professor and how good of a job they do," she said.
Russell Call, a senior computer science major, said professors deserve respect from their students.
"I think they (professors) have earned the right to be respected," Call said.
Call also said he could not be a professor because it takes too many years to become one.
Ben Tucker, senior music education major, said some professors do deserve a raise.
"The professors I've had really work hard," he said. "I can see how they could want a raise."
