College is not for entertainment purposes and by no means are professors put on earth for the amusement of students, but a fresh approach to sometimes boring material is a plus.
Some students said what makes a professor great is how they can make a difficult subject not so intimidating.
Andrea Mosley, a freshman interior design major, said she feels a professor's attitude can really affect the way you feel about a subject.
"I had an English professor that was so encouraging, that he made you want to turn in that lengthy paper," Mosley said.
Characteristics of a great professor for Mosley include someone who is down to earth and treats students like an individuals.
"The important thing is that they are serious, but not too serious and they don't expect you to do their job for them," Mosley said.
Adjunct sociology professor Mary Anne Caldwell has her own views about what makes a professor sink or swim.
"Life doesn't promise you entertainment every time you come into class," Caldwell said. "You have to love students and some professors just don't."
The most rewarding thing for Caldwell is hearing, either directly or indirectly, that students have learned something from her.
"I get postcards from my students from around the world saying thanks," she said. "They are glad I talked them into getting passports and seeing the world."
Caldwell said a great professor is one that is honest and fair with a great sense of humor and likes students.
"It's good to also know the material you're teaching," she said.
Caldwell said her goal as a teacher is to make students think in a different way. She said she has had great experiences as a professor.
"I can remember one semester I had a golden class," Caldwell said. "I would go in there every day waiting for the other shoe to drop."
She said that she has learned a lot from having fun with her students.
"Every class has its own personality," Caldwell said.
Djeinaba Diallo, a freshman nursing major, said the most important characteristic of a good professor is knowledge of their subject and ability to make students understand.
"If they are nice that's good, because if your professor is mean, you just want to drop the class without learning anything," she said.
