Page 26 - Laker Connection Spring 2012

Dr. Mario Norman is a psychology professor who has helped student suc- cess at Clayton State University. He is committed to helping his students achieve their goals and obtain essential critical thinking skills for today’s world. According to the student body, he has a “Heart of Gold.”
After receiving his B.S. in Psychol- ogy at the University of Mississippi, Norman went on to Tennessee State University to earn his M.S. in General Psychology and eventually his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology . Norman con- tinued his career as a tenure-track assis- tant professor at Tennessee State University, teaching both undergradu- ate and graduate classes in the Depart- ment of Psychology.
In 2005, Norman was offered a job as a tenure-track assistant professor at Clayton State, where he has taught un- dergraduate classes in the Department of Psychology. Since 2008, he has contin- ued to teach undergraduate courses as an associate professor of Psychology.
“I have a great passion for teaching and mentoring. I enjoy the moments that I spend with students inside and outside of the classroom,” he says. “I find an enormous amount of joy when students are able to connect the subject material to real life events.”
As a demonstration of his passion for the students, he has organized nu- merous workshops and currently serves
By Maggie Shiffert
as the advisor to Kappa Alpha Psi Fra- ternity and Colligiate 100.
Norman attempts to create an open atmosphere in his classes because it is conducive to learning. This environment leads to discussions that his students take home with them, enabling critical thinking and learning to grow outside of the classroom.
“I also believe that active learning is a valuable component to teaching,” Nor- man explains.
To engage students in active learn- ing, Norman tells stories that his stu- dents can relate to in real life. This helps students retain the information better when it comes time to take an exam, he says. He also adds humor to his discus- sions, which makes the class more inter- esting and entertaining. Norman does this in hopes of opening the doors to good communication with his students, since he wants to come across to the stu- dents as approachable and not intimi- dating. He encourages his students to become “askers of questions” as a part of active learning.
“I believe it is difficult to learn if one is not involved,” he says.
Recent awards received and nomina- tions for Norman include the “Heart of Gold A ward” from the student body (from the First Student Choice A wards) and being a finalist for the Clayton State Faculty Smith Award. However, Norman believes there are greater rewards re-
ceived.
“One of my most rewarding aspects
of teaching is when students begin to think critically for themselves and begin to learn for the sake of learning, not learning for an exam. This is when I find that life-long learning begins,” he explains.
Another reward Norman receives from teaching is being able to participate in graduation. He understands many students persevere through many hard- ships and obstacles to achieve their goal of becoming a Clayton State University graduate. However, he is pleased to see them at graduation receiving their diplomas, knowing all of their hard work paid off.
As an educator, Norman describes his career as, “interesting, sometimes frustrating, but so very intrinsically re- warding.” He believes his contributions to the institution and local community, through his teaching and service, have been positive, but he also believes there are many more positive opportunities in the future.
“I am thrilled to be part of a great in- stitution where teaching really matters!” he exclaims.
24 THE LAKER CONNECTION
faculty profile
DR. MARIO NORMAN A Heart of Gold