Most college students are in need of a helping hand when it comes to finding internships and job opportunities.
Professor Steve Boyles of the Department of Animal Sciences says he enjoys helping students who possess the motivation to succeed.
“I always ask what they’d like to do, and then offer plenty of alternatives about what their goals are,” he said.
Boyles’ work paid off in 2008, when he was one of 10 professors at Ohio State to receive the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching. Both his colleagues and former students nominated him to receive the annual award, which earned him $3,000 and induction into the university’s Academy of Teaching.
Boyles said he feels honored to have received the award, but he enjoys advising students more than teaching.
“Students visit me more for advising than for help in the classroom,” he said. “I enjoy helping them choose classes and career fields.”
Boyles graduated from OSU in 1981 and went on to earn his doctorate from Kansas State University in 1985. He then returned to OSU as part of the university’s extension program.
His job involves conducting programs in various counties throughout Ohio to inform visitors and prospective students about the university’s agriculture program.
He said he was pleasantly surprised by students who approached him for assistance.
“It struck me that I ran into bright minds that are younger. Hopefully I have communication skills that are equal to theirs,” he said.
In 2003, while continuing his work in the extension program, he began teaching Animal Sciences 597: Issues Concerning the Use of Animals by Humans. Although he still teaches only one class, Boyles said he is never bored.
“I always find out something new when students submit a paper to me,” he said. “I enjoy the different perspectives that students bring into the class.”
He said he also writes letters of recommendation for his students when they apply for graduate school, internships or future jobs. Although he notices students’ hesitation to ask for assistance, he said he is always willing to lend a hand and welcomes all students in the animal sciences department to stop by his office.
“These students have skills,” he said, “so I take that as an honor.”
