Four Purdue Fort Wayne faculty members named finalists for Best College Professor in Readers’ Choice Awards

Four Purdue University Fort Wayne faculty members have been named finalists in the Fort Wayne Newspapers Readers' Choice Awards Best College Professor category, a testament to the dedication, expertise, and student-centered teaching that define the university's academic experience. In addition to the Best College Professor category, Purdue Fort Wayne is also a finalist for Best College and Best Higher Education.

Representing disciplines across the humanities and business, finalists Sarah Sandman, Jim Platzer, Andrew Kopec, and Damian Fleming share a common goal: helping students discover their potential while preparing them for success beyond the classroom.

While their teaching styles and subject areas differ, each professor emphasizes the importance of connection, curiosity, and creating meaningful learning experiences.

Creating Spaces Where Students Feel Seen

For Sarah Sandman, professor of practice in English and linguistics, teaching is more than a profession. It's a calling.

"Teaching is my passion," Sandman said. "I can't envision my life without being in the classroom."

What inspires her most is the opportunity to connect with students individually while introducing them to new ideas and perspectives. She hopes students leave her classroom not only with knowledge, but with a sense of belonging.

"I hope my students leave my classroom feeling seen and heard in a deep way," Sandman said. "I want their experience, above all else, to be one of kindness and humanity."

Connecting Leadership Lessons to the Real World

In the Doermer School of Business, Jim Platzer, lecturer in leadership and talent development, combines decades of professional experience with a student-focused approach to leadership education.

Before joining Purdue Fort Wayne, Platzer spent 25 years in management with a Fortune 200 company. Today, he uses those experiences to help students understand how leadership principles apply in real-world settings.

"My teaching philosophy revolves around building a positive student-teacher relationship," Platzer said. "I let my students know up front that my goal is their success."

Platzer believes effective teaching begins with clear expectations, engaging course design, and helping students understand why concepts matter. By connecting classroom lessons to workplace challenges and opportunities, he helps students see the value of leadership skills in their future careers.

"Leadership is one of the top-rated skillsets employers are looking for today," Platzer said. "I feel blessed to serve my students by providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities for students to be successful."

Helping Students Grow as Thinkers and Citizens

Andrew Kopec, professor of English, views education as a collaborative process that empowers students to become confident readers, writers, thinkers, and engaged citizens.

His teaching philosophy centers on challenging and supporting students while encouraging them to take ownership of their learning.

"I see education not simply as the transfer of knowledge from me to them, but as a process of helping students become more capable, engaged individuals and citizens," Kopec said.

Kopec is inspired by the diverse experiences and ambitions students bring to Purdue Fort Wayne classrooms. Whether teaching first-year writing students or graduate seminars, he finds fulfillment in helping students discover strengths they may not have realized they possessed.

"I hope students leave my classes with greater confidence in their ability to learn, adapt, and solve problems," he said.

Beyond course content, Kopec hopes students develop habits of curiosity, resilience, communication, and critical thinking that will benefit them throughout their lives and careers.

Bringing the Ancient World to Life

For Damian Fleming, associate professor of English and linguistics, teaching is inseparable from research and service.

Fleming specializes in helping students explore what it means to be human through the study of ancient languages, literature, and mythology. His enthusiasm for these subjects has helped transform courses that students might initially view as intimidating into some of the most popular offerings on campus.

Fleming also creates opportunities for students to participate directly in scholarly work. Through specialized research experiences, manuscript studies, academic conferences, and collaborations with visiting scholars, students gain firsthand exposure to the process of academic discovery.

His commitment extends beyond the classroom as well. Fleming coordinates Purdue Fort Wayne's Medieval Studies program, leads monthly Medieval Studies Movie Nights, and advises Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, helping create vibrant academic communities that connect students with their peers and passions.

A Shared Commitment to Student Success

Although their expertise varies, Sandman, Kopec, Fleming, and Platzer all share a commitment to fostering student growth and success.

Their recognition as finalists in the Fort Wayne Newspapers Readers' Choice Awards reflects not only excellence in teaching, but also the meaningful relationships they build with students every day.

Community members can support Purdue Fort Wayne and its faculty by voting in the final round of the Readers' Choice Awards through Aug. 9.