Alumni - Northern Kentucky University

 
  • Name: Bruce Nelson
  • Undergraduate institution: Northern Kentucky University
  • Position: Mathematics Teacher
  • Company name: Archbishop Moeller High School
  • Industry sector: Education

Since graduating from N.K.U. in 2000, I have been employed by Archbishop Moeller High School, in Cincinnati, OH. The school has a tremendous tradition both athletically and academically, with many of our graduates attending renowned universities on scholarship. I honestly look forward to going to work everyday.

I also can say that this was not always the case. In 1998 I returned to N.K.U. after a ten year hiatus. I had gone to school on and off from1983-1988 but had never completed a degree. I was involved in many extra-curricular activities (possibly too many!) at the time including, Resident Advisor, Tau-Kappa-Epsilon Fraternity, and Cheerleading. I left the university to begin working for a bank where I remained working in lower management. One day, I was up for a promotion but did not get it due to not having a degree. I realized 2 things that day; I needed to return to school and if were going to do this then I wanted to get the degree I had sought earlier, a degree in Mathematics. I reapplied, was accepted and spent the next 2 full years studying. I accomplished this only through the help of my wife Pam (whom I met at N.K.U. in 1985) and the patience of my 4 children.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the university and the wonderful professors, especially Dr. Kearns and Dr. Foletta. Their teaching style not only re-acclimated me to the world of Mathematics but affected how I teach today. Dr. Foletta’s technology based learning and discovery based methods are exactly what I always thought mathematics teaching should be.

I have in the past 4 years at Moeller taught primarily Geometry (all levels) as well as Probability and Statistics and Applied Mathematics. Many math teachers shy away from Geometry but it has always been a favorite topic of mine. I moderate the Junior Engineering Team which competes at the National level and has seen some success by placing in the top ten the last couple years. I am the JV Wrestling coach as well. We have been fortunate to also consistently place in the top 5-10 at the State level. My 4 children attend All Saints Elementary where I am currently the Booster President.

I am also in the process of finishing my Master’s Degree in Mathematics at the University of Cincinnati in their MAT program for teachers of Mathematics. This is a great program which I will complete next summer. I know I could not have been successful in these upper level classes, without the great foundation that I received from the Mathematics Department at N.K.U.

I have seen the university grow from a small commuter college to be on the verge becoming a Division one school. I hope no matter what the rate of growth, or the size of the campus that it will always maintain its focus as a student driven university. With this as its primary objective, it will always be a university that can bestow life-changing educational opportunities for its students. It did for me.