Major: Mathematics
Dr. Karl David does not like to grade papers. "Ask any of my students, I'm the slowest grader around," joked David. "For me, teaching is about interacting with students and helping them one-on-one after class or during office hours. It's about making sure they connected with the lecture, not about grading papers," he explained.
David, who is the chair of MSOE's Mathematics Department, moved to Milwaukee with his wife ten years ago. He previously taught as Wells College in New York, a small liberal arts college. David became the department chair at MSOE after two years of teaching. Admittedly, the transition from teaching at a women's-only (at the time) liberal arts college to a mostly male, technology-focused university took some getting used to for David. "I struggled with it at first," said David, "but I enjoy teaching a mixture of classes for engineering, nursing and business students. I like to reach a wider audience."
For David, watching students grow and become successful is a rewarding aspect of his job. "I like to tour the senior projects at the end of the year. I love to see a student who I had as a freshman give a really polished presentation on a complicated matter. It makes me feel confident and proud to know that that student will do a good job in his or her career. MSOE educates our students to work hard and be independent. The students have a lot of responsibility for doing things on their own, more so than at most other universities."
In his spare time, David enjoys bird watching, spending time with his wife and working on Sudoku and crossword puzzles. He has honed his artistic talents by acting, taking adult piano lessions and singing in a chorus. Currently he spends a lot of time at the gym and works wtih a personal trainer. "She gives me the same advice about my diet that my wife has for years, but I guess I have to pay for it to feel accountable!"
One on One
What is the last book you read?
The Singing Life of Birds by Donald Kroodsma.
What can a student do to get on your bad side?
Raise their hand and ask me, "When will I ever use this?" Career responsibilities change quickly and you have no idea what you might be responsible for 10 or 15 years from now. It's important to be broadly educated.
What can a student do to get on your good side?
Smile and work hard.
What is your favorite thing to do in Milwaukee?
A perfect day for me would be going to an MSOE basketball game with my wife, then eating dinner and Eagan's on Water and maybe going to the opera or symphony afterwards.
What is the best advice you've ever gotten?
Listen more often to my wife. She probably knows me better than I do myself, and whenever I don't take her advice, I usually end up regretting it!