Major: Management Information Systems
Dr. Jeff Blessing discovered his knack for teaching when he was in college. "As an engineering student, I was educated in the old-school format with large lecture halls and a professor lecturing at the front of the room. I found that when I understood the material and could explain it to my peers, they would learn it quite easily and say, 'Oh gee, why didn't they just say that in the first place?'"
Blessing earned his bachelor's degree and Ph.D. in computer science and engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His master's degree is in the same field, from the University of California San Diego. He worked for NCR Corp., Johnson Controls and Rockwell Automation before coming to MSOE.
He started teaching in 1986 in MSOE's Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department. In 2002, he became the program director for the management information systems program. "I was interested in teaching emerging Web technologies and there was more opportunity to do that in the Rader School of Business."
"Working with students is the best part of teaching," according to Blessing. "MSOE students are serious about learning and give us the opportunity to give them our best. We all have a love for our discipline and get to spend time with the things we're really passionate about with an audience that's receptive. That's satisfying work."
When asked what he thinks is important for students to learn while in college, Blessing said, "There is a growing breadth of knowledge in business of which they need to be aware, and the recent drop in the economy has made it necessary for them to develop survival skills. If students can develop basic business knowledge while they are at MSOE it will serve them well throughout their careers."
One on One
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I like to do things that are more physically oriented. I've been a runner since college and enjoy the outdoors. My wife Debra and I have been married for 20 years and enjoy traveling together and going for long walks with our dogs.
What can students do to get on your good side?
Ask a lot of questions. The more students ask questions, the more engaging the class becomes.