CCC Spring 2013 | Page 10

Duke MEMP

10

Our beloved C.J. -- a Q&A

Q: You've been teaching since the MEMP started. What has it been like watching the MEMP transform?

A: It began with 13 students initially and has grown a lot. The students who are admitted are becoming better every year. It is good to know that students understand the values of what they learn here. There are many students who get back to inform that “Finance & Accounting" has been really useful to them at their work place.

Q: How do you make your class interesting?

A: I believe in making every class “special." I do not believe in teaching through intimidation – throwing surprise quizzes. I include discussions about movies and songs which cheers up the students. I try to structure my class and not overload it. Winning a candy in my class – answering fun facts about movies/songs is something which students look forward to each week. I also encourage students to do the required readings before coming to class, as it makes the learning more enjoyable and easy. Students seem to enjoy my class. I had a student from Korea, who sent me a Valentine’s Day card this time. It is very great to know that students enjoy my teaching.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about you personal background?

A: I am originally from Pennsylvania. I went to Lehigh University. After

that, I worked for 3 years in Philadelphia before I moved to Duke. Since

then, I have been teaching here at Duke. I love Raleigh-Durham and

have made this my home.

Q: If not a Professor, what would you have been?

A: After graduating from college, working for 6 months as a bartender

and 6 months as a taxi driver. You will learn how to deal with people

and understand the world around you. I could have been any of the

following: priest, a basketball coach, taxi driver, bartender, actor,

musician, radio jockey. However, I ended up taking up teaching as a

profession as I really had a passion for it and did whatever was the most

apt for me.

-- Professor CJ Skender