Baylor graduate staff
I really appreciate your support! I have learned so much from teaching with you in regards to how to think about complex issues from multiple vantage points and representing diverse student perspectives. You’ve mentored me and helped me become the professional I am today.
Dr. Doyle served as both my superior while I was a Graduate Residence Hall Director and as a mentor during my post-graduate job search. He consistently utilized data and best practices to improve the experiences of students both in and out of the classroom. Dr. Doyle engages his work with expertise and intentionality; I benefitted from his wealth of higher education insight and experience.
Thank you for making time to invest in me. You have made Waco feel more like home. I can sense the passion and love that you have for Baylor, and it is contagious. Thank you again for inviting me into your community.
Thank you so much for all you’ve done to support me. I deeply appreciate how much time you spent guiding me, giving me advice, reaching out to colleagues, and responding to all my emails. Thank you for going beyond what you had to do.
Thank you for speaking to our team. I found your talk very encouraging and fascinating. I’ve heard similar comments from others as well. Thanks for all that you do.
I met with my staff recently and we discussed your presentation to us. We really enjoyed hearing you share your mission, vision and values and how you have had those shape and align in your life. We were refreshed to see your continued exuberance and passion for students. It would be easy for someone at your level to become cynical and distant from students, yet you remain zealously engaged.
I want to let you know how thankful I am for the ways you have invested in my life. By inviting me to teach with you, I grew as a teacher and communicator. I also recognized my joy for being in the classroom with students. You met with me multiple times in just the last year and instilled confidence and patience in me. You showed me how it is possible to genuinely remain engaged with students as an upper administrator. You helped me see that a career in higher education can be about serving others and not just climbing a ladder. Your willingness to connect me with others on campus and vouch for my skills showed me how I can look for ways to use my privilege to serve others.
Dr. Doyle is one of the best graduate student instructors in the department. He showed a caring attitude, was willing to assist us in our class projects. Dr. Doyle pushed us, but only because he expects a lot from himself and therefore, his students also. He has a creative mind which showed in his assignments for class – we were expected to call and interview experts, research professional organizations, immersing ourselves in current events. His thoughtful approach to teaching helped me to become more creative and vocal than I am normally in a class.
Appalachian State graduate staff
I wasn’t always the grown up I wish I could have been in grad school. My small school experience made me think I had all the answers, and I see now, that I often pushed them too hard and couldn’t always see the Forrest for the tree in front of me. Last week I interviewed to be an assistant academic dean, and in my interview I heard Jeff Doyle words come out of my mouth. I really value the way you taught us about how to connect our work to mission, vision and values. I’m sorry for often being a petulant pain in the bum. But I promise I was listening and learned lots about buy in when I was in res life with you.
Thank you for everything you have done to make my experience working at Appalachian State an amazing one. I can’t tell you how much I have learned over the past two years. I want to tell you that I appreciate what you do for graduate students – you have challenged me and I’m a better person and professional because of that. I hope to work for you again in the future!
Uncle Jeff, thanks for all your help when I stop by and bug you every day.
You have to be the most humble and down to earth person I’ve ever met. Thank you for having these qualities.
Words cannot express how much we appreciate the support you have shown us.
I can’t express enough gratitude to you for giving me the opportunity to come to Appalachian. Your decision to hire me is the main reason I went to graduate school. Thank you for always supporting and trusting me. You are a great person, a fantastic leader, and an extraordinary role model!!!
Thanks for work to keep us always informed! You answer many of my questions before I even have a chance to ask them! We are lucky to have you as part of our team!
Thank you for your nomination of me for the Graduate Student of the Year. I was so honored to receive it. I am thankful for the many wonderful opportunities you have provided to get involved with our department. Thank you for being a great leader and such an inspiration.
I have really enjoyed getting to know you – you are truly an inspiration and I appreciate your support through a trying year. I appreciate all that you do.
It has been great working with/for you this year. Having someone at the top who cares makes a huge difference and is a big reason why this assistantship is so great!
Your crack me up! Thanks for all your humor, support, and kindness.
A…W…E…S…O…M…E is how you spell Jeff.
Thanks for all that you have done for me the past two years, while I worked under your leadership and took a graduate course from you. I know I am not the easiest student to teach, but I can’t even begin to describe to you how much I have learned through this class this semester. You challenged me to work harder than any other time in graduate school and I have done my best.
Thank you for holding me accountable at the half-way mark of the course when I was nearly ready to give up. You met with me one on one to help me rearrange my perspective. You made a comment in an email to me about being a “responsible professional” that showed me you were able to see beyond my present challenges. I’m grateful for that. You are and will continue to make a huge positive impact on students in academe. I hold you in the highest regard.
I would like to express my sincere thanks for agreeing to mentor me through my graduate internship. I really appreciate your willingness to put students first, above all else. I want you to know that your dedication to your students is admirable, and a model for other faculty members. You have always pushed me to be a better student, in and out of the classroom. You never settled for what you knew was less than my best. Thank you for pushing me and helping me realize my potential as a student. With your support, I have been able to reach new heights that I did not know even existed. I was hired for a full-time job in University Advancement!
List of “Thank You’s” from mostly graduate students at Appalachian State
- Thank you for your insights, your focus on the team, and your caring heart for each of us
- Thank you for your quirkiness and ability to laugh at the most random things.
- Thank you for your patience and supportive approach – even when we are stressed
- Thanks for always being willing to listen and be open to others’ ideas.
- Thank you for continually challenging me and our staff to be better and make things better.
- Thank you for reminding me what I do well while also providing constructive feedback
- Thank you for your willingness to go to bat for your staff
- Thank you for being so reliable. I can count on you; period. Anything that I need, you are there to talk through and support me in.
- Thank you for being the best mentor that I have ever had.
Deep Thoughts on Higher Ed 