Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Dr. Robin Hurst
Information compiled by Kelly Connett, Corner Post Staff

What classes do you teach here at MU, and how long have you taught here?
I teach biology 1, 2, 6, biology for elementary education majors, a graduate teaching course, and entomology.I've taught here for 10 years.

What college did you attend( Please don't say KU!!)?
Hee Hee, I have received all three of my degrees from MU.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the small town of Fulton, Missouri.

Are you married or have children?
I got married to the man I was fixed up with on a blind date; 5 weeks after our first date. We have been married for 20 years. He is the greatest person I've ever known and the smartest. No human children; we do animal rescue work and have 11 house cats, 5 dogs, 30+ ex-race horses, goats, pigs, cows, etc. etc.

What is your favorite kind of food(s)?
My favorite kind of foods are things from my garden, such as tomatoes etc.

What is your kind of music do you enjoy listening to and who do you enjoy listening to?
Stevie Ray Vaughn is my all time favorite. Love the Blues and I enjoy most all other music; except new country. Ick!

What made you choose your profesion and field of study?
From kindergarten up; I have always felt the power of an educator to make a difference in our lives--A good teacher doesn't see a child as "rich" or "poor"; he/she sees a child for what the child can be. As someone from a low socio-economic background, growing up in a small town, your family status is everything--except when you have one of those visionary teachers who sees you as an individual and who treats all children equitably. After my first day of kindergarten, I knew I'd teach. I majored in biology because of my lifelong love of animals, nature, and the way things work. So, I teach what I love!

What is the most memorable thing a student has ever said to you?
Hum, that is a hard one. I think the most memorable thing any student ever says is thank you. There is a misconception among the public that all professors make big money. In general, teaching faculty don't. Given this, appreciation from our students is a big part of why we do what we do.

What is your favorite thing about MU?
The students--they are wonderful.

What do you hope students will get out of your class when it's all said and done?
I hope they will be able to critically analyze various topics in biology for the rest of their lives. I want them to understand what is going on with their bodies when their doctors explain something to them. I want them to feel empowered to participate in the political and social issues related to biology topics.

Back to archive

Disclaimer: The commentaries on this page are the opinions of one person and may not reflect the views of everybody at CAFNR Corner Post.