Featured this month:
Jerry Sweeten

Jerry Sweeten loves learning, and he’s as energetic now as he was when he was a boy wading in the streams and picking up frogs. Assistant professor of biology and director of the College’s environmental studies program, Sweeten is so animated that his students claim his enthusiasm is contagious. “Before you know it, he’ll have you out on a 6 a.m. bird watch, digging in the dirt for worms, or sloshing around in the Eel River,” said Andrea Graft, a junior management major. “He makes learning exciting and fun … he even brought a live owl to class one day.”

“How could you not excel in this environment!” said Terri Michaelis, a sophomore environmental studies major. Sweeten’s style is effective and refreshing. “He wants you to internalize what you have learned, not just be able to blurt out facts and figures,” Terri said. “And he wants you to think about how it all relates to the larger picture.”

Sweeten challenges his students, expects much from them and believes each has the potential to accomplish great things. Jeff Grabowski completed an internship with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources this past summer. Andrea Graft spent a week studying with classmates on Andros Island. And Jami Schrader took the Field Ecology course in the Bahamas, plus had an internship at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo aquarium. “I want to be a marine biologist,” said Jami. “And coming to Manchester to study that topic might not sound too smart, considering MC is no where close to the ocean. But actually, it has been a really smart decision,” Jami added. “I’ve had first-hand experience working in the ocean and also running a zoo aquarium.” And all before Jami’s junior year! “If it wasn’t for Professor Sweeten, I would not be where I am today. Manchester is truly preparing me for the future,” Jami said.

Sweeten has a bachelor’s degree from Manchester College, an M.A. from Ball State, and a Ph. D, from Purdue University. His primary research involves stream and lake ecology with an emphasis on management issues. In addition to teaching, Sweeten, and his wife, Melinda,  manage the College’s 100-acre nature preserve, Koinonia Environmental and Retreat Center, located 12 miles north of the campus.