Since 1995, the United States has recognized every March as Women’s History Month. During this month we celebrate the contributions and achievements that women, both past and present, have made over the course of American history, culture and community. To celebrate Women’s History Month, Columbia Southern University is honored to recognize students, alumnae and faculty who are playing a vital role in leadership within their respective industries.
Dr. Janet Chappell serves as lead faculty in public business for the college of business at CSU. Currently teaching courses in the master’s degree programs, Dr. Chappell always knew she had a calling to education.
Education was not my first choice in obtaining a degree,” she said. “As the old saying goes, you can only run for so long. Therefore, after exploring and experiencing other fields of study, I found myself where I belong all along. I am now asking myself, why did I not do this all along?”
Some might assume many teachers had it easy when choosing their career path or completing their degree, but Dr. Chappell shares that her story is relatable to most students.
“Younger in life, you go with what is easy to you, what you have experienced and what you have been exposed to; however, as I experienced life even more, my interests, experiences and settings changed, which led me into different directions, not forgetting where I started.
“As I have experienced the process of becoming a doctor/professor of study, I know the struggles some can face. Therefore, I want to provide the support needed to reach the educational, professional, and personal desired goals.”
Throughout her journey as an educator, Dr. Chappell says she has experienced first-hand the power education has to impact one’s life.
“Education definitely has the power to change the course of someone’s life,” she said. “Education itself has the power to (E) engage, (D) drive, (U) unify, (C) catapult, (A) aerate, (T) teach, (I) ignite, (O) ordain and (N) nurture all individuals willing to take the step and pursue his/her own educational journey.”
As a role model in her field, especially to women, Dr. Chappell is excited to be a part of encouraging and mentoring those who feel called to teach.
“The most rewarding part of my job is being able to provide the opportunity for others to advance and reach their educational and professional goals,” she said. “Women empowerment is important to foster the opportunity for visibility and future women empowerment growth. As women empowerment progresses, little girls all over will grow up to be women in our forever changing world and they must take part in knowing their worth, being a part of the change and contributing to the change.”
Dr. Chappell also received the CSU Raise the Bar award, an honor voted on by students that recognizes the hard work, dedication for CSU.
“When I receive these awards, they validate the time and service provided to the students,” she said. “The students are the individuals providing the effectiveness and/or ineffectiveness feedback of their educational journey with CSU. Therefore, this confirms the effectiveness of my classroom instruction and knowledge transfer provided.”
Dr. Chappell’s biggest piece of advice is the motto she has always lived by: “Learn to teach and teach to learn”.
“Be a lifelong learner,” she said. “Be sure to explore and experience each day as a new learning opportunity for yourself and others, being a change agent and forward-thinking contributor.”
Disclaimer: These testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes.
CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
