FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Rob Heyrman, Communications Instructor

My name is Rob Heyrman, and I have been a communication instructor at Moraine Park since 1990. I started as an adjunct and was hired in a full-time capacity in 1993. I teach English composition, oral and interpersonal communication, and speech in both a traditional and online capacity.

Over the last 27 years, I have seen a lot of changes in the field of general education as well as in the discipline of communication; however, my approach to teaching remains the same. I am aware that my best means of transferring what I know to my students is to respect their present skills and wisdom and to work with them more as I would with colleagues than as an authority figure telling them how to do everything.

I realize that my students need to know how to use the formulae of the academic and professional worlds to produce swift responses to mundane demands: essays, case studies, lab reports, blogs and abstracts, as well as how to work cooperatively in work teams and deliver a professional oral presentation. I do give them models and show them how to follow the models.

Prior to getting into the teaching profession, I spent 25 years in the private sector with the Campbell Soup Company and Pepsi Co. in a sales and managerial capacity. Working with these companies gave me a greater understanding on how people miscommunicate either through the written or spoken word.

My hobbies include spending time with my family, distance running and golf. I also do volunteer work for Topps Soccer and Special Olympics.

To learn more about Moraine Park’s communication courses and General Education offerings, click here.