The Varsity News

Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: Michael Martinez Prof. Nicholas Rombes draws strong student evaluations.

When talking to English Prof. Dr. Nicholas Rombes, you learn quickly what motivates him in his teaching.

"I don't even have to think about it: It's my students," he said. "I know it might sound cliché, but it's true. They are inquisitive and hardworking. The students here are in a city that is struggling, and I see that they are trying to make the city and the world a better place, and for that I admire them greatly."

That kind of respect for students is part of the reason why Rombes was awarded UDM's Distinguished Faculty Award this year. The award was bestowed at a dinner on Friday night. (Psychology Prof. Dr. Linda Slowik received the Faculty Achievement Award at the same event.)

"I always look forward to reading Dr. Rombes' course evaluations because they say things like 'Nick Rombes is the best professor I've ever had,' " said Dr. Charles Marske, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education.

"His ratings are always at the very top of the chart. He is a great researcher and a great teacher, and we are very lucky to have someone who excels in both areas.

"Students always praise him, whether he has them in the classroom or he is advising them," said Marske. "He is a top-quality individual and is always willing to go the extra mile."

Rombes creates a classroom environment different from many other writing classes, said Chelsea Smialek, a 19-year-old English major who is in his introduction to creative writing class.

"He lets you develop your own voice and art form," she said. "Dr. Rombes teaches you to break away from the style of others."

After growing up in Waterville, Ohio, Rombes graduated from Penn State University with an English degree in 1994. He is not only an expert in literature, but he also has a thorough knowledge on the subjects of film and music. He has taught 17 different courses at UDM, including some in the honors, women's studies and master of liberal studies programs.

Rombes is also an author, having written the books "Ramones' Ramones (33 1/3)," "Your Life Is a Movie," "New Punk Cinema" and others, along with countless articles focused on different areas of film and music.

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