Faculty: Dr. Christopher Ciocchetti

Interesting personal fact: Dr. Ciocchetti participated in 4-H and raised sheep and chickens

Students are not the only ones to learn, experience new ideas or be exposed to different points of views. According to Dr. Ciocchetti, the thing he loves most about teaching is that each new generation of students brings their own ideas and experiences to the classroom. Every class challenges what he thought he knew and helps him to learn a little more about the world. "I really enjoy helping students reach their potential," he says. "I like helping students to recognize their gifts and figure out how to make the most of them."

As a professor at the College since 2001, he knows what it takes to make a good student and professor, and what he sees as his primary role is in the lives of so many students. "A successful student or professor has to be genuinely curious," he says. "Prejudice or an agenda can make us miss what’s going on right in front of us. We must want to know—and be willing to work to find out—if we’re to succeed. Since I teach ethics and philosophy, I see my job as helping students learn some techniques for grappling with ethical issues. I ask the difficult, unavoidable questions and help students start to formulate answers."

He also sees himself as a mentor and takes genuine interest in the lives of his students, helping them make that transition from high school to college. "I think the hardest part for a student is trusting themselves enough to go after what they really want," he explains. "Too many students wait for life, events, or something to tell them where they’re supposed to be. I try to encourage my students to think about their options early on and to not be afraid of what interests them. When necessary, I’ll talk for hours with a student how to build the life he or she really wants. We talk about how to overcome obstacles, how to balance competing desires, and how to muster up the courage to take a chance."

"And I think that is what really sets Centenary College apart from other colleges—you really get to know the people. When people get to know you and know what you’re capable of, they can really bring out your best. Every student has an opportunity to make a difference. Every student becomes an essential part of the daily life of the college."

A published author, Dr. Ciocchetti’s works include "Emotions, Retributivism, and Punishment," Journal of Applied Ethics; "Wrongdoing and Relationships," Social Theory and Practice; and "Punishment, Reintegration, and Atypical Victims," Criminal Justice Ethics. He is currently working on "Vegetarianism and Living Well."