Caring Physics Professor Wins Praise for Holding Student’s Baby While Teaching

Caring Physics Professor Wins Praise for Holding Student’s Baby While Teaching
(Illustration - Shutterstock)
Epoch Inspired Staff
2/13/2019
Updated:
1/18/2020

An Arkansas State University physics professor, Dr. Bruce Johnson, is a caring educator who is known for always going the extra mile for his students.

There’s one act of kindness of his, however, that was caught on camera in May 2018—and it’s been generating a right buzz on social media.

In early May, Kristen Black, a Biology major, asked Dr. Johnson if it’d be alright to bring her baby—8-month-old Izzy—to class, as her babysitter had to go to work.

“The times are always conflicting,” Black told Region 8 News.

Black couldn’t skip class because she was struggling with classwork.

“I can leave if she cries,” Black told Dr. Johnson.

Being a caring professor, Dr. Johnson granted Black permission.

Black brought baby Izzy to the study hall, and amazingly, Dr. Johnson went above and beyond his duty.

In a photo posted by Kelly Damphousse, chancellor at Arkansas State University, Dr. Johnson is seen holding Black’s baby while teaching physics.

“One of my Intro students sent me this pic of my colleague, Arkansas State University physics professor Bruce Johnson,” Damphousse wrote.

“She said, ‘He cares so much about the success of his students.’ Clearly,” Damphousse added. “I am glad that Bruce gave me permission to share this beautiful moment with you.”

The post has garnered over 2,500 reactions, with many students praising Dr. Johnson for being a great professor.

Another commented, “One of Arkansas State’s greatest professors. It was a blessing to have Dr. Johnson for Physics I.

“We need more educators who have a passion that he possesses for the well-being of his students.”

Others who knew Dr. Johnson chimed in.

“He’s awesome!“ wrote another person. ”He’s got grandkids, so there’s no doubt he was enjoying holding that sweet baby!”

As for Dr. Johnson, he was just doing what he could to help his students succeed.

“When I see students like Kristen as a mom trying to raise a family and go to school and follow her dreams to get an education she needs to support her family, I’m in awe,” Dr. Johnson said.

“If I can do some small thing to help then I definitely want to do that.”

Kudos to Dr. Johnson for your kind gesture! You have set a fine example of what educators should be like—to be caring.

It’s important for teachers to show concern for their students, because they will be more enthusiastic about learning in a caring environment.