Math professor to retire, return to roots
- David Palkovich, mathematics professor, is ending his 18-year career at OCCC in May.
- Along with teaching statistics, college algebra and intermediate algebra, Palkovich tutors students in the career transitions program.
By Lee Johnston, News Writing Student
One of OCCC’s long-time professors will part ways with the college after this semester.
David Palkovich, mathematics professor, is ending his 18-year career at OCCC in May.
Palkovich is known throughout the college as a professor who goes above and beyond.
When asked what he will miss most he said, “I will miss the individuals and people mostly.”
Helena Romanow, psychology student, said she would recommend him to anyone.
“He has amazing repetition, great office hours, and explains everything very well,” she said.
Along with teaching statistics, college algebra and intermediate algebra, Palkovich tutors students in the career transitions program.
He said the program is designed to assist single parents in getting employment that will contribute to their self-sufficiency.
Palkovich assists with vocational and technical training to help students find entry-level jobs.
Recently, Palkovich helped automotive students Krystal Gordon and Travis Jackson find jobs in the automotive industry.
Trisha Burnes, former pharmacist student, said she was recently hired by Walgreens with Palkovich’s help.
Palkovich creates and pieces together his own handouts, tests and assignments. The papers he makes are much more specific to the topics he teaches, he said.
Robert Mason, nursing student, said he appreciates the thought Palkovich puts into his teaching.
“He is so thorough and planned out, making him much easier to follow.”
In addition to teaching and tutoring, Palkovich is a sponsor for the Future Teachers Club, a club for pre-education majors. He helps plan activities, fundraisers and events.
Palkovich earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Illinois Institute of Technology, a mas-ter’s in labor industry relations from Michigan State University, and a master’s in mathematics from the University of Oklahoma.
Arriving at OCCC by chance, Palkovich said, he’s “taught almost every math class over the years.”
After leaving this semester, Palkovich will return to his home state of Indiana to be with his mother. He said he will still teach part time in connection with Purdue University.
