For the past 25 years, Professor of Education Stephen Powers has worn multiple hats on BCC’s campus. When asked what he likes best about his work, he said, “I’m sure not a surprise – the students. BCC students are intelligent, dynamic, fun, hardworking and resilient. They want to make a difference not only in their own lives, but in the lives of others.”

In addition to teaching full-time, Powers chairs the Committee on Academic Standing, which oversees the Academic Appeal process, and is a voting member for financial aid appeals and scholarship applications. Also, as College Ombudsman, he proactively helps students who have not had success resolving issues elsewhere and works with students to ensure they are taking the right courses for graduation so their stay at BCC is not extended unnecessarily. For example, Powers said, a student may be working towards a certain degree, but not be aware of various course options and requirements. Powers will help with this.

With four children of his own and four grandchildren, Powers is a staunch advocate for younger generations. He is fascinated by the many generations of learners at BCC and enjoys teaching the children of some of his former students from the start of the century.

“Neither of my parents graduated college, so I recall what it was like when I was in school and had nobody to turn to for guidance. Fortunately, I had great advisors and faculty members so now I try to pay it forward as much as I can,” Powers said.

Powers is a veteran at establishing relationships with students and mentoring them. “I particularly love watching students who were previously not in good standing recover and succeed or seeing financial assistance resume for students who have experienced an interruption,” he said.

Prior to coming to BCC, Powers received a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a doctorate degree. He began his career as a middle school teacher and then went on to be an elementary school principal and a high school assistant principal.

“Seeing many of the students I have worked with cross the stage at graduation each year is probably what’s most rewarding,” he added. For now, Powers is counting down the days.