Some only know him as ‘that one professor with the long hair’, but to many more he is one of the most memorable and finest professors they’ve encountered in their college career. [Bob] Simonson’s passionate teaching style and open candor keeps students focused and interested. We are prepared to bet that while not everyone always sees eye to eye with his views, they cannot deny that Professor Simonson left a positive mark on their MNSU experience.
Simonson has a Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1979/1976), an M.B.A. from Mankato State University (1973), and a B.S., Business, also from Mankato State University. He joined MNSU’s Department of Economics in 1981, and served as Chair on the Department of Economics from 2008-2014. He has been the recipient of numerous teaching and advising awards, most recently the MSSA Dr. Duane ORR Teaching Award, MNSU, 2012/2013, and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Academic Advising Award, 2015. With his impressive resume, Simonson has had his fair share of job offers from all over the states. MNSU truly is lucky for him to have chosen this institution to share his knowledge.
After sitting down to chat with him, it is obvious to us why he is such a sought after advisor. He didn’t make us feel the typical ‘you’re the student, I’m the professor” nerves. Instead, the conversation is easy going and informal, making us feel comfortable enough to share our thoughts and ideas, a trait that seems hard to come by in college professors. Professor Simonson is truly someone worth knowing.
Simonson’s advice to collegiate women:
“Universities are being asked to critically assess learning outcomes increasingly on the basis of the employment successes and earnings of their graduates. Similarly, considering student loan debt and the spiraling cost of university degrees, students should be asking if their investment in human capital is justified by career outcomes. Women especially should seriously consider STEM majors for prosperous careers. Traditionally, occupational crowding among females in non-STEM majors has produces a male-female wage rate differential. This differential continues to decline with the entry of females into the disciplines and careers which were once dominated by men.”