Bill Nettles, physics department chairman, shares a meal with students March 12 at his home as a part of the Be Our Guest program.
By Alexus Brock
Asst. Life Editor
Be Our Guest is a time for fellowship, conversation and getting to know the people behind the red pen.
The Student Activity Council puts on the event each year to promote professor and student relationships outside of campus. Students gather in groups to eat a meal at a professor’s home.
Chelsea Gwaltney, sophomore nursing major, organized Be Our Guest this year to be held from March 12- 14 and is ecstatic about the outcome so far.
“About 120 students signed up to participate this year,” Gwaltney said. “With it being six students per household, I’m so excited to hear about their experiences with the professors.”
Bill Nettles, professor of physics and department chairman, is no stranger to the event. He has been a promoter for four years and still plans on continuing his involvement for as long as he can.
“Professors are people who live a life outside the classroom, who care about people in a personal way, beyond the professional daily work,” Nettles said. “[Be Our Guest] helps students relate to professors better and paves the way to having a better relationship on campus as well.”
Diamond Starks, freshman psychology major, hopes her first experience with the event is memorable.
“I think the best thing about this will be good conversation,” Starks said. “I think it will be a good time for me to get to know people I wouldn’t on a daily basis and get to know a professor [who] has welcomed me into their home.”
The conversations that the students have over a home-cooked meal are one of the most memorable aspects of the experience, Nettles said.
“Seriously, we have some good laughter around the dinner table,” Nettles said.
Each year professors enjoy the return of visitors and the connection students share with families.
“I went to two houses last year, the Carbonell’s and the George’s, and I loved it,” Gwaltney said. “I didn’t know the professors before I went, and I got to the house and the Carbonells had eight kids. It was awesome to see how they cooperated with such a big family. We had dinner at this huge table, and [there] was always something going on.
