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Faculty Spotlight: Destiney Pampoukidis, Instructor of Business
“No one is a born leader. We are all students in leadership.”
Destiney Pampoukidis is proud to teach at the university she graduated from. After earning her Master of Healthcare Administration, she earned her doctoral degree in the same field and returned to teach at Roberts. Now, she aspires to empower students to change their lives.
How long have you been teaching here?
I was an Adjunct Professor from 2017 through 2022, and became an Instructor in 2022 for the School of Business.
What brought you to Roberts?
All of my professors for my program were actually working in the field that they were teaching and providing real-time experience encompassed with the text made the program even more enjoyable.
This program made me realize that my goal was to teach adult learners at Roberts. I guess you can say that was my aha moment!
Tell us about how it feels to work at the same school you graduated from!
It is gratifying!
I am able to relate to my students differently than most because I remember what it was like sitting in their seats, going through their life hurdles, and juggling all of life's priorities; all while trying to further my education.
Roberts has had such a significant impact on my philosophy of education and my Christian faith. It has shown me what it is to give back with grace to all my students.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
My favorite thing about teaching is when I see a student have the aha moment, or when they are applying principles they have learned in a course I taught.
Any recent publications or notable accomplishments we can highlight?
I published “The Association Between Behavior Disorders and Return Visit to the Emergency Department”!
It was published in the Health Care Management Research Digest in December 2020, and at Walden University in November 2019.
I was also an inductee of The National Society of Leadership in 2019.
If you could help everyone understand one thing about leadership, what would it be and why?
No one is a born leader. We are all students in leadership.
I feel that this is one of the most profound things a student can learn in my course because it will allow them to be open to growing and fostering their leadership skills and styles.
What’s it like teaching at a Christian university?
I have spiritual experiences with my students weekly. I feel that God places people and situations in your path for reasons beyond your control.
This semester has been one of the most spiritually challenging semesters yet for me. I have students that are struggling with so many different life events.
It has allowed me to pray for them, offer words of encouragement, offer hope through prayer, and extend grace in a space most of my students do not feel they will receive it.
How has Roberts influenced your own spiritual journey?
Roberts has opened me up to being more patient with what I am hearing from God.
The university has also given me a community of friends that I can reach out to for prayer, a smile, or a quick chat.
What is the most helpful advice you’ve received?
Never be afraid to ask a question.
It’s helped me learn and grow because I don’t know everything. Life is a constant revolution.
What is an interest you have outside of teaching?
My family occupies most of my time outside of teaching. I do enjoy movies and crocheting a blanket or scarf.
Here’s my family and our dog!
What is your favorite quote or verse and why?
Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
I love this quote because it gives me comfort when I face obstacles. Fear has no place in me when my strength is in God.
Student Feedback
"Dr. Pampoukidis is the definition of black girl magic and the most responsible and punctual person I’ve ever known. She is polished, empathetic, positive, unique, kindhearted, and so impactful to me.
Her work ethic with her students speaks volumes, and her willingness and availability to work with her students are phenomenal. She is patient, loving, and kind and wants all her students to succeed.
I learned from her classes and her teaching style that when things get hard, you don’t quit. You keep going to find a solution to the problem and try to have fun and enjoy the moment because you can never stop learning."
-Konesha Williams’24 (Public Health, M.S.)
"Truthfully, she is the reason why I want to continue with my education.
I want to commend her for her patience with all students, her detailed understanding about the fact that many of us do struggle as adult learners, and most importantly, out of her busy schedule, I appreciated her flexibility meeting with me off school hours over zoom. Her understanding and compassion for all students have been really admired by many of us. She made my term very transformative."