As Florida Southern College’s Executive Director of Student Success, Taylor Shook has the students’ best interests at heart.
Sports Communications and Marketing major Grant Salese ’25 took a class called Writing About Fairy Tales with her. When she saw that he was having a tough time, she took the time to offer support. That experience had a profound impact on Grant.
“Professor Shook is hands down one of the kindest people I have ever met!” Grant said. “She makes class engaging and fun and makes herself available to any student if they ever need help!”
Grant added that Shook has gone out of her way for not only him, but all her students, to make sure everyone does well in her class.
Shook’s Writing About Fairy Tales class fulfilled a general education credit for Grant, but it was especially enjoyable because he is passionate about writing and fairy tales.
“It was a perfect class for me!” Grant said.
Taylor Shook began her career at FSC in May 2015. She said she loves building relationships with students and seeing their growth throughout the semester. She hopes students can apply their knowledge beyond the classroom by learning transferrable skills for both academic and personal success.
“I also hope students take away the value of collaboration, kindness, humility, education, and humor,” Shook said.
When asked if she had any advice for this year’s seniors, she said they should follow their dreams, never give up, and continue learning!
Shook would encourage underclassmen to keep going, and when the semester gets tough, to reach out to their instructors, advisors, and FSC staff for support. She said they can achieve their goals, and it is okay to ask for help.
“My teaching philosophy, simply stated, is to share knowledge, assist students in understanding complex ideas, and help students effectively communicate information,” Shook said. “I do my best to give grace and meet students where they are because I know success looks different for each student and I know the learning outcomes in my classes can be achieved by challenging students to do their best – whatever that is.”
Shook said each student she interacts with is significant and deserving of her best. She works to develop relationships with students so they know they can trust her to support them, even when student success seems unattainable.
Professor Appreciation Week is held in the first full week of May of each year. The week provides an opportunity for students and school officials to show their appreciation for the hard work professors do. Several Florida Southern College students shared who their favorite professors are and why they appreciate them.