There’s a reason – perhaps many actually – why you’ll almost always find students waiting outside of David Shoup’s office door: He’s there for them and wants them to feel like they are cared about and a part of the Alvernia family.
Shoup came to Alvernia in 2015 straight from graduate school at The George Washington University, earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics. He was drawn to the location, having friends and family that lived nearby, as well as to the intimate size. More than that, he felt that he was wanted as a professor. And he continues to feel that way.
“Alvernia continues to support me,” said Shoup, an associate professor of mathematics and dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. “I’m in the room when decisions are made.”
For students, even those who aren’t math majors, it might be hard to not know Shoup. He’s happy to be involved in supporting student endeavors both inside and outside of the classroom and makes a concerted effort to be involved. And he’s the ultimate good sport. He’s taken a pie to the face on Pi Day. He’s been plunged into dunk tanks. He’s also a judge for Alvernia’s Got Talent.
“I need to start saying ‘no,’” said Shoup, likely jokingly. “I enjoy it. I don’t take myself too seriously. I see it as a perk of my job.”