Meet Professor Tamala North
By: Elizabeth Patrick
I am excited and proud to introduce you to professor North. North is a professor here at Defiance College and is in the Teacher Education Program. Professor North grew up right here in northwest Ohio and, as a child, drove by the campus often.
After losing her husband, she knew that being close to her siblings here in NW, Ohio, would be vital for her, so she planned to purchase a house here in NW, Ohio. Growing up as a child, she knew she wanted to work at a small institution, and Defiance College was at the top of the list.
Professor North believes that her profession chose her. Many years ago, she enrolled in Northwest State Community College classes and thought she wanted to be a nurse. At this time, she was also looking for a part-time job. So, a friend referred her name to NOCAC for a pilot program related to family child care in Head Start. This way, she could earn some money while taking classes.
She ended up engaged and liked this program, so she changed her major to education. As a result of changing her major, she worked several years in Head Start and eventually ended up in Dayton. She taught in the classroom for multiple years and took a leadership role in a non-profit research and referral program.
Eventually, Professor North was asked to teach as an adjunct at the University of Dayton and realized she really enjoyed teaching college-age students. As a result, she decided to return to school and get her Ph.D. to pursue her new interest in teaching.
Professor North spent her first five years teaching at Eastern Kentucky University. She believes it was an incredible stroke of luck and good timing for her when positions became available here at Defiance College in the Teacher Education department. She loves teaching here, and it’s exactly what she thought it would be. Staff, faculty, and students have been a pleasure to teach and learn with, and the beautiful campus. The various campus activities are unique and fun; she believes that much thought is put into everyone having meaningful experiences here at DC. She appreciates this area so much and is glad to be back.
She believes she has come full circle – from beginning her career in education with NOCAC to now being at Defiance College. It’s pretty special, and she feels blessed.
