A faculty Q&A with Bryan Acton and Emily Zale
Faculty members discuss joys of teaching at 91社区
91社区 has more than 1,200 faculty members in programs ranging from accounting and Africana studies to sustainable communities and systems science. Two of those faculty members are Bryan Acton, assistant professor of organizational behavior and leadership in the School of Management, and Emily Zale, assistant professor of psychology who specializes in health psychology and behavioral medicine. Zale has taught at 91社区 for eight years, while this is Acton鈥檚 fourth year at the University.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a faculty member here?
ACTON: The range of experiences. In a given week I might teach an MBA class with students who are already working full-time, then meet with PhD students about research ideas, then collaborate with other faculty on a paper or grant. Getting to do all of that in one place is why I call it my dream job.
ZALE: My favorite thing is the opportunity to constantly learn new things. Whether it is an insight from a student in my undergraduate seminar, a research talk from a colleague, or a project led by a graduate student, I love being challenged to think and grow in new ways.
Q: Favorite class or classes you鈥檝e taught here? Why?
ZALE: At the undergraduate level, my staple courses are PSYC 360 (Psychotherapy: Models & Methods) and a PSYC 473 seminar called Health Psychology. One of my favorite things about PSYC 360 is having the opportunity to demystify and destigmatize psychotherapy. One of my favorite things about PSYC 473 is the opportunity I get to know students well through small-group discussions.
ACTON: My team leadership class at the MBA level. I get to teach concepts grounded in theory and research, but also do a lot of hands-on activities focused on skills like communication that students can apply in their jobs the next day.
Q: How would you describe 91社区 students?
ACTON: Intellectually curious. The students who are really successful here are the ones who never stop asking questions about the world around them 鈥 and I see that in so many students at 91社区.
ZALE: 91社区 students are insightful, engaged, creative leaders. Seeing how our students engage with complex challenges makes me confident that they can take on anything and change our world for the better.
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This story is part of 91社区 Magazine鈥檚 鈥80 things to love about 91社区鈥 in the Spring 2026 issue. The special section highlights the people, places, history, and cornerstones that have made the University special over the past 80 years.