Marc Morency

Instructor

Getting to know Marc Morency

What is your title at Bay College?

Life Sciences Instructor

Where are you from?

Originally from Macomb, Michigan (downstate). I moved to Iron Mountain in August 2008.

What school(s) did you attend?

Grand Valley State University and Central Michigan University

Prior to teaching at Bay what did you do?

I taught a variety of science classes at three different colleges downstate- Davenport University, St. Clair Community College, and Macomb Community College.

How long have you been a teacher at Bay College?

Just finishing up my 11th year!

What influenced you to pursue teaching? Why?

I began tutoring during my second year of undergraduate school to help me excel in my higher level courses. During that time, I quickly realized how much fun and awarding it was to assist other students with my knowledge and experience.

Why is higher education so important to you?

Ever since I witnessed my mother graduate from nursing school when I was 11, I wanted to go to college. As I got older I also came to the understanding that I didn't want to be a blue collar worker like my father and work 50+ hours a week doing very tedious, hard work. I wanted a job that not only paid well but gave me much enjoyment. I realized in order to have that, I must get a college education.

Can you tell me a time where you made a huge difference in a student’s life?

I always feel like I have made a huge difference when I witness the progression of a student coming into my human biology class in their first year. They usually start off feeling quite intimidated with science in general and may not even know what direction they want to go into in terms of a degree. But then I watch them do well in human biology and then they go into anatomy & physiology. Before I know it they have graduated as an LPN or an RN and I run into them working at a local hospital. That truly brings a huge smile to my face every time.

What is your favorite song/genre of music?

I love 80s music. Phil Collins, Huey Lewis, Toto, Whitesnake to name a few of my favorite artists.

If you could pick any superpower what would it be?

Super speed like the Flash.

What is your favorite thing about living in the U.P.? Why?

Having been born and raised in the northern suburbs of Detroit, I cherished every summer that I got to spend with my grandparents at Traverse City, Michigan. I loved being on the lake and the beautiful wilderness at every corner. It was very peaceful compared to the city life. That's the same feeling I get living here. It's quiet, has numerous breathtaking sites, all kinds of wildlife, and most importantly I met the woman I married here and raised a beautiful family with her.