John Baen: Working for students

Forget about mister, doctor and professor. Real estate professor John Baen would rather students call him "Uncle John" or simply "Baen."

"Most professors love to be called doctor or professor, but I feel that all those titles and formalities put barriers between me and my students," Baen says. "I feel I should earn their respect. I want them to know that I am not talking down to them and that they are not talking up to me. I think the learning environment is better that way."

As a certified real estate appraiser and a Texas real estate broker, he has appeared as an expert witness in court cases involving real estate. He has also been quoted or referenced in many newspapers, including the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe. Although he is an expert in his field, Baen considers his students his "clients." He tells them, "You don't work for me, I work for you."

With this attitude, Baen organizes a student and alumni appreciation night, inviting current and former "clients" to his ranch west of Denton. Each fall for the last 15 years, about 250 to 300 people attend the meeting, where alumni share stories about their careers.

"The retreat keeps current students on the cutting edge of business," Baen says. "Former students tell them what they need to know and what they don't." Alumni also interview current students for jobs. Last year 16 students were hired as a result.

"I like to see my students succeed," Baen says. "I like to see their dreams come true, and I am very proud of their successes. I love helping them find jobs, and I love hearing from them after they graduate."

Baen says former students call him every day for advice on home buying or business. They also update Baen on their careers, and some even call to recruit current students. When former students call him years after they graduate, they address him in a different manner.

"Five years after they've graduated, that is when they call me ‘Dr. Baen,'" he says. "By then, I have earned their respect."

BY JENNY McCORMACK paiswri2@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue:

• Norval Pohl recommended for UNT presidency
• Chancellor and President Hurley marks 20 years of service
• Tips for saving trees
• Faculty receive awards at annual ceremony
• Enrollment opens for early childhood music classes
• College of Music responds to string teacher shortage
• Five Brewer students to enter TAMS
• Clinic to hold group sessions

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