Bellevue Professor Teaches What It Takes to Hit Home Runs
Chicago Cubs fans have the reputation of being exceptionally loyal. While dedicated to the Cubs, Associate Professor Merrill Johnson, MBA, is even more passionate about helping Bellevue University business students reach their goals. “Playing baseball and earning a degree are quite similar,” Merrill shared. “Like a baseball coach, I am here to teach and guide, but students need to do the work. I’ve learned it’s important to let students experiment but not go too far in the wrong direction.”
Students will meet Merrill in the Marketing undergraduate program, the Business Administration undergraduate program, and the MBA degree program. Merrill began teaching full-time at Bellevue University in 1985. After two years, he became a part-time adjunct instructor in order to pursue a career in product management and sales. In 2012, he made teaching his full-time endeavor. “I enjoyed my work in industry but was drawn to Bellevue University and its students,” Merrill said.
One of Merrill’s standout skills is bringing big thinkers together to get things done. He knows firsthand that employers value that capability. Merrill teaches students how to collaborate with people who are located across time zones and have varied backgrounds or interests.
“Whenever possible, we incorporate problem solving, case studies, group projects, and collaboration activities into our marketing courses,” Merrill described. “By the time students graduate they have learned what it takes to make independent decisions, and they understand the value of working with people to accomplish goals.”
Merrill finds that while Bellevue University business programs teach workplace-ready skills, some students question the need to learn certain things. “At the time, certain topics may not seem relevant but I tell students they will see the benefits later on,” he said.
To hit home runs, baseball players — and students — need to be diligent in their practice of what they have learned, and continue to learn to realize their potential.
Merrill emphasized that he appreciates Bellevue University’s pragmatic approach to learning. He is active in the intentional process of updating courses to incorporate the latest skills and abilities employers seek. “Our degree programs have an Advisory Committee of accomplished professionals who provide recommendations on the expertise students will need,” Merrill said. “In addition, professors conduct job market research. Then, we prioritize the knowledge and skills that are most important for student success.”
In the undergraduate Marketing program, skills such as conducting case study analyses and understanding data analytics are examples of what the Advisory Committee recommended to help students be competitive in the job market. The Committee also suggested adding an understanding of social media platforms and content creation, as well as effective customer communication. “Now, jobs such as customer service, marketing research, social media, and sales are options for our graduates,” Merrill said.
Merrill’s talents not only benefit students but Bellevue University initiatives as well. For example, he is Chair of The Tom and Annie Pratt Entrepreneurial Award Program Committee, “The Pratt Award is a financial award presented to business owners who seek to grow, add employees, or expand operations,” Merrill said. “The Pratt Award Committee is comprised people from our Business College along with educators from other colleges across the University. Entrepreneurs benefit from a variety of expertise.”
“Along with financial support, Pratt Award recipients are paired with a mentor who is a sounding board for entrepreneurs as they plan and run their businesses. Current Bellevue University students, or those who have graduated within the past three years, are welcome to apply.”
Merrill, who is not only a Chicago Cubs follower but a big fan of the Bellevue University Bruins baseball team, believes that good people with big dreams are naturally anxious and impatient to get ahead. “To hit home runs, baseball players — and students — need to be diligent in their practice of what they have learned, and continue to learn to realize their potential," he emphasized. "Those are the kind of people who will be successful in their careers and life."