Bellevue University Business Analytics Professor Earns Respect of Thousands of Students
Raising learning expectations goes far beyond coursework for beloved Bellevue University professor Sue McDaniel
Air Force veteran and career teacher Sue McDaniel, Ph.D., brought her daughter, Shawnee, into her classroom when Shawnee was just 5 years old. Shawnee absorbed her mom’s teaching approach and enthusiasm for learning. Today, mother and daughter – who is also a professor - share teaching styles, a deep love of constant learning, and the excitement of seeing their students achieve big dreams.
Sue is a beloved professor in the College of Science and Technology, having taught over 11,000 students— more than any other Bellevue University faculty member. She is Program Director for the Business Analytics graduate and undergraduate degree programs, as well as the Management Information Systems undergraduate degree program. Also, Sue designed an information technology program for a special group of students from China.
It’s no wonder Sue has set a Bellevue University teaching record as hundreds of comments from student evaluations tell individual stories of a life-changing professor-student relationship:
“Professor McDaniel is encouraging, helpful, and patient! I started this class fearful and with no knowledge on coding. I feel I have learned a great deal, and felt very comfortable asking questions to either the professor or my fellow classmates. This was probably one of the most inviting classes I've been in. Thank you, Sue, for helping to set that tone!”
“I have really enjoyed having Professor McDaniel as an instructor. This is the third class I have had with her and it gets better with each one.”
“By far one of my best teachers. She has a gift and gives you the tools to succeed. I am glad I took her class because that challenged me and made me discover what I can do.”
“I've had Professor McDaniel for multiple courses and have enjoyed every single one of them. She is so kind and supportive in her feedback, which motivates me in these pretty difficult courses. She responds to emails in a timely manner and helps us work through difficult queries. Tech or conceptual-heavy classes can be really difficult to be motivated in, but she's an incredible professor that makes me want to continue to challenge myself.”
My Mom and I live to work because we thoroughly love what we do! For me, the biggest thrill is seeing students apply their newly found skills to achieve goals that are greater than they ever believed possible.
What’s equally remarkable about Sue is the daughter she raised. Shawnee McDaniel was recently named Bellevue University’s Assistant Professor of Data Science and Business Analytics. Shawnee has worked in industry and has taught as an adjunct professor at the University. She holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Business Analytics and is close to completing her doctorate in Business Administration and Data Analytics.
“My Mom and I live to work because we thoroughly love what we do!” Shawnee said. “For me, the biggest thrill is seeing students apply their newly found skills to achieve goals that are greater than they ever believed possible. Knowing I helped gives me great satisfaction.”
Sue and Shawnee share a walk and morning coffee every single day. And, they share great enthusiasm for the future of artificial intelligence (AI). “AI is the biggest shift since the internet became mainstream,” Sue said. “It’s exciting to teach our students how to effectively use AI to bring extensive amounts of information into an easily digestible format.”
Sue added that she believes AI is here to stay. “The key for our students is to figure out how to use it to help their company while at the same time, making themselves a more valuable asset.”
When asked why they choose Bellevue University, both Sue and Shawnee are quick to answer. “Across all of our colleges, faculty believe in positive reinforcement,” they emphasized. “Plus, students learn the skills to get the job they want — not just to fit into a box.”
One student who took classes from both Sue and Shawnee commented:
“Sue McDaniel is - in my opinion - a perfect instructor. She has a laid-back attitude while also being professional - which is inherently hard to attain - and she truly cares about her students and career. Her daughter - Shawnee McDaniel - emulates the exact traits. I truly wish I can continue taking classes under both of them, and thank them for everything.”
Sue raised not only an accomplished daughter but one who might someday step into her shoes at Bellevue University. Students will be thrilled either way.