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There’s a reason – perhaps many actually – why you’ll almost always find students waiting outside of David Shoup’s office door: He’s there for them and wants them to feel like they are cared about and a part of the Alvernia family.

Shoup came to Alvernia in 2015 straight from graduate school at The George Washington University, earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics. He was drawn to the location, having friends and family that lived nearby, as well as to the intimate size. More than that, he felt that he was wanted as a professor. And he continues to feel that way. 

“Alvernia continues to support me,” said Shoup, an associate professor of mathematics and dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. “I’m in the room when decisions are made.”

For students, even those who aren’t math majors, it might be hard to not know Shoup. He’s happy to be involved in supporting student endeavors both inside and outside of the classroom and makes a concerted effort to be involved. And he’s the ultimate good sport. He’s taken a pie to the face on Pi Day. He’s been plunged into dunk tanks. He’s also a judge for Alvernia’s Got Talent.

“I need to start saying ‘no,’” said Shoup, likely jokingly. “I enjoy it. I don’t take myself too seriously. I see it as a perk of my job.”

He does assert to students that while he’s happy to attend their extracurricular events to support them, he also expects them to put in the work when it comes to academics.

“I tell them, ‘I will support you, but if you don’t do the work, you’ll ultimately fail the class,’” he stressed.

When it comes to work outside of the classroom setting and experiential learning opportunities, research is almost always at the forefront for Shoup. But he always aims to tailor those experiences for each individual.

That hands-on experience is a strength Alvernia is able to extend to its students.

“We embrace partnerships,” Shoup said. “I think Alvernia is of the mindset that you say ‘yes’ until you can say ‘no.’ A lot of the local community businesses know that we [as a university] and our students are involved and that they can count on us. Some of our students graduate with several hundred community service hours when the requirement is for 40.”

He asserts that what you get from Alvernia is the feeling that you’re valued as a person. 

Says Dr. Shoup, “You’re somebody here and we want to help you.” 

Mackenzie Jackson '23, a biology major, can attest to that.

"My experience working with Dr. Shoup has positively influenced me as a student and as a person," said Jackson. "He has instilled confidence in me and in my abilities through the constant support and authenticity that he provides. Dr. Shoup truly cares about every student’s success, not only in the classroom, but also in their future endeavors. He will go out of his way to be a helping hand, not just those in his classes. The lessons Dr. Shoup has taught me are invaluable, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from him.”