Faculty Highlight: Assumption and Professor Kozak

Colleen Finn

Staff Writer

Professor Kozak is one of the sweetest, funniest, and most intelligent professors on campus. I love going to her class because math has never been my best subject, but she always makes it fun to learn and goes out of her way to make sure her students understand the material.

Her favorite thing about Assumption is the sense of community. She considers some of her colleagues here to be her best friends. It also feels similar to her undergrad, Nazareth University in upstate New York. Something that she especially loves is that the small class sizes allows her to get to know students and advisees personally.

Professor Kozak’s ability to connect with students is her best trait. She has stayed in touch with many of them after graduation, even attending some of their weddings. One of her favorite parts of her job is helping students, particularly those who don’t love math, grow in her classes. “It’s always nice when students gain confidence and see their hard work pay off,” she shared.

Outside of math, Professor Kozak is extremely involved at Assumption. She is the faculty advocate for the women’s soccer team, a member of the faculty senate, a mentor for the SOPHIA program, and teaches classes for first year orientation as well as the Enhanced Compass program. In the past, she has been a judge on AU Idol and celebrity coach for golf, basketball and cross country.

Sports are a very special part of Professor Kozak’s life. She played soccer in college and her hobbies include golf and running. Her office is decorated with memories from races she has run in. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family, friends and her dog, Zoey.

Overall, Professor Kozak is a very friendly and engaging member of the Assumption Community, and we are all very lucky to have her here.