‘Life beyond Bethel’: How Dr. Navanté Peacock is preparing students for life after college
Peacock is using his expertise and knowledge to help transform the psychology department and help all students excel.
Stepping into a new position can be daunting. However, Dr. Navanté Peacock is taking his teaching position in the psychology department in full stride.
Peacock was a professor of psychology just up the road at Hesston College before he stepped into the new teaching position at Bethel. He was drawn to Bethel due to its proximity to home and the ability to focus on teaching and advising while also having the opportunity to conduct research. The students and faculty also added to the appeal of Bethel.
“My first impressions of Bethel College are that the students are bright and motivated to do well in their courses and extracurricular activities,” Peacock said. “Other faculty and staff are very welcoming and are a joy to be around.”
Prior to being interested in psychology, Peacock said he had his mind set on being a cardiothoracic surgeon. However, learning about social influence and how powerful the mind can be quickly became much more intriguing and exciting to him. Peacock holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Anthropology from Kansas State University. Furthermore, he has a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Kansas.
The ability to mentor and be a role model for others was always something that Peacock had a particular interest in, and this is ultimately what pushed him to become a professor.
“I have always enjoyed learning and the idea of mentoring and being a role model for people,” Peacock added. “I enjoy letting people know about concepts they didn't know existed or putting a label on a concept they have experienced, but weren't sure what it is called.”
“I have always enjoyed learning and the idea of mentoring and being a role model for people.”
Dr. Navanté Peacock
Being a professor for Peacock meant that he would be given the opportunity to push students to be prepared for their future and shared, “I see my ultimate goal is to help prepare students for life beyond Bethel.” He further elaborated on his motivations for being a professor, adding, “I just might be the person who helps a student discover their career path or at the very least, a subject to explore further.”
An important thing to note about Peacock is that he is a first-generation college student, meaning his parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree. He hopes this can help him connect with students who may face similar situations that he has experienced.
“I see this as important in the way that I approach teaching and advising, as I can relate to unique struggles first-gen students face when attending college that may be overlooked,” Peacock said.
Peacock emphasized how he tries to lay his classes out as well as he can since he knows that not every student may be aware of how college works or the resources that are available to them.
Additionally, another key point Peacock hopes his students take from his classes is being able to expand on the way that they think: “I hope students take away the ability to think critically. I also hope for my students to develop or maintain a sense of curiosity and wonder of the world.”
Hayden Wallace, a junior from McPherson, president of the Student Government Association, and a psychology major, expressed his enjoyment of Peacock’s classes. He also emphasized how much Peacock seems to care about his students.
“Dr. Peacock strives to create an energetic learning environment,” Wallace said. “He has a loud commanding voice that isn't overbearing, but commands your attention,” Wallace said. “As a professor, he cares about all of his students. He will work very hard to push individuals, and help to promote the success of the group.”