Doug Munski

That’s because it’s hard to forget a “Munski” class.  Students who take his geography courses tend to remember him – and what they learned – for life.  Many former students  still keep in touch, and now he’s starting to meet their sons and daughters.

Originally from Chicago’s North Shore and northern Missouri, Munski is well-known throughout North Dakota for his commitment to students and the state he has called home for 29 years.  Each summer, he serves as a volunteer faculty advisor to help new students register and prepare for University life.  He has received outstanding service and academic advising awards, as well as teaching awards.  This April, he will receive the National University Continuing Education Association Excellence in Teaching Award. 

“I’m excited about geography, and want to help others become better geographers than I am,” he says.  “I take delight when students exceed me.”

In addition to classes on campus, he teaches distance education courses through the North Dakota University System Interactive Video Network (IVN) on human geography and the geography of North America.  Besides UND, these courses serve students at Mayville State University, NDSU, Lake Region State College, Dickinson State University, and United Tribes Technical College.  But he doesn’t just teach from the UND campus:  he leaves Grand Forks every couple of weeks to teach at another of the campuses that carry his IVN classes.  That way, he can keep the class as interactive as possible.

“Distance teaching is exciting in some respects,” he says.  “I’m able to connect UND students with those at other campuses.”

Whether it’s in the classroom or over interactive television, Munski loves teaching.  “It really is a privilege to help shape the next generation,” he says.  “I hope that students, after taking my class, remember that they can make a difference in how the world operates.”