The legend of the Baker University grape arbor tells a story of destiny and love, but for new Instructor of Computer Science Athanasios Markou, it is a symbol of home.

“This is my favorite place,” Markous said. “I grew up in Greece and we always have these grape leaves and stuff in our yards hanging all over the place, so it reminds me of my home place.”

For many of the new professors on campus, Baker itself symbolizes an “intimate,” “friendly” and “warm” community much like a home, which is part of what drew six new professors here.

Markou is just one of two new computer science instructors hired. This semester, he is teaching Computer Graphics, Computer Architecture, and Intermediate Algebra.

Joining him in the computer science department is Instructor Robert Shukei. This is Shukei’s first year in a teaching position after earning his bachelor’s degree in math and computer science from Northwest Missouri State University in 2004 and a master’s degree in applied computer science from Northwest Missouri State University in 2006. He is in the process of earning his doctorate from Oklahoma State University.

“With this being my first year out teaching, it’s all brand new to me,” Shukei said. “Yes, I’ve taught a few courses, one a semester, but nothing can prepare you for the prep time it requires for multiple courses.”

Joanne Nystrom Janssen, assistant professor of English, also joins the Baker community and teaches two Introduction to Literature courses and Quest 111: Camp and Community.

After earning her undergraduate degree at Buffalo University in St. Paul, Minn., Janssen was looking for the same type of “small, liberal arts school” as the one she attended, which she eventually found in Baker University.

Before coming to Baker, Janssen taught for two years at The Asian University for Women in Bangladesh, which made her “unsettled” in coming back to teach in the United States.

“I don’t think it was assumed from all of them that they would study at a university,” Janssen said. “They felt that their university schooling was a deep privilege that they have so that meant that they were really excited and engaged in what they were learning. It’s kind of different to walk into a classroom here, where I think American students are less expressive.”

Cynthia Woodbridge, associate professor of chemistry, also finds her home at Baker after teaching for five years at West Point and five years at Hillsdale College.

Also joining the Baker University faculty is Richard Thein, assistant professor of mass media, and Christopher Todden, assistant professor of exercise science.

To these new professors, being a part of the Baker community means more than just learning names, teaching students and grading papers, it’s a place to call home.

“People were really warm, and I noticed in walking around campus that people were greeting each other,” Janssen said. “They knew each other by name and it was a true community.”