Faculty and Academic Advisor Spotlight: Margaret Stiffler
Over the last few decades, Margaret Stiffler has held many titles at NC State: student, advisor and faculty member. Yet one thing has remained the same — the compassion and leadership she brings to the table each and every day.
Raleigh has become the home Stiffler never intended on having. But through being a student here, wonderful faculty and her time on campus, she is proud to be a member of the Wolfpack family. Stiffler says having a position that allows her to not only advise students, but teach as well, is something she will never forget.
Stiffler, an associate teaching professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, teaches Sociology of Family and Social Research Methods. She also collaborates with faculty members and advisors to develop new special topics courses. Her most recent course development, Cultural and Social Construction of Sexuality, is one she has enjoyed teaching to students.
In addition to teaching on campus, she has also taught in China for the past three years and virtually this summer due to COVID-19. Stiffler says this has been a wonderful experience for her personally and a great addition to her teaching career. Her career goals include staying at NC State and hopefully being promoted to a full teaching professor.
As an advisor and parent, Stiffler has been a wonderful asset in helping people and providing information on different ways for students to thrive during their time at NC State, myself included. She advises students to focus on what they want to do.
“I advise students to ignore the pressure of other people telling you their opinions and use resources close to you to help discover yourself,” Stiffler says.
“Specifically to COVID-19, take care of yourself and your own health and do not get worked up about things that make you anxious.”
Being a student under Stiffler’s advisement has added tremendous success to my college experience and helped me to focus on who I want to be throughout my time here at NC State. She truly does love her job, the people she works with and feels blessed to be a part of our community. We love you Dr. Stiffler!
This post was written by Sydney Powell, a senior studying sociology with a minor in psychology and a Department of Sociology and Anthropology student ambassador.
