Marcus Holmes, Instructional Faculty/Program Coordinator, National Technical Institute for the Deaf

Since 2002.

My responsibilities include teaching and mentoring students; developing, delivering, and continuously improving course content; assessing student learning through assignments, exams, and laboratory activities; and maintaining academic standards. Beyond the classroom, I advise and support students through office hours and mentorship, contribute to curriculum development and departmental service, and stay current in my field to promote critical thinking, ethical practice, and lifelong learning.

As a program coordinator, my responsibilities include course scheduling, supporting faculty and students, ensuring compliance with institutional and accreditation requirements, and facilitating communication among departments to promote student success and continuous program improvement.

The impact!

Watching students grow—from confused or unsure to confident and capable—is deeply rewarding. Those moments when a concept finally makes sense, when a student asks a thoughtful question, or when someone who struggled starts to succeed remind me why teaching matters.

Also, I get to shape work ethic, curiosity, and problem-solving skills, not just grades. Especially in engineering and materials science, helping students connect theory to real-world applications makes the job feel meaningful and relevant.

Finally, it’s the good rapport I have with students. Even on hard days, knowing that students trust you, learn from you, and remember you as someone who supported them.

When I was in high school, my vocational–technical teacher encouraged me to participate in a manual design drafting competition, where I placed third and received a scholarship from the Ford Motor Company in Detroit. During this time, I became increasingly interested in engineering because I enjoyed taking things apart to understand how they worked, creating hand-sketched drawings, and working with my hands.

I want students to take away a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a mindset of lifelong learning—knowing that it’s okay not to have all the answers, but it is essential to know how to find them, work collaboratively, and approach challenges with integrity and professionalism.

Celebrating Black Heritage Month is important because it recognizes and honors the historical, cultural, and intellectual contributions of Black individuals who have shaped our society, often in the face of systemic barriers. Also, it provides an opportunity to acknowledge voices and achievements that have been overlooked, to promote inclusion and equity, and to help students understand the broader social context in which education, science, engineering, and innovation develop. The role models that I admire are Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, and Garrett Morgan

“Be persistent.”

I would recommend visiting Greektown in Detroit because it’s a lively area with excellent restaurants, shopping, and a popular spot for nightlife.

Summer.

I root for both the Detroit Lions and the New England Patriots because I can’t choose just one team. On game day, I have the TV on full blast, plenty of finger foods like chicken wings and nachos, drinks, and I wear my team’s jersey to show my support.

Go RV’ing, get out of Rochester to go sightseeing or just hang out with friends.

I have an Airedale who is well-trained and obedient, always following commands while also serving as a reliable guard dog.

I would choose the beach house because my family loves the beach, and the more I think about it, the more I realize how relaxing and fun it would be to spend time together by the ocean, enjoying the sun, sand, and waves.

Cantina and Grille at Global Village.

I’m a coin collector and a green-thumb guy, as well as a big fan of muscle cars and Corvettes.

rit.edu/aes

2 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623  

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