Meet Paula Eckert

Embracing life’s unexpected opportunities 

When asked to share something about herself that may surprise people, Paula Eckert told us about her 120 pound dog who believes he is small enough to sit on her lap. Eckert’s openness to the unexpected extends beyond cuddling her dog who weighs more than a newborn horse—she continuously embraces new and diverse opportunities in her career.

Eckert has extensive knowledge of many different facets of the business environment after working for nonprofits, state government, credit unions and universities. She has experience in human resources, employee training, and college career counseling and is certified to administer Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessments. Eckert used her management and development skills in many sectors of the business world but ultimately found herself in what she calls an “accidental” teaching career.

Eckert came to the Haworth College of Business with her husband who teaches in the marketing department. She began her own career working part-time in the management department and immediately fell in love with teaching. For her students, the feeling is mutual—she holds one of the highest ratings on Rate My Professor for Western Michigan University.

On the importance of understanding the basics

Eckert’s business career allows her to offer real-world examples that help explain classroom topics. She stresses the importance of learning the basics in order to be prepared for any scenario. Eckert teaches her students how to use core management theories to respond in any situation. The key ideas in management and human resources will hold true even as technology changes and new issues arise.

Utilizing the tools offered by the Haworth College of Business

Eckert stresses the importance of engaging in classes and making the most of the college experience. “Care about what you learn, not only what your grades are,” she advises.

The Haworth College of Business offers a wide array of resources and Eckert recommends that every student take advantage of them. She encourages everyone to join student organizations, take on leadership roles as seniors and use the services offered by the Zhang Career Center and the communication center. Beyond the opportunities given to students at the Haworth College of Business, Eckert strongly encourages every student to do an internship of some kind. Not only do employers look for these things on resumes but these experiences also give students great skills and confidence as they enter the workforce.

Paula Eckert sitting on a couch with her 120 pound "lap" dog.

Name:  Paula Eckert

Education: M.A., Michigan State University

Courses taught:   

  • Organizational Behavior (MGMT 2500)
  • Human Resource Management (MGMT 2520)
  • Project Management (MGMT 3010)
  • Managing Diversity in Organizations (MGMT 3500)
  • Employment Relations (MGMT 4540)