Montgomery County Community College has long felt like a second home to Michael Baron, Psychology Senior Lecturer. Despite the fact he’s only been an employee for six years, the Baron name has been associated with the College for six decades.    

Michael’s grandparents, Dr. Ned and Ada Baron, were among the first generation of faculty at the College. Ada Baron was also among the first generation of students at the College, who took classes under Dr. Martin Gelman, Professor of Psychology and Anthropology (emeritus), who was the godfather of Michael’s dad, Dr. Steven Baron, Associate Professor of Psychology.

Recently, Michael Baron added an important new chapter to the Baron legacy at MCCC during the 58^th Commencement ceremony May 15, when he received the Part-Time Teaching Excellence Award. Presented by Academic Affairs, the award recognizes part-time faculty whose teaching is intellectually stimulating, accessible for all students, and demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of students both inside and outside of the classroom.

“To be honest, it was a surprise,” said Michael of the award. “There are lot of talented faculty members who been here longer than me, who have done a lot to contribute to the school. It means a lot and I was not expecting it. It’s always nice to get recognition.”

Michael’s earliest memories of MCCC began when he was brought to campus at about 4 years old with his dad.

“From my family’s early days at Pottstown Campus, my dad would always take me with him during take your kid to work day,” he said. “When I was older, I would sit in on his classes and take his tests.”

Michael attended Emory University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He then took three courses at MCCC before starting a master’s degree program in Psychology from New York University. He’s currently a doctoral student in Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University.

Michael was hired by the College two-and-a-half months after earning his master’s degree.

“It seemed like a no brainer,” he said. “Montco has been a big part of my life.”

Today, he and his dad share an office in Parkhouse Hall on the Blue Bell Campus and will, at times, co-lecture each other’s classes.

“It is fantastic,” said Michael. “I say that as his son and mentee and his colleague. He has helped me a tremendous amount. We share an office, but also to be mentored by one of the longest serving faculty members, words do not do justice how helpful and supportive it is to have a knowing faculty mentor in your corner. I’m better able to serve students. That’s the relationship he had with his godfather. I’m proud to continue that tradition in a way.”

Since he’s begun teaching, Michael said he’s learned more about himself and what qualities make a good teacher.

“I came in not wanting to talk about myself much. I didn’t want my classes to think I was grandstanding,” he said. “Yet I realized my students want to hear about me. It’s not bragging but showing I’m human–not a blank face behind a screen.”

“A big thing I’ve learned is I can be human with them,” he continued. “They respect that. They’re tired of being lectured to or spoken down to. It’s enlightening. I realized the more human I make it, the more open they are, the more kind they are. When that happens, you get magic.”

In addition to his regular Psychology classes at MCCC, Michael teaches in the Gateway to College program, which helps students who have disengaged from high school complete the diploma and earn college credits.

“Gateway is something I truly enjoy,” he said. “I work with high school students and help with their first step into college. It’s their first contact to what this College is.”

He also serves as a co-faculty advisor with his dad to Psi Beta, the Community College National Honor Society in Psychology, and the Psychology Student Research Team. Michael and his dad additionally serve as co-faculty mentors for the men’s soccer team.

Michael and his brother, Steve, are also co-owners of Philmont Football Club, a nonprofit youth sports organization that combines academics and athletics to help children in and around Montgomery County. 

Michael came to the College as a faculty member with no expectations, but he’s tried to be of service to students as much as he can, he said.

“Each year, I feel more and more connected here,” he said. “I love to contribute and give back.”

At Commencement, Dr. Chae Sweet, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, read from some of the Michael’s students’ glowing nominations for the Teaching Excellence Award.

“Michael’s students shared that, ‘I found Professor Baron’s class to be intellectually stimulating. He very much supported any discussions that might come up during his lecture and gave those discussions time to take place,’” Dr. Sweet read. “‘He’s involved in various clubs and within those clubs he is constantly offering to help students in his free time. Whether that be with CVs or helping students figure out next steps after graduation. He’s also willing to offer support when a student graduates.’”

Michael was moved by the reviews.

“It’s touching,” he said. “It really is. It’s heartwarming to hear they said those things. It embodies our students as far as people and characters go.”

With the award in hand, Michael thanked the administration, his dean and program coordinator for their help in supporting his journey at the College.

“It is truly an honor. I’m very appreciative of everything. It’s an honor to be here six years. I hope for many more,” he said. “I like to think it rewarded the trust they put in me. And I like to think I’ve done something for students to leave an impact on their lives.”

That would be quite a legacy.