Men's basketball player David Jean-Baptiste and Dr. Darrell Walsh

About David Jean-Baptiste:

• Redshirt junior 
• 6-1 guard
• Native of Miami, Fla. 

About Dr. Walsh: 

• Assistant Professor in the Department of Social, Cultural, and Justice Studies
• Owns a B.S. in Science and Anthropology from Chattanooga, a Master of Education in Community Counseling from University of Tennessee and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Sociology from University of Tennessee
• Has been teaching for 15 years 

David Jean-Baptiste and Dr. Darrell Walsh on Chattanooga's campus

Q&A with David Jean-Baptiste:

• What did you like most about Dr. Walsh's class? I loved the overall environment of his classroom He makes his classes and or lectures turn into engaging discussions that everyone learn from and even add their own knowledge on the conversation.
•  What makes Dr. Walsh a good teacher? He is always engaging his students to do more, and he consistently encourages his students to participate during his lectures.
• What is something you’re involved in outside of class and sports that we may not know? I am involved with my fraternity Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. We pride ourselves on service within our communities.
• How do you manage academics, athletics and a social life? What is your key to good time management? Organization is key. The key is to write down what is important and what needs to be done by what time. Once I do that, I can balance out everything else that goes on in between.
• What is your favorite spot on campus? Our Library, hands down.
• What is the most important skill you've learned through participation in your sport? Commitment. 
• Do you have any nicknames? Or if you could choose your own, what would it be and why? Kodak is my nickname because of the relativeness of the rapper and him being Haitian and also being from South Florida. My teammates Justin Tuoyo, Greg Pryor, and Tre Mclean were a part of giving me that nickname when I came onto campus my freshman year.
• What are your plans post grad? Post grad I plan to start my Master’s degree while having one more year left of eligibility to play.
  
   Q&A with Dr. Walsh:
• What was it like having David in your class? The experience of having David Jean-Baptiste in the Sociology Diversity Course was intellectually fruitful. The course addressed controversial issues which sometimes is very uncomfortable to discuss. However, Mr. Jean-Baptiste did not allow discomfort to paralyze him in communicating his observations regarding diversity issues. Outside the classroom, I always enjoyed our follow-up conversations about an issue we discussed in class.
• What is your favorite sport or hobby? What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy participating in Triathlon events. In my free time, I alternate running, cycling, and swimming.
• How often are you able to watch your student-athletes compete? I typically attend many of the sporting events.
• What’s your favorite spot on campus? Starbucks is my favorite spot on campus.
• What is your favorite thing about teaching? The engagement with students in the learning and exchange of ideas is very rewarding.
• What would students be surprised to find out about you? I love to Roller Skate.
• What is one class your schools offers that you wish you could take? A social media course!

About Classroom Connections: In its second year, Classroom Connections is a weekly feature that showcases student-athletes away from the playing field and highlights the relationship between student-athlete and professor.