Every so often, a professor captures the minds and hearts of many students. Regardless of the topic and the students' interests, the professor has the ability to appeal to every distinct personality.

An individual who wholly fits this description is Marc Genest, who [to] the dismay of many of his students, left the University of Rhode Island in August.

…Genest described the Ryan Center as a waste of money, and said that, "A university is an intellectual institution, not a training ground for athletes; what's more important to the educational mission, additional faculty or a football stadium?"

…In a statement regarding education, Genest refers to President Robert L. Carothers.

"Carother's famous quip that they don't have a physics page in the local newspaper is an intellectually vacuous statement that completely misses the point regarding the proper role of higher education in American society."

…Junior B.L. Gentile, who had Genest for International Politics last semester said, "He was an amazing professor; he demanded hard work and dedication from his students and he loved his work. Any teacher that can prove to his students he loves what he teaches will always captivate a classroom,"

Another student, Matt Napoli, who also had Genest for International Politics said, "I'm pretty upset, I wanted to take another class with him. He's definitely the best professor I've ever had."

…Genest retired from the university after 14 years and now teaches at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.