Teaching from the heart

Nick Hussein doesn’t measure his success by titles or credentials. For the longtime faculty member in Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration, success shows up in conversations with students—the quiet ones finding their confidence, the driven ones discovering a new direction, and the graduates who circle back to share where their careers have taken them. 

“Absolutely. It’s you guys. The students motivate me,” Hussein said when asked when he realized teaching was always what he hoped to do. “Just to have a conversation with students and seeing where students’ career paths end up going is a huge motivator.” 

Hussein is a faculty member in the Department of Marketing, Hospitality, and Logistics. He began teaching at CMU part time in August 2013 and joined the faculty full time in 2016. He commonly teaches courses in marketing, hospitality, management and professional sales, along with BUS 102 and 202—often serving as one of the first faculty members students encounter in the College of Business. 

Although Hussein has built a long career in higher education, teaching was not his original plan. His professional background in industry is what ultimately led him to the classroom—and continues to shape how he teaches today. “If you don’t have the field experience, how do you validate the industry?” he said. “How can I validate real-world applications if I haven’t lived it myself?” That real-world lens is intentional. Hussein believes students benefit most when they learn from faculty with different professional backgrounds and perspectives. 

“If you were to take me for all your courses your entire time at CMU, that would actually hurt you more than help you,” he said. “You need the diversity of professors, the diversity of classes—so you can find your passion. You’ve got to be the CEO of ‘You, Incorporated.’” 

That philosophy has led to moments that stay with Hussein long after the semester ends—moments when students discover confidence, direction, or opportunity. 

One former student, Blake Stanbaugh, entered Hussein’s introduction to hospitality course quiet, and unsure of his path. “His eyes lit up,” Hussein said, recalling a conversation about career options within hospitality. “He started getting more and more involved.”  

Blake went on to serve as a Student Ambassador, accept internships, study abroad in England and build a successful career in the industry. For Hussein, this transformation stood out. “He just grew and flourished and developed into this amazing young professional,” Hussein said. 

Another memorable moment came when Hussein recommended a student, Brian Caine, for an internship with Dow Chemical’s Commercial Development Program. “I told the folks at Dow Chemical that they were basically going to interview their next CEO,” Hussein said. “He was very talented, very engaged, very professional.” 

Hussein also points to Kayli Kalish, a former president of Pi Sigma Epsilon, as another example of a student who entered CMU with professional drive. “When I first met her as a freshman, she joined PSE with a mission to become president as soon as she was eligible,” Hussein said. Kalish went on to serve two terms as president of the professional sales organization, setting goals early and leading with intention throughout her time at CMU. 

“Those are the feel-good moments,” Hussein said. 

Beyond the classroom, CMU is personal for Hussein in another way. He is also a proud father who has had two of his children attend Central Michigan University at the same time; a connection that deepens his appreciation for the campus and community he serves. 

“I love being a Central Michigan University Chippewa,” Hussein said. Supporting students in the classroom while watching his own children thrive at CMU reflects everything he values about the university. 

When students question whether they belong in business or struggle to see their path clearly, Hussein’s advice remains consistent. “Find what motivates you,” he said. “Find what gets you excited. Find what gets you out of bed. So, you get to go to work and not have to go to work.” 

Long after graduation, Hussein hopes students remember more than course content. He hopes they recognize “that I taught from the heart,” he said. For Hussein, helping students grow—and supporting them as they shape their own paths—is the most meaningful part of his work. 

Hussein wraps up his thoughts by saying, “Live your life with truth, honesty and integrity. Never sacrifice those. We all have a start date and an end date. Live your dash—the dash is life.”