Chapter 28 Dane
DANE
“Professor Dane Campbell here to see the Dean,” I say to the distinguished lady at the front desk. She peers up at me, removing her bifocals and she stands with a smile.
“Professor Campbell, I’m so pleased to meet you. I’m Miranda, the Dean’s personal assistant. He mentioned you were coming and to bring you back the moment you arrived. Follow me,” she says as she waves her hand toward the hallway.
The University is as I expected it to be, a modern campus, part of it newly constructed and the older buildings completely remodeled.
The Dean’s office was part of the historic building that was built on campus so it remained intact with just a few upgrades.
Dark Oak lines the floors and walls with glass panels and prestigious awards displayed throughout.
Polytech University isn’t known for its sports teams or athletics, but has a plethora of academic awards including all the most modern awards for any school of innovation with a strong focus on robotics and engineering.
Hence, why I’m here.
My code was the first AI code to ever integrate into standard systems, creating a brand new way for computers to think and act. Add in my ridiculously high IQ and extroverted personality, I’m a bit of a unicorn in the engineering world.
It’s also why the Dean is paying me triple the salary of most of his teachers. He felt like my name alone would bring in students to apply for the MBA course.
And he was right.
They had a record number of applicants and have a waitlist for next semester. I just never promised him more than a year because I’m not sure I could stay still that long.
“Here we are,” She gestures through the doorway as she holds it open and I smile thanking her as I walk through it.
“Please let me know if there is anything you need, Professor Campbell. We’d like you to consider more than just one year here at our University and want you to feel at home.”
“Of course, thank you Miranda.” I nod and continue walking into the Dean's office.
“Ah, there he is!”
“Dean Reynolds,” I reply, holding out my hand as I take a step toward him.
“Oh, enough with that. You’ve always called me Tom.” He reaches for my hand, gripping it firmly, pulling me in for a small hug.
I’ve known Tom from before he was the Dean of Polytech, when he ran CodeCanvas, one of the companies that purchased my program. We worked together to integrate it into their systems and got along well. I wouldn’t say we’re friends, per se, but we definitely go way back and I trust working for him.
After he took over as Dean he mentioned in mixed conversation how exciting it would be if I came to teach.
How the students would flock to the school for someone like me.
It was just a quick mention in passing over drinks with mixed company, but everyone agreed with him that it would bring in more interest from the students.
I still don’t understand my fame. I never have.
I guess I’ve never cared much. People seem to love the idea of meeting me, maybe because I was so young when I created the code that ‘changed the world’ or how much money I got for it.
I’m not sure, but even with my extroverted personality I’ve hated that kind of attention.
Mix that with the shame of what it’s grown into, some days I have more regret than pride.
“Tom.” I dip my chin, keeping myself polished so I appear confident and not disorganized like I usually am. “I’m happy to be here. I hope my plan for the curriculum will suit the schools needs, and the students as well.”
“I told you before, we’re looking for something fresh and new and I want you to challenge them in whatever way you feel is necessary. I’m throwing the standard curriculum out the window and giving you the freedom to inspire these students. I want you to do what you will with it.”
“You got it.” My shoulders are feeling tense; I’m being far more professional than usual. I think he knows that but I don’t want my flighty personality to come off disrespectful.
“I only have one request.” My eyebrows raise inquisitively. “Don’t date a student. They might be of age, and it’s not necessarily against the law, but the last thing I need is some scandal at my school about a teacher and a student when it’s totally unnecessary and completely avoidable.”
I wonder if he gives this speech to all the new teachers or if it’s just me because of my reputation.
“That won’t be an issue,” I reply simply, because it’s true. I have zero desire to date anyone right now.
One-date Dane has morphed into No-date Dane and frankly, I’m currently pleased with this title. I have no plans to give away my already shattered heart.
“Good to hear. I’ll walk you to your classroom.” He holds out his arm and I take the lead walking back through the threshold of the doorway and into the hall. We exit the historic administration building and cross the quad into the newly constructed technology center in the middle of campus.
We make small talk, striding in pace, as we make our way through the building.
He stands tall and proud as he tells me about the University and how this specific building was constructed.
He doesn’t have to say it, but I know he reserved the largest classroom in the most pristine building on campus, just for me.
“I know you have a busy schedule, I appreciate you dedicating time to teach here this year.” Luckily his back is turned to me as my brows raise in response to his statement.
Yeah, busy backpacking the world with zero responsibilities and even less obligation.
But people will conjure up their own idea of what my life is like now, and I’ll just let them continue to think I’m noble and busy and doing something worthwhile with my time.
I’ve enjoyed every aspect of my life until recently, when I started questioning how much of it I’ve been wasting.
He stops in front of a frosted glass entry that looks more like an entrance into a modern cathedral than a class room.
“I hope you’ll consider making this a permanent thing because we’d love to have you longer than just the year.
” He pats my shoulder then grabs the shiny metal handle, pulling the door open.
“Welcome to your classroom, Professor Campbell.”