When asked what motivates him to go above and beyond for his students, College of DuPage Assistant Professor of Computer and Information Technology Robert Plank is quick with his answer. 

“I see them as my children. To see them succeed is like an elixir for my soul,” he said. 

That commitment to student success is one of many reasons Plank was named COD’s 2025-2026 Collegewide Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member. 

“There are some wonderful people who have won this award,” he said. “I get a little giddy just thinking about the fact that I'm lumped in with them.” 

Preferring numbers over words, Plank studied finance at Illinois State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree. After graduating, he combined his education in finance with computers, which he said share several core ideas, and started an IT business in the late 1990s. 

He first began working with students in 2003, when he provided COD and other area college students with internship opportunities at his storefront, translating high-level expertise into accessible, hands-on learning experiences. Ten years later, he was offered the opportunity to teach as an adjunct at the College before becoming a full-time faculty member in 2016. 

“I have to say quite candidly, maybe COD found me as much as I found COD,” he said. “It was a little bit of happenstance, but I couldn't be more fortunate to be here.” 

Transitioning from helping clients to guiding students, Plank found many similarities between the two. A requirement across disciplines is staying up to date with the constantly evolving field of technology. To ensure he teaches students the latest advancements in tech, he frequently reads industry-standard technology journals and listens to expert podcasts. 

“There is so much going on. Not that it’s a full-time job, but it’s at least a part-time job with all that happens,” he said. 

In addition to teaching students the latest academic theories in tech, he also likes to show them how those concepts are applied in practice. 

“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to take my students on field trips to Molex—an invaluable experience that allows them to step outside the classroom and gain firsthand exposure to a company's facilities and operations. To bring this together with what we’re teaching is really powerful,” he said. 

Plank prepares his classes to not only understand the curriculum, but also situations they will often encounter in the field, which require adaptability, problem-solving and ethical consideration. 

“I don't want them to come away from this class just knowing computer components,” he said. “I want them to understand the big picture because if they get out there and it doesn't go like they expected, they have those critical thinking skills to pivot and figure out what they need to do to get it fixed.” 

Plank’s role as a student advocate has earned positive feedback from his students throughout the years. Though he cherishes all comments, one recent note stands out to him. 

“I had a student last year who wrote me a handwritten thank-you card and gave it to me, which was very sweet and endearing,” he said. “In this day and age, with everything being digital, a handwritten note is extra special.” 

Heading into his 10th year as a full-time faculty member at COD, Plank said he will maintain the qualities that make him an outstanding educator and continue preparing future leaders in technology. 

“At the end of the day, success comes down to engaging and preparing students with practical skills they’ll carry into their careers,” he said. 

Learn more about the Computer and Information Technology program at College of DuPage.