Aaron Mertes

Aaron Mertes Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Rehabilitation and Human Services, CHPS

Dr. Aaron Mertes became an Assistant Professor of the Rehabilitation and Mental Health Program at MSUB in 2019. While only his second year as faculty on campus and first year as an assistant professor, he has already made a profound impact on his students, peers, and university.

The relationships Mertes has already built are very telling of the type of person and professor he is. “It is impressive that he has made such a positive impression on both his peers and his students in such a short period of time—and in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented a colleague.

Mertes’ commitment to communicating with his students and ensuring their success is central to his teaching philosophy. His coursework is applauded for the way it is designed and organized. He purposely uses different technological tools and the organization of his courses to best facilitate connection.

Mertes has been consistently praised by his students and colleagues for his teaching ability and dedication to his students. Specifically, students commend him for the design of his courses, as one states, “Maybe all of the professors could have Aaron show them his process of creating material for class.”

Evidence of his continued scholarship is apparent in his contribution to the research field, as he continues to be published in various academic journals. Additionally, Mertes serves on the board of the International Association of Life Care Planners (IALCP), the Substance Abuse Connection Coalition, and the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals Committee.

Mertes contributes to the greater discussions occurring in his field with his positions as Editorial Board Reviewer on the Journal of Life Care Planning and The Rehabilitation Professional. Creatively, Mertes continues to contribute by presenting on Strategic Planning after an invite from the Mayor of Billings just last year. Connecting with college students through education and helping them find themselves is central to his ongoing presentations and research.

It is evident that Mertes is a well-deserving candidate of the 2021 Faculty Excellence Award for his unwavering commitment to his students, his continued scholarship, and the way he serves his community.