“Both her relationship with the students and the way she teaches have been one of the reasons which has tied me and many of her students to Bilkent. The way she holds a course, her sincerity and more than everything her attention for her students which never diminishes are the characteristics which I really think should be most appraised. ”

Beyza Mina Ordu (2005 MAN), PricewaterhouseCoopers

“She very easily grasps your strengths and weaknesses but never tells you directly. She both challenges you to improve your strengths and supports you to overcome your weaknesses. Furthermore, she makes you feel you are doing everything by yourself, although she is always there with you. She is the most hardworking person I have ever met. She is also distinguished in time management. Thus, she is an excellent example for me with her hardworking personality and time management ability.”

Gülbanu Güvenç, Ph.D. student, Bilkent

“Without second thought, I applied to Bilkent University to continue my education under her supervision. She is probably the most important reason I chose a domestic university rather than an international one for my PhD even though I was aware of the many disadvantages I would have after completion. And I can strongly argue that I have not regretted my decision.”

Sinan Gönül, Ph.D. student, Bilkent

 “I appreciated Prof. Önkal’s coherent presentation of the material, ability to motivate class learning, and demanding yet patient assignments that were carefully designed to maximize the learning with reasonable amount of effort. During my studies, I grew to admire her relaxed yet stimulating teaching style, and her talent to engage students in critical discussion and inspire interest in the class subject. The term assignment that I completed for the Decision Analysis class has by far been most creative, interesting, and useful for my present studies at the graduate level. Being a PhD student now, I realize that Dr. Önkal’s classes helped me arrive well-trained for my current studies by exposing me to the fundamental theories and academic pursuits in the field of Management. 

Furthermore, I appreciate Dr. Önkal’s honest, constructive, yet personal guidance in the selection of my current path. I am deeply thankful to her for preparing me both academically and personally to the possible challenges on the road of an academic career. Today, standing at the beginning of this path, I regard Dr. Önkal as a genuine example of stimulating teaching, influential scholarship, and wise mentorship that I should strive to become as I proceed forward.”

Nailya Ordabayeva (2005 MAN), PhD student, Marketing, INSEAD