Tenjin/Nobu is his fellow divorcee and professor, albeit in different departments. He has yet to strike up a good chemistry in particular with any one professor, but if these two get on, they could possibly be friends? He admires the cheerful (because he's so obviously dour) and he appreciates the NOT TALKING ABOUT PROBLEMS. And the thinking he knows best (we all subscribe to our own brands of hubris).
Either way, he looks like a wonderful addition to the game! :D