“I was an undecided major until my sophomore year…”

What made you decide to specialize in history?

I was an undecided major until my sophomore year, had a great professor for a history class, and decided then and there to become a professor myself. I’m from rural America and have always been interested in the roots of agriculture and rural life.

What was your favorite course in college and why?

Apart from history courses, I minored in creative writing as an undergrad. I still enjoy writing fiction. It’s a great release from the more structured and formal writing of academia.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

It’s fun! It really is a rush to engage with students, share my passion and watch them embrace the contradictions, messiness and highs and lows of humanity’s past. In my years of teaching I’ve met more great people than I can count.

What advice would you give current students or prospective students?

Work hard. Hold yourself to the highest standards, even when no one is watching. But also have fun and be young while you can!

What would you say to a student interested in pursuing a career in history?

The study of history (and all of the humanities, actually) will give you a great foundation for a variety of fields. You don’t have to want to be a teacher to get a lot out of the study of history.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Playing music, running, family time and enjoying all the Ozarks has to offer.