I attended FHSU while getting my masters in 2006. I taught for two years in Texas from ‘95-’97, then taught at my alma mater, Quinter High School, from 1997-2014. I ran for district magistrate judge of Gove County in 2014 and was sworn in in January 2015. After holding the position of 1st vice president for two years, I was elected in 2022 as Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association president. I have five kids, two of whom attend FHSU, and my wife Natalie, of 27 years, teaches 2nd grade at Quinter Elementary School.
What do you now do for a living? How did you end up choosing this career path?
I am the Gove County Magistrate Judge. I chose this career path because I wanted to change the lives of others. There are many great teachers at Quinter public schools, and as I look back at it, I can say that I was not one of them. Teachers can effect change through their compassion and love for kids; I was a slow learner on both of those things. They didn’t come naturally to me, but the world of education whittled away those parts of me to allow me to do my job now with some compassion but with boundaries and structure.
Why did you choose to attend FHSU?
At the time, and still today, FHSU was the distance learning leader. My undergrad was from Kansas State University, and I contacted them about distance learning, and they had zero interest in working in that environment. Fort Hays State took on the attitude of “How can we help you become a success at FHSU?” That impressed me. It impressed me so much that I encouraged my students to attend FHSU. I had some of the brightest instructors I’d ever met; they were approachable and flexible. I needed that and still appreciate how they work with my kids here.
What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?
I was a non-traditional student, so I wasn’t active in many of the “fun” parts of the university. My favorite memories are just of how the staff accommodated me reasonably. They wanted me there. At other schools I had attended, it felt like a numbers game where if I failed there, that was okay with them because they had plenty to fill my space.
What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?
Fort Hays isn’t for you if you want to get lost in the masses. I’ve met staff and faculty that have gone out of their way for me to put things in place for my children and me to be successful. I’ve talked to faculty outside the 8 am to 5 pm hours, and they’re gracious and willing to advise. Take advantage of the services, like tutoring. It’s there, and you pay for it with your fees, so don’t throw that money away. And if you’re interested in not throwing money away, then FHSU better be on the top of your list if you’re in a professional program.
Tell us about someone at FHSU who has left a lasting impression:
I’m too old to remember those that have taught me, so I’ll mention some people who have been influential in my communication with my kids’ education. Kris Munsch has always had good advice. Chantelle Arnold has been so approachable in my questions about financial conundrums. Tisa Mason has been very kind to me whenever I’ve seen her in public, and I appreciate her leadership. Wendy Rohleder-Sook impressed me with her organization and leadership in a round table discussion I participated in in her class. Joseph Linn has been very approachable and kind to my family and me at various events. Mary Martin has been one of my son’s advisors and has impressed me with her ability to be open, honest, and kind to him as he navigates his program.
In what ways are you proud to be a Tiger?
I’m proud to be a tiny piece that’s flowed through that raging Tiger river. I was a small-town kid who wanted to leave western Kansas forever and experience the real world, so I never considered FHSU as an undergrad. That was just pure stupidity getting in the way of some great experiences I could have had at Fort Hays State. But with the thought of being a lifelong learner, I have gained the wisdom that FHSU has given me so much through my education there and my children’s education. I’ve had a feline for both my undergrad and my master’s degree and have much pride in both, but you may find me bragging about my association with FHSU because of the family connections with other Tigers. It’s invaluable.