I am a 1993 FHSU graduate, and my wife, Julie Munden, is a 1992 Fort Hays graduate. We have three children, a son-in-law, one newborn grandson, and two chocolate labs. We currently live in Larned.
What do you do now for a living? How did you end up choosing this career path?
I am the supervisor of the psycho-education department at Larned State Hospital. I chose this path because I am a writer. I have written most of the education classes and set the curriculum. I then supervise the educators that teach these living skills courses to patients at Larned State Hospital.
I am also a professional playwright. I have written over thirty plays in my life that have been produced or have had special readings in Kansas, Minnesota, and Florida.
Tell us about your new book:
My main hobby is playing pickleball. I have medaled and won several tournaments in doubles and singles. My most notable tournament was this past summer when I placed 2nd in singles in the over 50 3.5 skill level Wichita Riverfest tournament. One night I couldn’t sleep, so I tried to find a novel on pickleball online.
When I couldn’t find one, I wrote my pickleball novel. My first novel, PEANUT BUTTER PICKLEBALL AND MURDER, was published on September 1st. PEANUT BUTTER PICKLEBALL AND MURDER is available on Amazon, or message me through Facebook for an autographed copy.
Why did you choose to attend FHSU?
I chose FHSU because I was impressed with the theatre department. I knew Professor Shapiro would foster my love for playwriting, directing, and acting. I also loved the atmosphere. The basketball, baseball, and football games were a blast to attend; of course, nothing topped Octoberfest!
What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?
My favorite memories as a student were being able to do whatever I wanted at Fort Hays State. If I wanted to write and direct a play at FHSU, the theatre department would see that it would happen.
If I wanted to be on the radio, I would take shifts on the campus radio station. If I wanted to play sports, the intramural department at Fort Hays was fantastic. I played in intramural tennis tournaments and intramural football and basketball leagues.
What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?
Get to know your fellow students and faculty. Put your phones and computers down and look people in the eye. Truly listen to them and get to know them. Communicating with others will do as much for you as anything that you might learn in class.
Tell us about someone at FHSU who has left a lasting impression:
Professor Shapiro was a person whom I admired. He was brutally honest with his criticism of my playwriting, acting, and directing skills. But he wasn’t there to pat students on the back, but to make you better. He knew how to get the most out of his students.
In what ways are you most proud to be a Tiger?
Undoubtedly, I am most proud to be a Tiger because the college was small enough that the students and instructors felt like family. My classes were small enough that I could get one-on-one time with my instructors, yet the college was large enough that I could still fully absorb the college experience.
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