Earl A. Shoemaker
Advising Coordinator
Student Support Services
Contact Information:
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
226 Schofield Hall
Phone: 715.836.3487 or 715.836.4542
Fax: 715.836.4939
e-mail: shoemaea@uwec.edu
Duties:
I serve as an academic adviser for students who participate in the Student Support Services (SSS) program at UW-Eau Claire. SSS is a federal TRIO grant serving first-generation and income-eligible students, as well as students with disabilities. In addition to my service as the adviser of record for most undeclared SSS students, I provide supplemental advising to all SSS participants in any program at UW-Eau Claire, from Orientation through graduation. I do all I can to help students successfully connect to the university and complete their degree on a timely basis. With that in mind, I frequently offer small-group presentations on registration tips, student financial planning, degree planning, and other topics, in addition to my one-on-one discussions with students.
Academic Background:
I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree at UW-Eau Claire in 1983, with a double major in History and English. I changed majors just once, during my first semester in school. I had always been interested in history and my first college history course (Western Civilization since 1660) helped me make the call. My desire to comprehend the “big picture,” encompassing political science, economics and geography, all folded into history. My English minor evolved into a second major.
I then traveled to Manhattan, KS, and Kansas State University to earn my Master of Arts degree in American military history in 1985. In addition to my course work, my graduate education included two years’ service as both a research assistant and teaching assistant, and internships at the Chippewa Valley Museum, Cavalry Museum at Fort Riley, KS, and the National Park Service.
Employment Background:
My entire adult life has been focused on higher education. After completing my master’s degree, I worked in publishing where I used my research and writing skills (even though I did not have a degree in journalism as such). Even with a full-time day job, however, I pursued a part-time position as a history lecturer at UW-Stevens Point. That soon led to a teaching position at UW-Stout, where I worked for three years (1991-1994).
I have been employed at UW-Eau Claire since 1992, first with the Adult Opportunity Office (now Non-Traditional Student Services), in the Advising Office, and Student Support Services. You might also find me in the classroom, given that I teach a history course at 8 a.m., MWF every semester (Hist 186, 201, and 202).
Finally, I teach another course for SSS students during fall semester. Graduate School Exploration (GEN 260) helps students navigate their way through the graduate/professional school selection and application process and introduces students to graduate education funding options.
Out-of-Office Interests:
My children are through college, so my wife and I spend much of our time updating our home and pursuing our hobbies. I strive to ride my motorcycle at least once during each month of the year (yes, here in west-central Wisconsin!). I also continue to do a bit of freelance photography and writing, as I have for the past 20 years. Finally, I am a connoisseur of older, beat-up, yet fully functional vehicles (subjects for a writing/photography project).
