Jonathan Krohn
- Merrill, Wis.
- Master of arts degree in history
- What's next: Hoping to teach evening college history classes as an adjunct faculty member, eventually planning to pursue doctorate in history
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Bill Hoepner |
Several years ago, Jonathan Krohn decided to start following his passion.
Coming to that determination began when his wife asked, "What would you really like to do?"
"The first thought that popped into my head was, 'Teach history at the college level,'" said Krohn, who earned an undergraduate mathematics degree in 1980 and has worked as a computer programmer for 25 years. "I have a lifelong passion for history and I enjoy working with and mentoring young people."
Krohn enrolled in UW-Eau Claire's history graduate program following an Internet search. "I was pleased to discover it was designed for the working student, as all requirements could be met through evening classes," he said.
A supportive employer helped make it possible to pursue his studies while continuing to work full time at his computer-programming job in Merrill, Krohn said. Most semesters, he made a four-hour roundtrip commute two nights a week between Merrill and Eau Claire. He also remained an involved parent, coaching junior varsity soccer and serving as a school board member in Merrill.
Despite his jam-packed schedule, Krohn wrote and presented papers at four professional history conferences during his time at UW-Eau Claire. He also wrote a book review (soon to be published) and an encyclopedia article scheduled for publication. Last spring he was inducted into the selective Phi Kappa Phi honor society.
Krohn intends to pursue a doctorate in history when the youngest of his four children goes off to college in 4½ years. Meanwhile, he'll continue in his computer-programming job and hopes to find an adjunct college faculty position teaching evening history classes.
But his pursuit of a doctorate and his ultimate goal of teaching as a full-fledged college faculty member won't be completely on hold for the next few years, Krohn noted. "I plan to work independently on my dissertation to reduce the time it will take me to complete a Ph.D."
More on Jonathan Krohn
Future plans: In the short term, I hope to teach an evening history class at the college level as an adjunct faculty member. My youngest daughter will graduate from high school in 4½ years. At that time I plan to continue on to a Ph.D. in history.
What he liked most about his time at UW-Eau Claire: UW-Eau Claire and the history department were very accommodating to a returning student who was also employed full time. Part-time student status allowed me to take one class each semester. I finished early by taking advantage of two graduate classes online, plus I was able to transfer a class offered at UW-Stevens Point, which is only 45 minutes from Merrill. The faculty were very flexible in setting up meeting times later in the evening. Parking was also easy, since most lots opened after 3 p.m.
Highlights of time at UW-Eau Claire: When I first met with the graduate adviser for the history department, Dr. Jane Pederson, I appreciated her encouragement and assurance that it was not uncommon to make late career changes in the field of history. All of my professors were helpful and provided excellent guidance. My first professor and thesis adviser, Dr. Selika Ducksworth-Lawton, encouraged me to participate in the Northern Great Plains History Conference held at UW-Eau Claire in 2005. This provided me with the confidence to present papers at three additional conferences.
Proudest college accomplishments: I joined a panel at the annual conference of the Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations (SHAFR) this past June in Washington, D.C. My panel consisted of four full-time distinguished history/political science professors, including three past presidents of SHAFR plus the editor of Diplomatic History. My paper compared the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) to the current war in Iraq. The session was standing room only (more than 70 attendees), and I received outstanding comments on my research and paper.
Advice for incoming students: First, follow your passion and your dreams. Second, you are never too old to do this. Third, talk to and listen to your professors. Follow their advice, participate in conferences, respond to calls for papers and articles, go beyond your comfort zone.
Learn about other featured December 2007 graduates
