The Louis D. Beaumont Dad’s Association Distinguished Professor Award has been presented to a full-time faculty member each year since 1968. Nominations are received from students, and a small group of invited students then choose from among those nominated who should receive the award for the year for displaying a dedication to quality teaching. This honor is incredibly meaningful to faculty because it is awarded by students.
This week The Woods Today continues its series on WWU professors nominated for this year’s Beaumont award with Professor of Education and Director of the School of Education, Jim Concannon, Ph.D. This is Dr. Concannon’s third year teaching at William Woods University.
“Students come to WWU to learn in a safe environment, create life-long friendships, and to transition from being a student to a professional, or from a professional to an expert,” said Dr. Concannon. “Based on my observations of William Woods University, students’ needs come first.”
Dr. Concannon began teaching what he teaches now because it’s mostly specific to his degrees and training, he loves teaching and science, and has a desire to make an impact in the profession.
“My favorite memory would have to be watching my first doctoral student walk across the stage at graduation,” he said. “Obtaining a doctorate is a huge accomplishment, and I was very proud of her for getting to that point so quickly.”
Although he doesn’t have one class that he enjoys teaching more than others, Dr. Concannon believes that the courses that come most natural to him are ones that relate directly to science or STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, curriculum design, and educational research.
When asked what his best advice for new college students was, Dr. Concannon shared this wisdom:
“College can be hard, and stressful, and there were points in my life where I was simply ready to call it quits and head somewhere out in Colorado to become a fishing guide. The reason why I stayed in school is because I wanted more opportunities, and instead of walking away when I was disappointed in myself, mad at an instructor, or felt slighted by a grade, I stuck it out. I found a constructive way to deal with disappointment by setting goals and planning. Plans are good, but only when one persists down a plan despite all the obstacles that are presented, and never changing courses or losing sight, persisting one day at a time, will the fruits of success be obtained.”
Learn more about Dr. Concannon as he answers the following questions:
How many years have you been teaching at The Woods?
Currently, this is my third year!
Name an interesting fact not many people know about you:
I really like to fish when I have time. I find peace being outside. Over the past 31 years, I have fished several streams. I am what one would call a “sight fisherman”. Sight fishing is a very specific skill that takes many years of practice, and patience; however, I will put a worm on the hook now and again when I’m with my kiddos, or any new beginning angler. When I retire, I hope to spend my time tying flies.
What is your favorite memory from working at The Woods?
My favorite memory would have to be watching my first doctoral student walk across the stage at graduation. Obtaining a doctorate is a huge accomplishment, and I was very proud of her for getting to that point so quickly.
What has been your favorite class to teach and why?
I would not say I have one specific class I love to teach more than others. Some classes are a bit more challenging for me given my specific skill set, but I would say the courses that come most natural to me relate directly to science or STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education, curriculum design, and educational research.
What is your best advice to new college students?
College can be hard, and stressful, and there were points in my life where I was simply ready to call it quits and head somewhere out in Colorado to become a fishing guide. The reason why I stayed in school is because I wanted more opportunities, and instead of me walking away when I was disappointed in myself, mad at an instructor, or felt slighted by a grade, I stuck it out. I found a constructive way to deal with disappointment by setting goals and planning. Plans are good, but only when one persists down a plan despite all the obstacles that are presented, and never changing courses or losing sight, persisting one day at a time, will the fruits of success be obtained.
What drew you to what you now teach?
Really, many factors, but I would say what led me to teaching what I am teaching now is mostly specific to my degrees and training, my love for teaching and science, and my desire to make an impact in the profession.
What stood/stands out to you about The Woods?
The students. Based on my observations of William Woods, I would say students come to WWU to learn in a safe environment, create life-long friendships, and to transition from being a student to a professional, or from a professional to an expert.