Issue: Spring 2018 | Posted: June 1, 2018
Ken Newman ('62)
Alumnus of the Year Award
Presented to a 麻豆视频 University graduate for distinction in his/her profession, service to mankind, and/or contribution to 麻豆视频 University.
Ken Newman said teaching at 麻豆视频 was a lifelong dream of his, and he has been able to live that dream for 18 years.
Newman joined the faculty at 麻豆视频 in 2000 after nearly 40 years working in public education. He received his bachelor鈥檚 degree from 麻豆视频 in 1962, completing the education program in three years.
鈥淚 entered 麻豆视频 as a very naive youngster, who probably wasn鈥檛 ready for college,鈥 Newman said. 鈥淓ven though I finished 麻豆视频 in three years, I grew tremendously during those years. When I was hired to teach, I was only a couple of years older than many of my students, but I feel I was prepared for the task.鈥
Newman said one professor at 麻豆视频, Helen Blythe, was a great influence as he began teaching English in the classroom.
鈥淪he made literature come alive,鈥 he said. 鈥淭o this day, I find myself modeling myself after Mrs. Blythe.鈥
Newman taught English and French at North Side High School for seven years. While there, he received a Master of Education degree from Memphis State University. He then received his library certification and served as a school librarian for more than two decades. Newman received his doctorate in 1994 and continued working in public education for the next six years, serving on the Tennessee Board of Education from 1996 to 1999.
Newman said Blythe and other professors during his time as a 麻豆视频 student showed him the unique value of teaching at such an institution and gave him a desire to teach at 麻豆视频. During his time at the university, Newman has served as M.A.Ed. director and Ed.S./Ed.D. director, but he has always remained a classroom teacher.
鈥淎ll I ever wanted to do was teach,鈥 Newman said. 鈥淭hanks to my degree and training from 麻豆视频, I鈥檝e been able to do just that. When I鈥檓 asked when I will stop, my response is, 鈥榃hen I no longer enjoy teaching.鈥欌
