Faculty Spotlight: Karen Evans, Professor of Business
Karen Evans, Professor of Business
Education:
Associate’s Degree in Secretarial Technology, Ventura College, Ventura, CA
Bachelors of Professional Studies in Business/Public Management, SUNY Poly
M.S. in Management, SUNY Binghamton
MsEd in Vocational/Technical Education, SUNY Oswego
Certificate in Travel & Tourism, Weaver Airline Personnel School, Kansas City, MO
Certificate in Office Practice, Mohawk Valley Community College
Professional Affiliations:
NYSBA
Board Memberships:
Holland Patent Central School District Board of Education
What inspired you to become an educator?
Becoming an educator caught me by surprise. I had always valued education, but was never excited about going to school. While I pursued higher education, I was never really sure what I wanted to do with it. While I had a number of jobs in a variety of industries, I realized early on that many of my supervisors really had no idea how to manage and lead people. That’s when I decided to try my hand at teaching. My first experience was teaching high school, followed by a vocational training school and ultimately, community college.
What interests you most about the subject area in which you teach?
In each of the above situations, I taught business courses. Business just seems to come naturally to me – it made sense. To some people, it was like learning a foreign language. The challenge for me was to simplify it and make it more understandable. What we’re learning in class relates to what is going on around us, whether it be school, work, community, state or the world. I also hope that I can inspire people to become life-long learners.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Herkimer College?
I enjoy teaching at Herkimer College because we have such a diverse student population – traditional college students, first-generation college students, returning adult students – it runs the gamut. Herkimer is also a small enough school that you can get to know your students. Learning about new customs and cultures is very exciting. I like to think I’m helping to prepare all students for what comes next in life.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?
Outside of work I am very involved in my community. I have served on the Holland Patent Central School District’s Board of Education in several different capacities for the past 15 years. I am a member of the Teachers Center Policy Board and a member of the District’s Safety Committee as well. I have also served on the planning Board in my town in several different capacities. Even outside of the classroom, my passion is education!
What is something that most people wouldn’t know about you?
One thing that people may not know about me is that I worked in the White House (yes the big one in Washington, D.C.). I was doing an internship in College and had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. with several of my classmates. I started out at the Treasury Department and shortly thereafter I was asked if I was interested in a position at the White House and I said yes!
