Name: Cal Whitehurst
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: Professor, English; AAC Program Chair
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!
Interview Questions
Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
Big movie buff, like theater, likes to work out (fitness), avid reader, spend time with Jacob (wiener dog). My other dog, Josh (also a wiener), died about 1 ½ years ago.
- Started teaching with a BA in English & Reading Certification
- Went back to college and earned an MS in English w/ enfaces on comm. college education
- DMACC Learning Center Instructor & Program Chair (20yrs)
- DMACC experience – taught all of the English courses including writing, reading, introduction to education (my favorite), and others.
- Authored & taught Study Strategies course (6yrs)
How long have you been with DMACC?
nearly 22 years
What did you do before you came to DMACC?
- High School remedial teacher at Carroll Kuemper High School
- High School English & Drama teacher in Sherrard, ILL. directed plays, etc. (5+yrs)
What are your plans now and into the future?
- Moving to Minneapolis, MN (I have some old friends up there)
- Online job w/ DMACC
- Plan to adjunct for a local Comm. College there.
What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
"I will miss my work with the Academic Achievement Center (AAC), which is there as a valuable resource for DMACC students who are serious about their studies. It is a helpful place where students can come and feel welcome in an informal atmosphere… we like that. The AAC instructors are very dedicated to helping students succeed. I will miss my friends and colleagues that I have worked so closely with for the last 22 years."
What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
"Losing a friend who worked here in the late 80’s to breast cancer. Linda Wehage had worked for DMACC for about four years; she was only 34 years old. I still miss her."
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Doubt is uncomfortable, but certainty is often ridiculous.”
What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
(to the students) "Stay motivated, manage your time, and ask people here for help, many teachers want to see you succeed."
What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
"as a visible teacher on campus, always fair with students, willing to do my best to help them with kindness and humor"
Thank you, Cal, for all you have done for the DMACC community!
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10 comments:
We’re tying him (Cal Whitehurst) to his chair, he’s not going anywhere!
Cal is an excellent teacher that I could have again at anytime! He always put the students before him. He will definitely be missed!
I’ve worked side by side with Cal for the past twenty-two years—it will not be the same without him. His friendship means a lot to me and I will miss him dearly. Cal, I wish you the best in the future. I will miss torturing you on a daily basis.
My composition students have consistently come back with glowing reports of the help they received from Cal at the writing center. I have definitely seen improvement in the writing skills of my students who have worked with Cal. Congratulations on your retirement—we will miss you.
Cal and I have taught a lot of the same classes over the years and we have relied greatly on each other. He is really a charismatic teacher… not only is he clear and direct, but he has the ability to inspire students to do well. Many are capable, but few are inspirational. Students often enroll in additional classes with Cal after taking one with him because he is that likable. Many of his former students stay in touch with him and some have for many years. Cal and I share a lot of the same interests; we like the same movies and have the same warped sense of humor. He will be missed.
Cal, you are one of the best instructors I have encountered in my educational career. Your insightful, intelligent, and charismatic personality is one of a kind. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to get to know you; not only as an instructor, but also as a friend. English classes will never be the same without you. You will be greatly missed. Congratulations and good luck with your retirement. I hope “retired life” offers you the serenity and tranquility so many seek, which you very much deserve.
I now know the true meaning of the word "facetious" – L.O.L.; we’ll miss you Cal. Congratulations and thank you to all of our ’08 retirees!
Teachers are the world's greatest unsung heroes; they influence the world in ways no one can fully comprehend. Some more than others, perhaps, but most seem to have the enduring quality of giving so much for so little. Cal Whitehurst epitomizes this concept to the fullest extent. Over the short time I've known Cal, I have benefited greatly from his talents as an instructor and the warmth of his friendship. I think I will petition the powers that be to forbid your retirement until I’m done at DMACC! ;) Wishing you all the best!
I have been a returning student, or non-traditional student at DMACC beginning May of 2006. This was a big transition for me, as it had been over 25 years since I graduated high school. I quickly learned that summer really was accelerated, which meant that there was no time for procrastination. I adjusted and was given encouragement from every instructor along the way. It did not take me long to discover the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) where I found Cal Whitehurst. He always found time to answer all of my questions, listen to my concerns, give me encouragement, and was one of the first instructors to help me through English Comp I. You have personally made my experience at DMACC a memorable one! Your dedication to the students is remarkable! I wish you well on your retirement!
Cal,
Congratulations on your retirement from another former Kuemper teacher.
Jan LaVille
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