John Hawthorne
Before coming to SAU, Hawthorne taught at other colleges, serving both in the classroom and in administration. Hawthorne’s last position was in administration at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, Calif.
Hawthorne gave up the sunny weather of California to come to Michigan for several reasons. He said he wanted to get back into the classroom and have a better connection with students. Hawthorne also has roots in the Midwest. He spent fifteen years living here and has family living in Indiana. According to Hawthorne, he was attracted to everything about SAU. He said, “I’m nuts about the concept.”
Hawthorne said his favorite part of working at SAU is the community. He already feels connected to his co-workers in the Sociology department. He added that he especially appreciates the way students have accepted him on campus and enjoys the relationships he has developed with students in his classes. He is looking forward to deepening those relationships over the rest of year as well as teaching more classes and becoming more acclimated to working here at SAU.
Hawthorne said one thing he wants students to know about him is that he flunked out of his first year of college. This is a reason why he loves developing relationships with students, and he is especially sympathetic to those who are struggling just as he once did. Hawthorne urges his students to be present and ask questions.
As for Christmas, Hawthorne explained that his favorite tradition is lighting Advent candles in his home. He and his family did it every year when their children were young, and now that he has an empty nest, Hawthorne said he invites friends and relatives over to enjoy the tradition.
Over the holiday break, Hawthorne explained that he is most looking forward to relaxing and relieving tension. It’s been a lot of work to get settled in, Hawthorne said, but he is looking forward to the relationships and community that the future will bring.
