Inspiring new addition to KCC's English Department
Vaughn Canamore
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: News
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Promising new full-time instructor, Matt Kearis, 35, brings experience and enthusiasm to our "college in the woods."
After Kirtland's Board of Trustees approved Kearis's position, a rigorous search was conducted. An application and resume screening committee was put together, which included two Kirtland English instructors, Fred Giacobazzi and Joe Fields.
A total of fifty-two applicants applied for the position, all bringing unique backgrounds, skills, and personalities.
"Matt's qualifications jumped out at you," said Giacobazzi. "[The committee] felt he had a good feel for community college students."
With a background in teaching at Monroe County Community College, Jackson Community College, and various classes in literature and writing at Eastern Michigan University, Kearis's work-experience tends to stand out.
The M.A. in creative writing from Eastern Michigan University helps a little too.The hiring-committee dwindled the list of possible candidates from fifty-two down to eight. Those who made the cut were to be interviewed.
"After more than two hours of interview with Mr. Kearis I reached this conclusion - 'If we can get Mr. Kearis to come to Kirtland, he will not only be one of our most competent writing teachers but a strong contributor to the English Department," stated Joe Fields, PhD, in an email.
Matt's vote to be the committee's first choice was made unanimously. Kearis received the full-time position without hesitation.
"It's like catching a rising star," said Giacobazzi.
Upon arrival to Kirtland, the faculty was very welcoming towards their new colleague. Fellow colleague, Carole Finke, is pleased with the environment Kearis has brought to the classroom.
"Students keep telling me how enthusiastic Matt is - that's a great quality to bring to the classroom," stated Finke in an email.
After reading online about the variety of English classes Kirtland had to offer, Kearis was impressed with the dedication Kirtland seemed to have for its students.
After Kirtland's Board of Trustees approved Kearis's position, a rigorous search was conducted. An application and resume screening committee was put together, which included two Kirtland English instructors, Fred Giacobazzi and Joe Fields.
A total of fifty-two applicants applied for the position, all bringing unique backgrounds, skills, and personalities.
"Matt's qualifications jumped out at you," said Giacobazzi. "[The committee] felt he had a good feel for community college students."
With a background in teaching at Monroe County Community College, Jackson Community College, and various classes in literature and writing at Eastern Michigan University, Kearis's work-experience tends to stand out.
The M.A. in creative writing from Eastern Michigan University helps a little too.The hiring-committee dwindled the list of possible candidates from fifty-two down to eight. Those who made the cut were to be interviewed.
"After more than two hours of interview with Mr. Kearis I reached this conclusion - 'If we can get Mr. Kearis to come to Kirtland, he will not only be one of our most competent writing teachers but a strong contributor to the English Department," stated Joe Fields, PhD, in an email.
Matt's vote to be the committee's first choice was made unanimously. Kearis received the full-time position without hesitation.
"It's like catching a rising star," said Giacobazzi.
Upon arrival to Kirtland, the faculty was very welcoming towards their new colleague. Fellow colleague, Carole Finke, is pleased with the environment Kearis has brought to the classroom.
"Students keep telling me how enthusiastic Matt is - that's a great quality to bring to the classroom," stated Finke in an email.
After reading online about the variety of English classes Kirtland had to offer, Kearis was impressed with the dedication Kirtland seemed to have for its students.
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