Expertise:
Science education; Environmental issues
Education Degrees:
Ph.D., University of Oklahoma (1993)
Affiliations Awards:
NSTA; Society for College Science Teachers; OAS; Phi Kappa Phi
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of his career thus far was being recognized by the national Project Learning Tree environmental education initiative.
Number Of Years In Profession:
39
Number Of Years In Current Position:
37
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to enjoying working with students.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in his profession through a natural progression of opportunities; he did not choose education as a career, but rather, education selected him.
Extended Bio Profile:
Dr. Koll believes that education is a nation's greatest resource, that all educators strive for the success of their students, and that it is exciting to be a part of students' success. He is passionate about environmental education, which he sees as a way of teaching individuals not what to think but how to think. Dr. Koll cites as a success story the example of a student in an environmental education class who was afraid to cross through a "valley of boulders" by jumping from boulder to boulder because at one point she faced a 20-foot drop. He spent about an hour calming the student's fears before she could proceed. After the student made it through, she told her parents that she "faced death and was victorious." Dr. Koll wishes that individuals would identify themselves as residents of Earth even though they are recognized by different nationalities and cultural origins, and that, as Earthlings, people would seek peaceful solutions to problems, end war and destruction, and work to be stewards of our planet and its environment. He would like to be remembered by his peers as a teacher who recognizes students as individuals and who is present for students as a collaborator, mentor, guide, tutor and teacher.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Preparing students to teach seventh through 12th grade while involved in the teacher education program; Tutoring; Advising; Mentoring Students
Awards/Honors:
Hackler Award, Teaching Excellence (2010); Environmental PLT Award (2010); Inductee, Cameron University Alumni Association Hall of Fame
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Dr. Koll would like to consult.