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Alumni Spotlight

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DEC - 2016

Shaun Kjar

Shaun Kjar - 2005 Alum

Shaun is currently an Assistant Professor of Communicaion at SNOW COLLEGE
 

What are your hobbies?

My motto is, "An adventure a day." I love long-distance trail running, mountain biking, exercising, rock climbing, racing anything at all and any other outdoor adventure. I love being a husband and father, which has provided a whole new list of adventures. I often tinker with vehicles and make regular trips to the mountains. I've discovered that this area has a lot more to offer than first meets the eye.

What is your most memorable moment at Snow College?

I remember a conversation with professor Bart Nelson who told me, "Your life and career may not revolve around the use of calculus, but if you learn how to teach yourself difficult things, like calculus, you will be able to apply that every single day of your life." When that sunk in, it was an extremely valuable moment for me. He was right.

Also, I was on "The Price is Right" with roommates and friends while at Snow College. I played Plinko, spun the big wheel and was in the Showcase Showdown. Our shirts were misspelled and I didn't get the big money, but we had a great spring break!

What was your professional path from student at Snow, to your current position?

My choice to attend Snow College and engage in and out of the classroom have completely guided my exciting professional path! As a student at Snow, I studied Speech Communication and was a student ambassador. I looked up to my advisors and professors, so I said to them, "I want to do what you do." Upon graduating from Snow, I transferred to Utah State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communication and Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies. While there, I continued as a student ambassador and became active in student government. There too, I looked up to my professors and advisors, so I said, "I want to do what you do." The really amazing thing is that my professional career path has perfectly mirrored my student career. I have held each of my dream jobs here at Snow College. I came back to Snow in 2008 as an Admissions Advisor recruiting new students for the college and working with the student ambassadors. I completed a Master's Degree in Human Resource and became Assistant Director of Student Life as an advisor to our student government. Now, full-time in the classroom, I have the opportunity to share information and encourage skill development I believe is life-changing.

How did Snow College contribute to your accomplishments?

My decision to attend Snow has been crucial to many of my accomplishments. Here at Snow, I learned how to teach myself difficult things. I increased my leadership skills. I made mistakes and learned how to not repeat them. I saw the career path I wanted to follow exemplified in the staff and faculty of Snow College. Now, I am following that path. I am grateful for what I learned at Snow College and the opportunity to apply it doing meaningful work.

What additional information would you like other alumns to know about you?

My wife Analee, a local alumnus who teaches dance here at Snow College, and I have reflected on our experience. We consider ourselves some of the "lucky ones" who have been able to return to live and work at Snow College. I want to invite everyone back to campus for a visit. Come see how much it has changed, yet how much the atmosphere has stayed the same. You'll be surprised at the changes, but you'll feel right at home.

What advice would you give current Snow College students?
  • Find something worth doing and tear into it.
  • You are better than you think you are. You can do more than you think you can.
  • Don't just do homework. Make friends.
  • Learn how to say "no" to your friends and "yes" to your homework.
  • Help people when you can.
  • Let other people help you when they can.
  • Get to know a "local."
  • People at Snow are nice. Be nice. Say hi.
  • Snow College is a unique place. Soak it up while you can. You'll never find another place exactly like this.

If you would like to be highlighted, or know someone who would, please contact the Advancement Office by phone: 435-283-7062 or email: ude.wons@inmula .