Starting Out With Big Questions

When I arrived at Skidmore College in the fall of 1984, I didn’t have a crystal-clear career plan. I wasn’t chasing a specific job title or a fast track to Wall Street. What I did have was curiosity — about people, history, culture, and how we make sense of the world around us.

That curiosity led me to major in American Studies — a field some people dismissed as too broad or “impractical.” But in hindsight, I can say without a doubt: that decision shaped the course of my entire life.

Because the truth is, life doesn’t follow a straight line. And neither does leadership. A liberal arts education, especially in a discipline like American Studies, gave me the flexibility, empathy, and communication skills to lead in all sorts of unexpected ways — including now, as Chief Operating Officer of a church.

What American Studies Taught Me (That I Didn’t Realize at the Time)

At first glance, my classes at Skidmore might not seem directly tied to a leadership path. I studied history, literature, politics, race, gender, art, and pop culture. But what those courses really taught me was how to see connections — across time, communities, and experiences.

Here’s what I carry with me to this day:

• Critical thinking: Nothing was spoon-fed. We were expected to dig, question, and form our own conclusions. That’s essential in leadership.
  
• Empathy: Reading deeply into other people’s stories — whether through novels or historical documents — helped me see beyond my own experience.
  
• Communication: Whether it was a ten-page paper or a class discussion, I learned how to express ideas clearly and listen actively.
  
• Perspective: American Studies taught me that people can live in the same country — even on the same block — and see the world completely differently.
  

In the workplace (and in life), that kind of perspective is priceless.

Leadership Isn’t Always About the Loudest Voice

In today’s fast-moving world, leadership often gets portrayed as big personalities giving TED Talks or writing best-selling books. But in my experience, real leadership is quieter. It’s about showing up, solving problems, and caring deeply about the people you serve.

My education helped prepare me for that kind of leadership — the kind that listens more than it speaks, adapts instead of dictates, and keeps the human element front and center.

As COO of St. John’s Church, I manage everything from budgeting and operations to facility maintenance and staff coordination. It’s not glamorous, but it’s deeply people-focused. I rely on those “soft skills” every single day.

From the Classroom to the Church Office

You might wonder: how does a liberal arts background translate to managing a church? Well, let me tell you — churches are microcosms of society. They’re full of diverse personalities, complex histories, and competing priorities.

I draw on what I learned in college more than you might expect:

• When handling a budget: I think about the real lives behind the numbers — not just the math.
  
• When resolving a staff issue: I remember what I learned about power, privilege, and human motivation.
  
• When preserving a historic building: I bring my appreciation for the stories our spaces hold.
  
• When juggling competing needs: I rely on the analytical mindset I developed over years of interdisciplinary study.
  

In short, a liberal arts education didn’t give me answers — it gave me the tools to ask better questions and navigate uncertainty with care.

Conversations That Changed Me

Some of the most powerful learning moments didn’t happen in a classroom at all. They happened over coffee in the dining hall or late at night in the dorms — talking about books, politics, relationships, and big ideas.

Those conversations taught me how to engage respectfully with people I disagreed with. They taught me that humility is strength, not weakness. And they showed me the importance of building bridges — a lesson that’s been invaluable in my work, especially in a faith-based organization where unity is key.

Leadership, at its core, is about connection. My liberal arts education helped me become the kind of person who values connection over control.

Why I’d Choose It All Over Again

If I could go back in time and talk to my 18-year-old self, I’d say: “Yes, choose American Studies. Trust that it will serve you well.”

And if I could talk to a young person today who’s considering a liberal arts degree, I’d tell them this:

• You don’t need to have it all figured out at 20.
  
• A degree that teaches you to think, write, question, and care will open more doors than you imagine.
  
• Success isn’t just about what job you land after graduation — it’s about who you become along the way.
  

Why This Still Matters to Me

Looking back, I realize my time at Skidmore was about more than just education — it was about formation. I became a more thoughtful friend, husband, father, and colleague because of what I learned there.

Today, as I walk through the halls of St. John’s or sit in meetings balancing budgets and ministry needs, I carry those lessons with me. I may not quote Melville or Tocqueville every day, but their voices are there — in how I think, how I listen, and how I lead.

And that, to me, is the true value of a liberal arts education.