Barton Profile: Jonathan Dietz
(
Story by Joe Vinduska/Photo by Brandon Steinert)
Jonathan Dietz - Director of Testing, Advisement and Career Services
Hometown:
Milberger, Kan.
How long have you worked at Barton Community College?
Two and a half years.
Where were you employed before working for Barton?
I did vocational rehabilitation work in South Carolina.
Why did you choose to work at Barton?
I was looking at moving back to Kansas and having grown up in this area I knew about Barton, and I actually went here for a semester before I went to Washburn. So, I knew about it and I thought it’d be a good place to work.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part is that there isn’t a favorite part. With this position, I get to reach out into about every corner of the campus and work with all kinds of students in all phases through the various facets of this job.
What is the most challenging part?
Keeping up with advisement. It’s vital to make sure that you’re leading students on the right path. It’s my worst nightmare to have a student close to graduation and find out that I forgot to have them take a class somewhere along the way.
Describe your experience with your college advisor.
I didn’t have a lot of experience with my advisor. I feel like I just kind of stumbled through on my own. I didn’t have a great experience. I feel l like at Barton there is a lot more attention paid to students from day one. We work really hard to make ourselves available to students.
Do you have any general advice to students who are not sure what they want to do with their lives?
Number one, come see me. Number two, find your dream job. Look in a resource like a paper, in an area you want to live, find the job you want and work backwards. That’s how you find out how much education you’re going to need and it helps narrow things down.
Tests tend to freak some people out. Any basic advice for people with this disposition?
It’s really important to just relax and be prepared. The more prepared you are the less likely you’re going to have problems.
What was the worst test you ever took?
Not necessarily a test I took, but I wanted to go to law school, and I got an LSAT study book and I ended up throwing it in the fireplace.
For real?
Yes, but honestly, it really helped me realize that law school wasn’t for me so it was a good thing.
Any personal test-taking rituals or tips?
I always drank orange juice on the morning before a test. I had somebody tell me a long time ago that it gets your brain going.
Did it work?
Well, I got through so I guess so!
How do you spend time outside of work?
I watch a lot of sports. I golf when I can, and I spend time with my daughter Campbell whenever I can. I’m very much into fantasy football. It gives you an interested stake in every game, and it helps me stay connected with a lot of friends I wouldn’t get to interact with otherwise.
What is something people might not know about you?
Mr. Lueth was my middle school music teacher. I don’t really have many mysteries though.
You’re pretty tall. How tall are you?
Six-three.
What’s the best thing about being tall?
It’s just good to be tall, I can’t think of any specific thing, but it’s better than being short. I guess I can reach almost anything I need, usually.
Can you slam dunk?
No, I can’t jump. This is as tall as I get.
Sitting in a chair?
No! When, I stand up. That’s as tall as I get.
Football season is back! Favorite teams?
I know, I’m kind of obsessed. Denver Broncos!
What about football season do you enjoy the most?
I like the excitement at the beginning of every season thinking that the Broncos can make it to the Super Bowl.
Yes! It’s the first time we’ve had a competent quarterback since the late 90s.
That guy can turn scrubs into all-stars.
Absolutely.
How long before he gets hurt again?
I think he’s going to play four or five years for the Broncos before he gets hurt.
So, the Broncos will get at the least Four Super Bowl rings then right?
I’ll say three.
Go to Sidebar Content
