Charles Kiesel – Instructor of Social Sciences
I have been an educator for 43 years and I can’t imagine a more rewarding or worthwhile career. I graduated from Oakland City University with a Bachelor of Social Studies degree and earned a Master of Social Science degree at Indiana State University. Serving as an adjunct instructor of social sciences at OCU since January of 2008, I have taught survey classes in world history, United States history, geography, sociology, and two 300 level world issues classes. I have also taught classes for the School of Adult and Extended Learning.
I worked as a part-time, free-lance photojournalist for an area newspaper from 2003 to 2006. During that time more than 800 of my photos and 25 articles were published by the newspaper. I found that occupation rewarding as well. I especially enjoyed the photography aspect of photojournalism.
Research is an important aspect of university life. Any research may lead to profound or surprising results. There are mysterious events that take place in the world which are, as yet, unexplained or not investigated. Additionally, research and re-examination into the past may uncover history overlooked. Either way, I find the investigation interesting. As an example, I spent approximately a year and a half investigating the crop circle phenomena. Entering the investigation with an open, but critical, mind led to my awareness of scientific discoveries in authentic crop circles as well as hoaxes, including a crop circle photo and article published as an April fools joke in a newspaper. I shared what I learned about crop circles during a presentation at the Evansville Museum in 2008. Other research I have followed with interest has been a new investigation of the early inhabitants of America. This interest came about as a result of reading stories from a local county history of unusual skeletons discovered in that county. These are the kinds of topics I encourage students to examine, in addition to the more traditional research topics, which will enhance their university studies. The research experience is worth the effort, whatever the findings. My aim is to instill in my students a desire to do research.
I am a past member of the Evansville Astronomical Society. I am a current member of the Independent Crop Circle Researchers’ Association. Other interests include service to my community as a trained NWS Weather Spotter. I completed the Elite Spotter Training Class in 2010. After the recent EF-2 tornado in Haubstadt, Indiana, I provided the investigation team from the NWS Office at Paducah, KY with coordinates of locations where the tornado had touched down, helping make their survey and investigation quicker and easier.
Physical fitness has been an important part of my life. Running in 5K’s like the Evansville Arts Fest River Run was included in my lifestyle. Most of my interest in athletics has involved tennis, which I played both recreationally and competitively for twenty-five years.
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