When Dr. Brendan Toner stands before a class in his role as assistant professor of political science at Arkansas Tech University, he knows the students in his audience well.
That’s because he was a lot like them two decades ago.
Toner’s commitment to student success was rewarded at the conclusion of the spring 2019 semester when the ATU student body elected him Arkansas Tech professor of the year.
He was nominated for the recognition by ATU senior Justin Gunderman of Plumerville and received the honor during an end-of-year awards program hosted by the ATU Division of Student Affairs.
“My big thing was I was glad I didn’t trip going to the stage,” said Toner in his characteristic self-deprecating way. “It’s a great honor.”
Toner’s journey to that stage began at West Chester University (Pa.), where he started his collegiate experience as an accounting major. Three failed classes later he discovered his true calling in political science.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in 2001, was accepted for graduate study at Virginia Tech and earned his master’s degree from the Blacksburg, Va., institution in 2004.
Toner subsequently taught as a visiting professor at Georgia Southern University and the University of Tennessee. Along the way, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Southern Illinois University in 2013.
Shortly thereafter, he was hired to join the ATU faculty.
“I knew nothing about it,” said Toner when asked about his first impressions of Arkansas Tech. “When I first came here, it was all new to me. I had no preconceived notions about this place.”
Toner points to the mentorship of his department head, Dr. David Blanks, as integral in his development as an ATU faculty member.
“Whatever professional success I have had, (Dr. Blanks) has been really helpful in getting me to that point,” said Toner.
Growing the ATU pre-law program is among Toner’s professional goals. He advises pre-law students at Tech and is proud of the fact that almost 10 spring 2019 Arkansas Tech graduates are slated to begin law school later this year.
He attributes the success of the pre-law program to the pre-law leadership team, an advisory group that includes Dr. James Stobaugh from the ATU faculty, Michael Komarek from the ATU Department of History and Political Science staff and ATU students Lorrel Passmore and Morgan Richardson.
It is working with students — people like Gunderman, Richardson, Passmore and so many others — that makes teaching at Arkansas Tech a worthwhile endeavor for Toner.
“West Chester University was very similar to Arkansas Tech,” said Toner, comparing his undergraduate alma mater to his employer. “We’re not the flagship school in the state, but for a lot of people it is a great opportunity for them to move ahead. That’s why I like teaching here.”
