Bill McCollum
What is/was your job or profession?
This is a loaded question! Does a job make the profession, or does a profession make the job? I have experienced many jobs, but they have fallen into two main professions; the Army and Education. I served 24 years of active Army service mainly in Army Aviation. After retiring in 1997 I began my Education journey at Baker University for 9 years and continued for 12 years at the US Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC). While at CGSC, in 2008 I also started teaching for Kansas State University’s College of Education Adult Masters and
Doctorate leadership degree programs (and I still do.) And while General Douglas MacArthur famously stated “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away”, I contend “old teachers never retire, they just keep teaching!” However, my favorite and most formative job was building swimming pools as a 16-17 year old! After sweating day after day in the stifling heat of an Arkansas summer, I would finally walk away from a perfectly gorgeous and refreshing pool…as well as the firm belief of the importance of a college education! And that’s how a job (thanks to two perfect mentors neither of whom had a HS diploma) led me to two rewarding professions!!!
What is your favorite sports team(s) and why?
Another loaded question!!! Here in the Heartland, we are blessed with the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC, KC Current, KU, Nebraska, K-State, and Mill Valley HS. Which is my favorite? It’s the team playing at the time I’m watching!
What is your favorite vacation destination, and why?
Siesta Key, Florida! Siesta Key has the best beaches in America and has given our family fond memories. Of course there are lots of close seconds, but that would read like a dissertation!
What is your ideal sandwich?
Ideal is a moving target! If I’m really hungry, it’s a Cuban. If I’m hungry and not worried about looking to mess up a clean shirt, it’s a Ruben. If I’m home and looking for a quick lunch, it PB&J with chips!!!
If you are at a trivia night, what category would you know most about?
Admittedly I stink at trivia! I’m famous for getting the answer about 5 minutes too late. But if I can contribute to a trivia team, it’s in sports and history. That said, I’m usually not invited back!!!
