more than you really wanted to know...
"TechnoMonk" is the internet alias of Jim Arnold (currently residing in Larkspur, California). If want to learn a little more about me, read on:
I was born and raised in the state of Wisconsin, although by no means do I consider myself a Midwesterner. In my heart, mind, and soul, I’m a West-Coaster; I love the mountains, ocean, desert, and wide-open spaces. I am also quite attracted to the culture out here, which includes the philosophy of rugged individualism — predominant in frontier America — that tends to live on. Education has probably been the foremost theme of my life...though whatever knowledge and wisdom I may possess come not only from the classroom but a considerable number of other life-altering, experiential-growth opportunities. Those who know me well would likely report that health, wellness and personal development are high on my list of values. I also love to travel, particularly in the American West. New Mexico and Montana are favorite places. When I’m not in Oregon or California, that is.
As far as my formal education goes, my undergraduate work was in chemistry and math (B.S., 1970) at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. I hold M.S. degrees in both organic chemistry (1974) and counseling (1987) from Oregon State University. And I received my Ph.D. in higher education administration from Indiana University in 1995.
Professionally, I have worked as a chemist; a photographer (and small business owner); a counselor/trainer/therapist; and, these days, as an academic administrator. On occasion, I also do some consulting and expert witness testimony work, generally for lawsuits related to college-student alcohol use and/or fraternity hazing.
I was an Oregonian from1970-2007, though I left the state in 1990 for a while. After a few vision-quest years in Bloomington, Indiana (1990-95), I made a much-welcomed move back to Eugene, Oregon, accepting employment with the Chancellor’s Office of the Oregon University System (OUS). My position during 1995-96 was Policy Associate and Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; from 1997 to 2004 I served as Director of Community College Articulation and Policy Associate. During my time with OUS I held an appointment as Courtesy Assistant Professor in the College of Education at the University of Oregon. From 2004 to 2006, I enjoyed an appointment with Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, OR, as Interim Dean of Science & Technology. In 2006-07, I was with Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, OR, as Interim Dean of Math, Science & Liberal Arts. In July 2007, I became a Californian, assuming the position of Dean of Math & Sciences at the College of Marin in Kentfield, CA.
Away from work, I’m an avid hiker and walker (me and my iPod), an insatiable reader, and a fairly prolific amateur photographer. “They” say I am: intellectual, passionate, creative, balanced, intense, authentic, serious, intuitive, open-hearted, liberal, philosophical, academic, assertive, introverted, colorful, contemplative & compassionate ...
Welcome to my online journal. Enjoy your stay.
