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Professor of Philosophy and History
Professor Mc Kenna is an interdisciplinary scholar in the history of philosophy, religion, and the arts. He is a poet and has edited the short run journal Holler: A Journal of Poetry and Prose, now part of the permanent collection of the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston, West Virginia. As a professor, Dr. McKenna says his goal is to help students understand that the answers to life’s big questions vary, but that it is important to understand everyone else’s answers to better grasp the rich diversity of our world our place in it. Whether it be Language, Literature, History, Philosophy, or Religion, the Department of Humanities will prepare you for success in any field you choose by teaching you how to listen more carefully, to read with greater understanding, and how to write more effectively, all while acquiring a better understanding of the language, literature, history, philosophy and religion of the wider world. "We live in a rich and diverse world. The more we know about the people in it, what they think about it, and why they think so, the better we’ll do…no matter what we choose to do for a living.”
Dr. Thomas McKenna
Professor of Philosophy and History
Dr. Jonathan Berkey
Professor of History
Brian Arnold '09
Bluefield, WV
Kelsey Walls '18
Oceana, WV
Class of 2005
Nicholas Gonzales (’05) majored in Tourism Events Planning and Programming and studied under Roy Ramthun, Susan Williams, and others. While at Concord, he could be found in Student Support Services as a Peer Mentor, in the Arts Gallery as an Exhibit Guard, or out at the drive-in. He initially chose Concord because it was the furthest place from where he grew up, but was still in-state to take advantage of in-state tuition. However, over time he realized it was a good choice for many reasons. He describes his experience at Concord, “I credit CU for the success I have in my life as my experiences included three-day hiking trips in Virginia, meeting the Walt Disney World internship recruiter, whitewater rafting, a Northcoast tour with the Geography professors, a swing-dance recital, and the collection of diverse friends I made from all over the country. All helped shape my character and build a portfolio of experiences that I apply to everyday life.” He was able to balance a dynamic social life while staying on track with his studies by taking advantage of the tutoring service available on campus. Nicholas is currently serving as General Manager of Farmville’s Hotel Weyanoke. Now married with three children, Nicholas says, “I am successful and happy, and a lot of that is because of Concord University and the education, books and beyond, that I received in my time there.”
