Dr Uriah Pond

“the freedom of academia”

I graduated in 2018, having completed my thesis Toward Transformative Learning during Short-Term International Study Tours: Implications for Instructional Design. My supervisor was Professor Stephen McKinney.

Until my retirement, I worked as a Senior Training Specialist with a large electricity generating company. In addition to instructor training and mentoring new instructors, I assisted instructors with needs analysis, instructional design, and evaluation. After my retirement, I accepted a part-time role as an adjunct professor at a seminary. I am thesis advisor for six Doctor of Ministry students. I am also developing a seminary course, which I will be teaching in January 2021.

My EdD enabled me to transition from a corporate training environment to academia. Having previously taught undergraduate courses, I appreciate the freedom of academia over the very procedural approach to training in the corporate context. My doctorate opened the door to move into postgraduate teaching and thesis supervision, which is more challenging, engaging, and satisfying. A doctorate brings the title ‘Doctor’; it effectively changes one’s identity. While friends and colleagues always viewed me as an ‘academic’, there is a different level of respect on achieving the doctorate. Academic study is no longer my hobby, but a serious credential.

I have many wonderful memories of my time studying at University of Glasgow. The EdD afforded the international study experience that I was seeking. Meeting with classmates from various countries for our course sessions in Glasgow was an enriching learning experience. I appreciated the diverse perspectives that students brought to the discussions. The faculty were outstanding academics and most helpful, especially my supervisor, Stephen McKinney. I loved the friendliness of the city and day trips around Scotland. Even though I love my Canadian home, I am frequently homesick for Glasgow and Scotland.