After a decade of teaching, Ron Taylor will have added duties as director of the revamped Frehn Center. In his new role, Ron wants to build stronger recognition for the center by providing consulting, research, and training for profit and not-for-profit organizations and professions in the region.

Well-chosen for the directorship, Ron has consulted for some of the top Fortune 500 companies, like Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Molson Breweries, and Owens-Corning Fiberglas, and met many of their CEOs. Courtesy of the U.S. Army, he has traveled to many countries in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, giving him familiarity with international concerns.

Away from the office, Ron enjoys watching his children, Zachary (16) and Hannah (14) participate in their activities: band, chorus, school plays, and sports (softball, cross country, swimming, basketball, and baseball).

What is the most amazing thing you have ever seen?

Participating and watching the birth of my children. Other amazing things I’ve seen are the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, Christ’s birthplace in Bethlehem, the Grand Canyon, and the Egyptian Pyramids.

What was your favorite pet and why?

A golden retriever—she was always happy to see you no matter the circumstances. She gave unconditional love.

What is your favorite participation sport?

Running (helps to relieve stress).

Spectator sport?

All college sports and professional baseball (I’m a Cub’s fan).

What do you do when you are bored?

I play my drums or listen to music. I like most genres …Jazz, Big Band, Classic Rock, Classical….

What makes you nervous?

When my children compete in sports I want them to do well and win! I try to maintain a calm and composed exterior, but inside, nothing but butterflies.

What was your favorite book as a child?

The Hardy Boys.

As an adult?

Band of Brothers (I like history, especially military or presidential).

Who would you like to meet and why?

I would like to meet Christ and ask a plethora of questions about his extraordinary 33 years on earth. Also Joshua L. Chamberlain – leader, citizen soldier, Civil War hero. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, fluent in nine languages, professor and president of Bowdoin College, and governor of Mainefour terms. I will never attain his accomplishments and status but being a professor and a colonel (retired) in the U.S. Army, I can identify with the citizen soldier part of his life.

What experience would you hate to repeat?

Basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.

What part of the newspaper do you read first? Why?

Usually sports as it is lighter and more enjoyable than the local or national news which seems depressing and cold on many occasions.

What is the ideal age and why?

I’m not sure there is an ideal age, but turning 16, 21, 40, and 65 are significant milestones in one’s life. However, 39 was ideal for me as I finished my Ph.D., one of my children was born, and I began a rewarding academic career.