AROUND THE QUAD and to The Point
Four professors leave a lasting mark Jonathan Smith, John Ahrens, Jeff Conner, John Martin to retire Professor of Philosophy John Ahrens joined Hanover in 1992. His primary research interests are political theory and the philosophy of law, but he also looks at ethical theory and applied ethics (particularly environmental ethics), Roman philosophy and the philosophical foundations of the martial arts. Prior to joining Hanover, Ahrens served as assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Hartford and at Saint Joseph College, from 1988-92. He served as managing editor of Social Philosophy & Policy, an interdisciplinary journal with an emphasis on the philosophical underpinnings of enduring social policy debates, from 1984-1988. During this time, Ahrens also served as assistant director and managing editor of publications for the Social Philosophy and Policy Center at Bowling Green State University (Ohio). From 1981-84, he served as an assistant professor in the philosophy and religion department at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Ahrens served as assistant professor at Bowling Green State University from 1979-81. “The most rewarding part (of my career) has been the teaching,” he said. “Hanover students are mostly very good, and the environment we have created here facilitates much more in-depth learning than is possible at many of the schools in which I have taught.” Ahrens earned his bachelor’s degree in Latin and philosophy from Southwest Missouri State University and his master’s and doctorate in philosophy from the University of Iowa.
Jeff Conner came to Hanover in 2000 to teach economics and business, but he brought with him an extensive array of experience from the food industry, working with some of the nation’s top brands. Currently, he serves as an associate professor with the Business Scholars program, teaching management concepts, marketing and business strategy courses, among others. From 2005-07, he served as special assistant to former President Russell Nichols, a role Conner also held between 2001-03, where he was responsible for developing student retention and recruitment initiatives. He served as vice president for business affairs from 2003-05. Conner worked for Conagra Frozen Foods from 1993-98, serving as vice president of poultry marketing before becoming vice president for Marie Callender’s/Kid’s Cuisine brands. From 1983-92, he worked for Heinz USA, where Conner was ultimately responsible for the company’s flagship ketchup business, along with six well-known product lines, for a combined sales of $450 million. “What I will miss most is interacting with my sophomore Management Concepts classes,” said Conner. “Another would be meeting interns at their places of employment during their internships. We often have some really good discussions about their futures. Grading papers, not so much.” He began his career as a staff accountant for Coopers and Lybrand from 197881, then spent a year as a brand assistant for Proctor & Gamble. Conner earned his bachelor’s in economics and management from Centre College (Ky.) and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh (Pa.) 6 | THE HANOVERIAN •
SUMMER 2015 | www.hanover.edu