The job of a traveling faculty member is perfect for those who thrive in unpredictable situations and are comfortable living out of a suitcase.
UMUC in Asia, Europe, and stateside, and has taught in a num “My husband was in the Army, and I’ve spent my life following ber of downrange locations. One vivid memory is of a speech class him. Now he’ll be following me. He’s going to be my dependent,” he was teaching in Kuwait. she said with a smile. Currently, Houston teaches statistics and math“The class was in danger of being canceled because the students ematics in the United Kingdom. were all from the same unit and their unit was called out to do train The traveling faculty model requires instructors to live a nomadic ing in the desert,” Mahoney said. To ensure that the class could conlife and be prepared to uproot every two months. Until the schedule tinue, Mahoney followed them into the desert and finished teaching is finalized for the upcoming term, they can’t be certain which of the the class there. 50 military communities they’ll be heading to next. The job demands “It never gets boring,” he laughed. an adventurous spirit and is a perfect fit for those who thrive in an A retired veteran of 24 years, Christine Wettlaufer-Adcock earned unpredictable lifestyle and are comfortable living out of a suitcase. two master’s degrees, including a Master of Fine Arts, and a PhD in Chizoba Udeorji is excited for the challenge and adventure. She learning management, all while serving in the military. teaches communications studies, including intercultural communica “I know exactly what our students go through when trying tions, and has already taught courses in Wiesbaden, Germany, and to balance family, education, and a military career,” she said. RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. She holds a master’s degree in “I have been there.” communications and culture and previously taught at Kingsborough Having worked as a military police officer, drill sergeant, recruiter, Community College in Brooklyn, New York. and public affairs officer in the U.S. Army and Hailing from a Nigerian immigrant Army Reserves, and later as patrol commander family, Udeorji said she enjoys working in the Coast Guard, Wettlaufer-Adcock said with the unique diversity found in military that teaching the military is a natural passion. communities. “Military people are my people,” she said. “Every day will be a learning experience,” “I’ve been a part of the military in some she said. “There’s nothing else like the form or another since I was 18 years old.” military community.” To date, she has taught writing courses in While some faculty members take their Naples, Italy, and Bavaria, and at Ramstein families with them, others have left loved ones Air Base, Germany. behind in the United States. The team mem Emine Houston also finds the experience of bers consider the personal and professional teaching in military communities rewarding. sacrifices a meaningful way to give back to a “I would not do any other job,” she said. student population that has given so much to “Bettering their lives—that’s real education. their country. It’s the most important part.” “We could be home doing research,” A military spouse of 25 years with a massaid Arangno, “but we are making sacrifices ter’s degree in mathematics, Houston has because you are. We are doing this to thank lived on four different continents and is not you for your service. We ask only that you Emine Houston, who teaches statistics and mathematics. ready for the adventure to be over just yet. commit yourself to your own future.” G WWW.UMUC.EDU | 37 | ACHIEVER