Monday, August 12, 2013

Michael A. Shearer
The Ohio State University

Q&A

Name: Michael A. Shearer

Chapter Position: Chapter President

Years of Service to the Chapter: 12

University Position: Office of the University Registrar – Degree Audit Program Coordinator

Degree(s)/Discipline: B.S., Business Administration – 1987; M.A., Education – 1994, both from The Ohio State University

How did you become involved as a chapter officer?
In November 2000, I joined the Registrar's Office and in January 2001, I attended a campus wide meeting. At the meeting's conclusion, I heard two people in front of me talk about the next Phi Kappa Phi meeting. I said to them, "I was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi from Ohio State." It turned out to be the Executive Board President and Secretary who asked if I would like to come to the next Executive Board meeting. I've been on the Executive Board since I attended that "next" meeting.

What has your chapter done that has made you proud?
I'm proud to have helped move our initiation ceremony from spring to autumn allowing us to create and establish our student group. They are now an integral part of our chapter success.  We are regularly sending Executive Board members to Partnering for Success meetings providing faculty and staff with leadership opportunities. We have redesigned our chapter website, created an OSU PKP email address and developed a calendar of activities for our chapter members to participate, beyond the annual initiation ceremony. In the four years since Chapter Recognition was established, OSU has earned Chapter of Merit once and Chapter of Excellence three times.

What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
Phi Kappa Phi means being part of an organization dedicated to excellence. Our organization uses its resources to benefit students, faculty and staff.  Because Phi Kappa Phi inducts members from all disciplines, our organization facilitates networking, communication and idea sharing in almost all educational and career topics. Phi Kappa Phi is a valuable resource, similar to a library. The knowledge is there and always available, but it does require you to go in and be active to get receive the benefits.

What do you enjoy most about being a chapter officer?
Building relationships with the talented people on our chapter Executive Board, at national headquarters, with our scholarship candidates, our student group participants and our inductees. Our honor society is dedicated to providing scholarship money and leadership experiences, and I am proud to be associated with Phi Kappa Phi on the Ohio State campus. I enjoy working with members who give their valuable time to benefit our community and "pay forward" on the successes we all have achieved. I also enjoy participating in our chapter activities such as the walk for Autism Speaks and our annual football tailgate.

What advice would you give to a new chapter officer?
Attend a Biennial National Convention or Partnering for Success meeting and take the time to introduce yourself to other members and national officers. If you have the time, volunteer on a committee. These experiences will help you identify the value and potential of Phi Kappa Phi and provide wonderfully helpful contacts. Don't be afraid to try new things. Some ideas will work out well; others not so well, but new experiences are part of the education process. We are such a diverse organization you need to find what works for your campus culture.

What are your hobbies?
I am very active in Scouting as member of my oldest son's Boy Scout Troop 268, my daughter's Girl Scout Troop 2654 and my youngest son's Cub Scout Troop 509. I'm an avid soccer fan (Go Crew) and recreation participant. I hope to be back playing goalie on my recreation team after recovering from an injury. I'm also involved in the sport of fencing and I enjoy reading, especially about the U.S. Civil War.

Where are you from?
Ohio. I was born in Dayton, Ohio, and my family moved to Toledo, Ohio, where I graduated from Whitmer High School. I attended Ohio State, graduated and stayed in Columbus.  Here, I met my wonderful wife Theresa and we have three fantastic children, all of whom are attending school in Columbus.

See Michael's CV.