Richard Newtson:  

I am a Professor of Sociology, having earned a B.S. in Psychology and a M.A. in Sociology (Aging and Organizational Systems) from Indiana State University, and a Ph.D. in Sociology (Family, Life Course, Aging, and Social Psychology) from Iowa State University. Prior to coming to Columbus, I held a one year sabbatical replacement position in Eastern Oregon in a town called La Grande, Oregon. The Blue Mountains were a mile away and on weekends I would take my bike into the mountains—being careful to avoid rattlesnakes! I would fly in and out from Boise, Idaho. It was a three-hour drive through mountains and along the Snake River. It’s beautiful country. After leaving Eastern Oregon, I accepted a teaching position in Kiev, Ukraine where I taught graduate sociology and social work courses at the National University Kyiv Mohyla Academy. Kiev (Kyiv) was a city of about three million people and abounded in history and culture. One of the highest honors I have ever received came from my department chair there, who at a party once, toasted me while saying, “Rik, you are Ukrainian!” During my time in Kiev, I traveled throughout Ukraine and Russia giving guest lectures, but additionally it allowed...Expand for more