Andy Schoolmaster: a fitting name for an educator

Although Andy Schoolmaster arrives at work each day wearing a tie, the faculty executive assistant to the chancellor would be much more comfortable wearing boots and jeans.

Schoolmaster grew up on a small farm in Fairport, N.Y., where he had chores such as caring for his family's chickens, pigs and turkeys; planting and harvesting wheat and corn; and pulling weeds from the strawberry crop.

"Living on a farm, you learn from an early age that you have responsibilities," Schoolmaster says. "You learn there's nothing wrong with a good hard day's work. I think it instills a good work ethic."

As a child, Schoolmaster developed a fascination with the environment and with maps. Years later, he enrolled at Kent State University in Ohio, where he decided the best way to pursue his childhood interests was by studying geography. Like his ancestors, he wanted to work in education.

"My great-grandfather came from Germany," Schoolmaster says. "Somewhere way back when, some of my ancestors must have been teachers, so it's very fitting that I am too."

After working with the U.S. Forest Service on a national river recreation project, Schoolmaster joined the UNT geography department 21 years ago. He served as the department chair 12 of those years.

"When I stepped down from chair, Dr. Hurley and I discussed the possibility of me working as executive assistant," Schoolmaster says. "Working in this position has given me a chance to learn more about the issues and facets of higher education administration."

Schoolmaster originally served as a liaison between the chancellor and faculty, but since the chancellor and president's offices split, his workload has increased. He now works with both Hurley and President Norval Pohl to serve the faculty, something he says has taught him a lot.

"I have had the chance to learn from not only Dr. Hurley, but Dr. Pohl, as well," Schoolmaster says. "That has really been the greatest benefit to me personally serving in this office."

In his free time, Schoolmaster loses the suit and tie and dons his boots and Wranglers as he three-steps at Denton's Rockin' R or in the Fort Worth Stockyards.

"I really like country music," Schoolmaster says. "I'm a big fan of George Strait, Brooks and Dunn and the Dixie Chicks."

BY JENNY MCCORMACK paiswri2@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue:

• UNT inaugurates 13th president
• Texas Legislature approves bill creating UNT-Dallas
• Community leaders discuss education, workforce issues
• Spring graduation is May 12
• Faculty Senate approves grading change
• UNT to help improve Internet2
• Faculty, staff recognized at Honors Day celebration
• UNT researcher to conduct time-of-day testing on schizophrenia patients
• Staff Council discusses smoking, beautification issues
• Rancher offers a new field of dreams for stargazers

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