Alumni Spotlight – Carol Keyes
Carol Keyes
Welcome to the “Alumni Spotlight” monthly series. Learn how our UI&U graduates are living the UI&U mission of engagement, enlightenment, and empowerment.
Education: UI&U Ph.D. graduate (1980)
Profession: Educator, Professor Emeritus Pace University.
Q. What has your degree meant to you personally and professionally?
A. Personally my degree has given me the opportunity to work with wonderful colleagues, and to continue learning.
Professionally it enabled me to teach at Hofstra University, Pace University and the University of Wisconsin, develop programs for children and parents, work with differently abled adults and children, write books and articles for parents, teachers, and the field of early childhood.
Q. What quality do you admire most about your alma mater?
A. The Union process of teaching and learning allowed me to be my own learner. My committee and faculty were wonderful. Were I to have a chance to choose a means to study for a doctoral degree again at this time, I would still choose to study the same way. I value being able to choose what I want to study, when I want to study, and the means by which I will acquire the knowledge and skills. I chose to work alone when it suited me, but in this Union process I had the committee and the network to reach out to in times when assistance was needed. The seminar and peer days were of value for several reasons. The peers provided a firm support in terms of the Union Graduate School process. The network also served to provide guidance and feedback in terms of personal growth. The diverse specialties of our entire group also allowed exposure to many areas of interest.
Q. If you could give advice to a Union student, what would it be?
A. Connect with all other learners and faculty. Be open to experiences and opportunities.
Q. What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment?
A. Two main accomplishments come to mind; my books and articles for parents and teachers and helping to develop the National Coalition for Campus Child Care Inc.
Q. What is your passion away from work?
A. Though officially retired, I have more passions than I can enumerate. I will highlight activities with my family; studying, learning, and writing; talking to young folks I meet about options in life. Every day is a gift.