Karl Beeler likes to think deeply about his job in education.
The individual challenges students' face and the trends that exist within students' lives, at college are issues that have always interested him.
But Beeler's new position of Dean of Students at Ball State University introduces philosophy - his original degree - as something new to the education pattern that he has been in more than 30 years.
"Philosophy really is the development of human thought," Beeler said. "It's interesting to see how that effects students."
When Beeler graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1973 a career in education wasn't in his foreseeable future. After spending some time with his aunt, a career counselor at UCLA, he had time to figure out what to do with his degree and skills.
"I really wasn't quite sure what to do with my degree since we were having a recession then too," Beeler said. "They weren't exactly hiring philosophers."
The dean of students oversees every student at Ball State and develops solutions to their problems.
The position reports to Kay Bales, Vice President for Student Affairs, and works with organizations such as the career center and the multicultural center to get closer to the student body.
His philosophy degree didn't hurt his chances to get into an education career, Beeler said. After starting his career at a handful of jobs on the West Coast, the last six years Beeler worked at California State University in enrollment management. He also worked for nine years at the University of Missouri St. Louis.
Beeler, an Indianapolis native, said he heard about the job last spring when it was advertised in The Chronicle of Higher Education and recognized the university from his youth.
"I was drawn to the nature of the campus," Beeler said. "I had some friends who worked here and spoke lovingly about it. I was looking out for universities, and Ball State was recommended to me. This was just right down my alley; it was perfect for me. I've been here three months and have enjoyed it immensely."
Katie Slabaugh, Ball State's Ombudsperson said working with Beeler has brought a lot of experience into his office.
"His reputation is good and he is warm, friendly and professional," Slabaugh said. "His calmness and demeanor in the position should really help students feel welcomed."
Marrying his high school sweetheart, Beeler has two children. His daughter Elizabeth is obtaining her doctorate at Indiana University in Higher Education Student Affairs and his son Justin is still finding out what he wants to do, Beeler said.
Although, as the years go by, Beeler said he doesn't tire of his job.
"The older I get, the more people inspire me," Beeler said. "The more experiences I go through, the more I enjoy seeing people rise to challenges and defeat them. I never ceased to be amazed at what people are capable of."
Beeler said he uses his experience as a father and an educator to try to relate to students' problems.
"You can't relate to every problem, but what you can do is talk to students and read about possible problems they could be having," Beeler said. "If you know the right data to look at you can determine that you need a certain expert here or specialization there."
Looking to the future of his office, Beeler said he can offer his experience to the wide-spread issues that face the position.
"I think what I can do for Ball State is be one of the best parts of a group of caring professionals that care and work together to make sure that we focus on student concerns and student problems," Beeler said. "We try to be aware of student problems of a serious nature, so we can deal with them before they turn tragic."
Beeler said he wouldn't have gone into education without his love for the students he works with.
"I get to work with students every day, and I am amazed at what they can do," Beeler said. "The millennial generation, born after 1982 - I think is very polite, very optimistic, very much wanting to do things like volunteer. But they also are just like everyone else and gets in trouble every once in while. Overall, it's been a joy working with [students], and it's a joy that I hope will take me through retirement."
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