Michael Gulden College Life Coach
- Staff
Before moving to Texas, Michael Gulden grew up in Minnesota and spent a decade in Western Massachusetts, where he taught Latin in public high schools. There, he joined a new wave of educators rethinking how Roman history and language are taught, moving beyond outdated and exclusionary approaches. In 2021, he and his wife, Kelin Loe—now an assistant professor and director of the Writing Center at East Texas A&M—relocated to Northeast Texas with their son, Jon Pike, and their dog, Phantom.
When he's not teaching, Michael enjoys cooking, movies, and board games (often staying up too late with friends). He'd love to hear about the best things you've eaten, watched, or played recently.
A Conversation with Michael
What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending East Texas A&M?
The community here offers endless opportunities to make life-long connections. It will never be easier to find others who share your passions and hobbies, so don't miss those chances to make a friend or meet a future collaborator.
How do you help students at East Texas A&M?
I work with students in the College of Science and Engineering who have less than 45 credit hours or have recently transferred to East Texas A&M. I help my advisees get to the next step in their education, whether it's on a path to graduation, to a dramatic change in their academic plan, or just to the right resource on campus. Every student counts here, no matter what their past experiences have been in school.
What do you like most about your career?
My favorite part of teaching high school was learning about my students' interests and leading them to genuine moments of joy and fascination. I love that my current role lets me focus on that essential part of education: finding the inner motivation to learn what you love and love what you learn.
Education
- M.A., Teaching, Latin and Classical Humanities, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2012
- B.A., Classics and History, St. Olaf College, 2008
Experience
- Academic Advisor, East Texas A&M University, 2022-Present
- Latin Teacher and Debate Coach, Longmeadow High School, 2014-2021
- Latin and Ancient Greek Teacher, Classical Magnet School, 2012-2014
- Instructor of Latin, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2010-2012
Professional Licenses and Certifications
- Professional Teaching License, Latin and Classical Humanities, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education