What is your educational background?
- BBA in Business Computer Information Systems, UNT cum laude
- MS in Information Technology, UNT
Karen St. John
What is your work background?
- Worked as an Academic Advisor – ten years both graduate and undergraduate
- Computer Audit Specialist training for IRS/ Treasury department for seven years
- Started teaching at the University level in 2009
What do you teach at ACU?
Information Technology courses: Scripting, Networking, Database Administration
What committees/other duties do you have at ACU aside from teaching?
- Board member for family business – Pinecrest Cemetery in East Texas
- Wife, married 17 years (18 this May)
- Mom to six kids
The St. John Family
What drew you to teaching? Why did you want to work with students?
I have always loved to learn as much as possible. Working with students is enjoyable and rewarding.
What’s the best part of working with students?
Taking an intimidating concept, breaking it down and explaining it, and watching students have the “lightbulb” moment when it clicks.
Have you ever given up any big opportunities to keep working with students?
Turned down opportunity to work at a major bank doing anti-money laundering.
Outside of teaching, what passions and hobbies do you have?
I love to cook. We live in the country and have chickens, sheep, goats, and cattle.
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
I was recognized by the Treasury department for my contribution and efforts in working with the Regulatory Audit division, which was nice. However, I am most proud that I have balanced having a big family with my career. Most of the women I went to school with had to choose one or the other.
Who is your role model, and why?
I think my Dad is my biggest role model. He has a strong work ethic, is smart, unselfish and one of the best examples of what a good Christian looks like. His professional career was that of a programmer and database administrator. He has been a song leader at church for as long as I can remember. He has been happily married to my mom for over fifty years.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
I was incredibly fortunate to earn my degree at UNT. I had several professors that taught me important lessons that I try to pass on to my students. Dr. Steve Guynes taught me that the way to look good is to make everyone around you look good.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I learned handwriting analysis for a project in a government class once. And I am colorblind.
What would you really want students and alums to know about you?
I feel incredibly blessed to be working at ACU. I love to come to work every day! The students are fantastic. The faculty and staff are wonderful to work with.