Title: Professor Emeritus
Company: University of Wyoming
Location: Laramie, Wyoming, United States
Michael E. Harkin, professor emeritus at University of Wyoming, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in higher education.
With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Harkin has established a distinguished career in higher education, specializing in cultural anthropology, ethnohistory, and indigenous peoples. He currently serves as professor emeritus at the University of Wyoming, a role he has held since 2023, and as a Fulbright Scholar at Babes-Bolyai University since 2020. He previously served as professor at the University of Wyoming from 1993 to 2023, during which he also held the role of department head from 1993 to 2011. His academic appointments also include visiting professor at Shanghai University in 2007, postdoctoral lecturer at Emory University from 1991 to 1993, visiting assistant professor at Montana State University from 1990 to 1991, visiting assistant professor at the University of Wyoming from 1989 to 1990, and instructor at the University of Chicago from 1985 to 1986. He is also the author of “The Heiltsuks: Dialogues of Culture & History on the Northwest Coast,” published by the University of Nebraska Press in 1997.
Laying a strong educational foundation, Dr. Harkin earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1980. He went on to complete a master’s degree in anthropology in 1984 and a PhD in anthropology in 1988, both from the University of Chicago. He also hods various credentials, including a certificate in administrative management from the Administrative Management Institute at Cornell University and has demonstrated proficiency in French, achieving advanced and intermediate fluency certifications from Duolingo. Reflecting on his path, he originally aspired to pursue a career in law. However, his acceptance into graduate school at the University of Chicago led to the discovery of a profound passion for anthropology, ultimately leading him to his career in academia.
In light of his impressive undertakings, Dr. Harkin has been recognized for his contributions to academia with several prestigious honors, including being named a Fulbright Scholar at Babes-Bolyai University in 2020, a visiting scholar at the Library of Congress through the National Endowment for the Humanities in 2018, a William Evans Fellow at the University of Otago in 2016, and a Fulbright Distinguished Chair by the U.S. Department of State in 2010. Additionally, he served as chief executive officer of Qualisearch LLC from 2008 to 2011. He attributes his success to the unwavering support he received from his esteemed professors at The University of Chicago, as their guidance and encouragement laid a strong foundation for his academic journey. He also emphasizes the invaluable backing of his colleagues at the University of Wyoming, whose generosity in sharing opportunities has allowed him to thrive.
In the coming years, Dr. Harkin envisions playing a pivotal role in the growth and development of Lucent Water, a company committed to promoting sustainable water solutions. He aims to contribute meaningfully to this innovative venture while also focusing on cultivating healthy habits and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. In advising aspiring professionals, he emphasizes the importance of having a genuine passion for teaching. He believes that teaching should feel like a vocation or calling, as this deep commitment is essential to sustaining a fulfilling career. He believes that without this level of dedication, educators may face burnout, even if they find certain aspects of their work enjoyable.
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Michael E. Harkin
University of Wyoming – Michael E. Harkin
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