Jacob Coon

The first words in the job description were “lead faculty training and support dossier compilation” and, like Jerry Maguire, they had me at "faculty training." At the time, I had no idea what a dossier was in this context, but I knew training and development. I enjoy helping people learn, grow, and succeed, so the role immediately stood out to me.

My days are a mix of faculty support, training, process improvement, and problem-solving. No two days are exactly alike, which keeps the work interesting and gives me plenty of opportunities to help others.

Back in 2008, I was planning to pursue a PhD, but I felt God was leading me in a different direction, so I put that dream on hold. When I eventually returned to Ohio after 12 years in Germany, I started exploring my next chapter. While applying for jobs, I also applied to Ohio State's Workforce Development and Education PhD program.

I don't have one specific destination in mind after graduation, but I know the journey is helping me become a better educator, learner, and professional. Looking back, the timing feels right, and I'm grateful to finally be pursuing a goal that has been years in the making.

My default answer is Toledo, where I grew up. Even though I haven't lived there since shortly after earning my bachelor's degree, it's still where my family roots are.

That said, the village of Kandern, Germany, where I lived for 12 years, feels like a second home. It's a beautiful place filled with great memories and lifelong friendships. Kandern has my heart, but Toledo will always be home.

Walking the Camino de Santiago was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Over five weeks, I hiked roughly 500 miles across northern Spain.

What I loved most was the simplicity of it all. Every day was about waking up, walking, eating, and connecting with people along the way. My biggest takeaway was seeing how people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds can come together through the shared experience of putting one foot in front of the other. It reminded me how much we have in common when we take the time to connect.

That’s the easiest question in this interview! I'd go straight back to Munzur Kebap Haus in Kandern, Germany, and order a Jacob yufka döner kebab. The food is fantastic, but honestly, that's only part of the reason. Over the years, I became friends with the owner, and I'd love the chance to sit down, share a meal, and catch up. Sometimes it's the people, not just the food, that make a place unforgettable.

Assuming other people aren’t an option, I'd bring my Bible, a machete, and a giant book of logic puzzles. The Bible would keep me grounded, the machete would help me survive, and the puzzles would keep me sane while waiting to be rescued!

Years ago, I was hospitalized and very sick. One night, I woke up and saw a close friend asleep in a chair beside my bed because she wanted to make sure I wasn't alone.

I've never forgotten that act of kindness. My faith teaches me to care for others in tangible ways, and that moment showed me how powerful simply showing up for someone can be. It's something I've tried to carry with me ever since.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It's a principle rooted in my Christian faith, but it's also something I've seen modeled by my parents and many people throughout my life. I've learned that kindness, respect, and genuine concern for others can have a lasting impact, often in ways we don't immediately see.

My dream is to continue helping people learn and grow. Whether that's serving as faculty at a university or working in training and development for an organization whose mission I believe in, the common thread is education. I've spent much of my career helping others develop new skills, and I'd love to continue doing that in whatever role comes next.

Working full-time while pursuing a PhD doesn't leave a lot of free time, so I make the most of it when I can. I'm an avid board gamer and disc golfer. I love gathering around a table with friends for a great strategy game. And whenever Ohio’s weather cooperates, you might find me out on a disc golf course. Both hobbies help me recharge, connect with people, and maintain some balance.