Time flies when you’re having fun.
That’s how Patricia Hoehner describes her 67-year career in education.
A Kansas native and McCook High School graduate, Hoehner started teaching at age 20 after earning a degree in math education from UNK, known then as the Nebraska State Teachers College at Kearney. She taught in Overton and Bertrand before returning to McCook, where she served as a school administrator for more than two decades.
Hoehner joined UNK Educational Administration in 1998 and later served as the first female chair of the department, a position she held for five years.
In addition to her bachelor’s degree, Hoehner holds a master’s degree in educational administration and education specialist degree from UNK, along with a Doctor of Education in administration, curriculum and instruction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
She and her late husband LeRoy came to UNK together and he competed in track. Their family includes four children, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way. Together, they’ve earned 30 degrees from UNK.
When did you know this would be your profession?
Actually, when I graduated from high school my math teacher strongly urged me to go into electrical engineering. As expected in the 1950s, my mother was opposed, but she was fine with me majoring in math and being a teacher. Once I started teaching, I realized that I truly had a passion for teaching.
What brought you to UNK?
I was contacted by the EDAD chair to come to UNK. It was three years after the death of my husband in 1995 and I had a difficult time coping. My children felt it would be a positive change. It was a great move for me. The EDAD chair challenged me to become the first full-time female in the department and later the first female chair. I was old when I came to UNK and can’t believe I’ve been here 26 years, but it has been a phenomenal 26 years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Without a doubt, it is the relationships developed with students. These relationships last long after their graduations. UNK is very student-centered.
Best career advice you’ve received?
In 1998, we drove to North Platte, Grand Island, Hastings and Osceola to meet with our cohorts. Dr. Lynn Johnson visited with me about not becoming a “windshield warrior” and to get involved in organizations on campus. I heeded his advice and became very active on campus.
How do you measure success, in terms of your career?
I feel success when I travel to events statewide and my students are successful administrators. Another is when students I taught 26 years ago keep in touch. Several students wrote letters of recommendation for the Leland Holdt Distinguished Faculty Award and each one mentioned relationships.
What is your fondest memory of UNK?
I was very anxious to attend a meeting at the Alumni House, alone. Once I entered, I was overwhelmed with a warm welcome and being asked to join a table. I went home truly feeling like I was part of the UNK faculty.
Share something about yourself that few people know:
Most don’t know that in my early years of teaching I was a volleyball coach.
What are your retirement plans?
I plan to continue to do research and last month I was asked to work with a fellow professor on a project. Since education is all I know, I plan to gently transition to a different life. And, of course, bridge and books.
