Terry McTier Jr. joins Ohio University as Assistant Professor

08 Apr 2019    

Terry McTier Jr., an EDAD alum, was recently awarded the position of Assistant Professor at Ohio University starting next fall 2019.

McTier came to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to pursue a master’s in student affairs. The choice, however, was random. He said he decided on an institution by closing his eyes and picking one on a map, and Nebraska was his choice.

“However, EDAD was the right place for me in retrospect,” McTier said. “I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities afforded to me just because I was in the program. I always felt like I was on an adventure because I was constantly doing something to further my career thanks to the EDAD program.”

While in Lincoln, he was a Graduate Learning Community Coordinator and then transitioned to a Graduate Assistant for the Associate Dean of Education, Dr. Deb Mullen. He also worked as a Correctional Officer for the Lancaster County Department of Corrections and mentored with the Juvenile Justice Institute for the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

McTier did this all while working hard as a master’s student under the advisement of Dr. Niehaus.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Beth,” he said. “She began to groom and prepare me for a doctoral program. I must admit she was tough, but as you can see, her mentorship worked!”

Currently, Terry is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Policy & Evaluation: Higher Education at Arizona State University. His research focuses on the experiences of college students with criminal records and the various factors that impacts their transitions in traditional higher education settings.

McTier said it was Assistant Professor of Practice, Dr. Bondi who planted the seed for his love of research and helped him figure out his career.

“She actually took the time to figure out what her students really wanted,” McTier said. “I never thought, I, as a black male, could pursue a Ph.D. But Bondi was right, I am a researcher.”

McTier will finish up his doctorate in Educational Policy and Evaluation and then take up his position as Assistant Professor at Ohio University.

From all of EDAD, congrats Terry!