History faculty
Email: johns@hesston.edu
Phone: 620-327-8248
Office Location: Smith Center 131
Affiliated Departments
Educational Background
A.A., Hesston College, 1973
B.A., Goshen (Ind.) College, 1976
M.Div., Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind., 2005
B.A., Goshen (Ind.) College, 1976
M.Div., Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind., 2005
Personal Statement
Before coming to Hesston in 2005 to teach and to write the centennial
history, Sharp was director of the Mennonite Church USA Historical
Committee and Archives in Goshen, Ind., from 1995 to 2005. He is a 1973
graduate of Hesston. He holds a bachelor's degree in communication from
Goshen (Ind.) College (1976), and a master of divinity degree from
Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind. (1983/2005). He
served as assistant to the chaplain at Hesston College 1972-74, and
served in church relations and admissions 1973-75.
Sharp has been an instructor of Elderhostel classes on Amish life and culture; a tour leader for Anabaptist heritage tours to Europe and Central Asia; an author of various articles; and editor of the Mennonite Historical Bulletin (1995-2005) and Gathering at the Hearth: Stories Mennonites Tell, published by Herald Press in 2001.
He is married to Michele Miller Sharp, a 1974 graduate of Hesston College, now a physician assistant in family practice. They have three adult children: Erin is a graduate of Goshen College, teaches elementary music in Denver public schools, and plays violin in the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra. M.J. (Michael) is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, and is a graduate student in international conflict resolution at the University of Marburg, Germany. Laura is a graduate of Hesston and Goshen colleges, is currently a graduate student at Wichita State University, and is employed as a social worker.
Sharp has been an instructor of Elderhostel classes on Amish life and culture; a tour leader for Anabaptist heritage tours to Europe and Central Asia; an author of various articles; and editor of the Mennonite Historical Bulletin (1995-2005) and Gathering at the Hearth: Stories Mennonites Tell, published by Herald Press in 2001.
He is married to Michele Miller Sharp, a 1974 graduate of Hesston College, now a physician assistant in family practice. They have three adult children: Erin is a graduate of Goshen College, teaches elementary music in Denver public schools, and plays violin in the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra. M.J. (Michael) is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, and is a graduate student in international conflict resolution at the University of Marburg, Germany. Laura is a graduate of Hesston and Goshen colleges, is currently a graduate student at Wichita State University, and is employed as a social worker.
Courses Taught
History of World Civilizations I
History of World Civilizations II
U.S. History I
U.S. History II
History of World Civilizations II
U.S. History I
U.S. History II
In Addition …
On leave during the 2011-12 year
What draws you to the field of History?I'm drawn by a persistent need for a frame of reference that helps me understand my contemporary world, and for stories that illustrate and humanize that frame of reference.
What about teaching energizes you?
I'm enegized by the engaging conversations, the probing questions, and the variety of worldviews students bring to the classroom.
How has Hesston shaped you as a teacher?
Hesston faculty and staff profoundly influenced me in the way they took a personal interest in me as a student, and encouraged me to develop and use my gifts. They could see the potential even if I could not! I was given significant leadership opportunities both as a student, and as a staff person after I graduated. They provided excellent role models for student-centered education—in and out of the classroom. Now it is my privilege to try to imitate that modeling.
How will Hesston's History program challenge students academically?
Hesston's history classes will challenge students to think critically about culture and society, to place their own story in the context of the global story, and to read current events in the context of past events.
What are the advantages History students find coming to Hesston?
Students will experience vigorous study in the context of a warm, student-centered social and spiritual environment. Given the nature and size of Hesston College, students will have many opportunities to interact with faculty and staff on a personal and informal level.
What are some of the things students and faculty in this program do together outside the classroom?
This past semester, I took 30 students to a conference in Oklahoma, The "Cheyenne, Arapaho, Mennonite: Journey from Darlington" conference gave students an opportunity to walk on the Washita National Battlefield and hear the story of the Seventh U.S. Cavalry's attack on the sleeping village of Cheyenne peace chief, Black Kettle in 1868. They participated in a traditional ground blessing ceremony for the first "Return to the Earth" burial ground for repatriated Indian remains. They were engaged by leaders and scholars—both Native and non-Native—in reviewing and assessing the historic relationship between Native Americans and Americans of European descent, including Mennonite settlers, missionaries, and school teachers. Such experiences enrich classroom learning—sometimes dramatically.
What do high school students need to know about Hesston's learning environment?
At Hesston there is an uncommonly-persistent effort to nurture and improve ACCESS Lab staff and tutors track the students' progress, and offer exceptional support at every level. We are committed to helping students succeed!