Thomas Haynes
MA German, BA in Music Education | 1990
Used his language skills and experience abroad to advance an international career alongside his military service.
More importantly as our world becomes ever small, the need for Americans to have foreign language ability to truly understand and communicate with people from other cultural backgrounds.
"Since graduating with a M.A. in German in 1990, I’ve had a very eclectic career, to say the least.
Currently I work for Steiner eOptics, a Beretta Defense Technology company, as the International Sales Manager for Europe, Central Asia and Israel. In this role I market and sell specialized Laser Aiming Devices for small arms, Infrared and Thermal Night Vision Equipment, and Covert Beacons for Special Operations, Police and Military units worldwide. This keeps me very busy, as I am usually in Europe or elsewhere at least once a month, sometimes two.
Previously I worked in higher education for over 25 years, as Director of the Modern Language Center and German full-time faculty member at Butler University in Indianapolis, as a Dean and Site Director in for-profit education, and in several positions in International Education including the Associate Provost for International Affairs at Herzing University.
I continued my service in the U.S. Army Reserve after graduation, spending 14 years in Special Operations Intelligence units and as a paratrooper. My wife, who is also from Fort Smith, and I have lived in Indianapolis since graduating in 1990.
My career is proof, that a Liberal Arts degree as tremendous value outside of education. Now more than ever, I believe the world needs the critical thinkers a liberal arts degree provides. More importantly as our world becomes ever small, the need for Americans to have foreign language ability to truly understand and communicate with people from other cultural backgrounds."