July 19, 2019
Duntz joins College of Education advising team
TJ Duntz joined the College of Education last month as the newest academic advisor in the Center for Student Success, and in many respects, he has this position because of the relationship he built with his academic advisor as an undergraduate student.
"Mechelle Martinez was my advisor, and I always appreciated her insights and professionalism," Duntz said. "That's really when I first thought advising would be an interesting field, so I eventually decided to pursue it for my master's. When I came across this position, it all fit together."
Duntz brings seven years of classroom experience to his position. He taught math at Junction City Middle School from 2012-17 then at West Middle School in the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools for the last two.
Roger Schieferecke, assistant dean and director of the Center for Student Success, said Duntz's classroom experience and calming presence will be a tremendous asset working with undergrads.
"I am excited that TJ has joined our talented advising team," Schieferecke said. "Our current, former, and future EdCats, as well as our educational partners, will benefit greatly having him as a key member of the College of Education."
Education runs in the family. Duntz's grandfather, Terry, was an English teacher and principal, and his father, Joe, was a math teacher who ended his career as a high school guidance counselor. Duntz's brother, Dustin '06, is a guidance counselor at Manhattan High School and, like his father and brother, started his career as a math teacher.
"Education is in my blood, and I always wanted to follow in my family's footsteps and that led me to the K-State College of Education," Duntz said. "I think becoming an educator worked out perfectly for my life and career, and I couldn't be happier to be back at K-State."