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Alumni Profile: Dr. Jack Weinstein (Class of 1991)

Inspirational Plattsburgh Professor More Than Just A Teacher

Long after graduating in 1991, Dr. Jack Weinstein hasn't forgotten about his favorite professor at Plattsburgh State. Matter of fact, he dedicated his latest book to that professor - Dr. David Mowry, director of the Honors Center and distinguished teaching professor of philosophy.

Weinstein is now an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He has written two books: On Adam Smith (Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2001) and On MacIntyre (Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2003). Both are part of the Wadsworth Philosophers Series.

"One of my great joys was the opportunity to thank David," said Weinstein. "The impact he has had on various aspects of my life is immeasurable. Learning from him was a remarkable experience. Plattsburgh State in general, and David in particular, took me seriously. That was one of the great lessons - to take someone seriously - and that's what I got from here (Plattsburgh State)."

Mowry is very proud of his former student and was truly touched when he discovered Weinstein had dedicated his book to him.

Weinstein went on to get his master's and doctorate from Boston University. He has served as an adjunct instructor at Drew University, Jersey City State College, Emerson College and others.

In 1998, he was the visiting assistant professor at Montclair State University in New Jersey. He then moved to Berea, Ky., where he also served as a visiting assistant professor. In 1999, he traveled west and became a faculty member at California State University at Fresno. He is now in Grand Forks at the University of North Dakota and said he likes being a professor.

A Shared Love Of Teaching

"I love teaching," Weinstein said. "A professor is much more than a teacher. In terms of students, I love being a catalyst of discovery. The process of watching a student have an intellectual breakthrough is an honor as well as a gift. I've dedicated my life to the tension between the intellectual and the practical."

Weinstein keeps busy with several other professional activities including being a commentator for North Dakota Public Radio, a regular columnist for the largest newspaper in the state, Fargo Forum, and a referee for the Journal of Value Inquiry.

Weinstein visited his alma mater with his wife, Kim, who is an assistant professor of English at the University of North Dakota.

"Kim has had a incredible influence on my work," said Weinstein, who first met Kim at a new faculty orientation at California State. "I talk about my experiences at Plattsburgh State all the time. It was fun to show her around the campus."

Weinstein keeps an issue of Cardinal Points, Plattsburgh State's student newspaper, in his office in North Dakota. While a student, he worked for the student newspaper.

"Things are the same and things are different," Weinstein said concluding his trip. "It has been a very good time to reflect on who I've become and to give something back. I am very, very pleased to be associated with Plattsburgh State."

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