Brief Biography:

‍Austin was raised in Southern California and attended public school through his 12th grade year. During his freshman year, his grandfather suggested he examine a copy of Imprimis and check out the school. He eventually came to Hillsdale and was soon enchanted by the English and Journalism departments. Upon graduation, he moved to Austin, TX, and taught middle school humanities but felt the need to deepen his classical education. After a brief sabbatical working in political journalism, he returned to his alma mater to continue studying under master teachers and hone his teaching craft.

Research Interests:

Robert Baden-Powell, John Senior, William Shakespeare. He is also interested in the development of Progressive Education and its roots in the tradition.

Recent Professional Developments:

Contributes articles to The College Fix, Chalkboard News, and the Hillsdale Collegian.

Post-Graduation Plans:

I am considering a doctoral program in the humanities or an immediate return to the classroom to help in an upper school humanities role.

Extracurricular Academic Activities:

Outside of the MACE program, I enjoy competing for the Hillsdale Club Hockey team and writing for the Collegian, the Hillsdale College newspaper.

What Brought You to Hillsdale?

Having experienced the many blessings of the undergraduate experience here, I was compelled to return ad fontes and continue my formation through classical education. Other institutions are engaged in the rebirth of classical education, but Hillsdale still remains a flagship in the movement. I knew that, given the rigor of the undergraduate experience, a graduate experience would entail even more constructive challenges.

What Has Been the Thing You’ve Appreciated Most About Your Time Here?

The MACE program has been a wonderful blend of the active and contemplative life. From challenging courses to thoughtful discussions, the program provides a balance of rigorous curriculum while leaving time for rumination. I have been very grateful for the opportunity to engage in leisure while reading great texts, but also preparing to help aid the classical education movement upon graduation.

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