Gary Henkel
Short Bio
· I graduated from high school in Maryland in 1963 and attended the University of Maryland. After a stint in the United States Navy during the Viet Nam era, I returned to the University of Maryland to complete my bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems in 1973.
· In 1987, I re-located to Pinellas Park and began my last job at Time, Inc., the publishing division of Time Warner that produces over thirty magazines including Time, People, Fortune, Money, Sports Illustrated, and Southern Living. I worked there as the Vice President of Information Systems until I retired in November 2008.
· Over the years of my career, I spent a great deal of time on one of my favorite hobbies, namely studying American history and visiting historical sites. So, in 1999, in thinking about my retirement, I decided that it would be fun to teach my favorite subject for a number of reasons including: I love golf but did not want to play it all of the time; it would hopefully keep my mind sharp; it would enable me to be around eager and exciting young people; and it would keep me out of my wife’s hair and maybe avoid some honey-do’s.
· I attended the University of South Florida from 2000 to 2004 where I earned my M.A. in American History.
I have taught American History at the University of Tampa and have been teaching American History at SPC for nine years.
· My family is what really defines and drives me. I have been married to my wife Teri for 49 years and have three grown children and four grandchildren with more to come. My daughter teaches high school biology and environmental science and has become my mentor for teaching. My oldest son is a tennis pro and my youngest son is a neurologist (at least he picked something I may be able to use him for).
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· In addition to golf, I enjoy hiking in the mountains. I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2005 and recently hiked the backwoods of Yellowstone. My greatest enjoyment is doing things with my family and of course teaching.
