Devoted. True Pomeroy. An advocate for students. Lives out the virtues of social justice. Legend.
These are just a few of the words and phrases that students, alumni, staff and fellow faculty have shared about Paul Salstrom, Ph.D., who is known to everyone simply as ‘Dr. Paul,’ as he retired following 26 years of teaching at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
“Dr. Paul has been a favorite faculty member for so many students. He knows them by name and cares for them as people as well as students. I have always admired his dedication to The Woods, and I consider him to be a friend. I’m proud to know him!” said Dottie King, Ph.D., president.
He began his service to the College as an assistant professor of history in August 1994, being promoted to associate professor in August 2000 and awarded tenure in August 2003. Dr. Paul was promoted to the rank of professor emeritus upon his retirement at the end of the semester in May 2020.
Dr. Paul received his Ph.D. from Brandeis University in Comparative History in 1988 and taught at Brandeis University, Massachusetts Bay Community College, Marshall University, Black Hawk College and West Virginia University before his arrival at SMWC.
According to Izzy Reel, a senior from Sullivan, IN, “Dr. Paul is one of most unique professors I’ve had at SMWC. His sense of humor is fantastic, and I’ve loved hearing his stories of what he’s experienced throughout his life.”
As one of the first history majors at the beginning of Dr. Paul’s career in the mid-1990s, alumna Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98 shared that she and Dr. Paul spent a great deal of time together throughout her four years. His unique approach to teaching history helped Saunders declare her major and become his advisee.
Saunders recalled, “I always loved my history classes in high school, but I was not certain this was the field I wanted to study in college. After taking two of his classes in the second semester of my freshman year, I was hooked! His teaching style was distinct and nothing like what I had ever experienced prior to his classes. He forced me to slow down and think differently. I enjoyed the challenge, particularly linking historical events and figures”
Outside the classroom, you might find Dr. Paul in the stands as he is known for never missing an opportunity to cheer on the Pomeroys, including waiting at 3:30 a.m. to congratulate teams returning home from nationals, which he did this spring.
“He is truly our super fan!” said Deanna Bradley, athletic director at The Woods.
“With more than 1,900 athletic departments throughout the United States, many have what they call ‘super fans,’ but to us, Dr. Paul is much more,” said Bradley, noting that he is present at nearly every home game for every sport – rain or shine. “To all of us, Dr. Paul represents the spirit of Pomeroy Athletics. His love and support are evident. He is there encouraging and making our teams feel supported.”
During his years at SMWC, he has taught a wide variety of courses, including world and U.S. history, Indiana and Appalachian history and graduate-level courses in the Earth Literacy Program.
He has received nine grants and three fellowships, with more than 25 publications, and a large number of conference presentations and book reviews. His publications include two major books: Appalachia’s Path to Dependency, Rethinking a Region’s Economic History; and From Pioneering to Persevering, Family Farming in Indiana.
Alumnus Nathan Stroup ’19, who transferred to complete his degree at The Woods after his college, St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer closed at the end of the 2016-17 academic year, Dr. Paul was not only a professor, but a mentor and friend who says Woods alums, past and present, are likely to put Dr. Paul at the top of the list for having had a meaningful impact on their education.
“Within the first few weeks of me transferring to SMWC… Dr. Paul went out of his way to introduce himself and welcome me to the Woods, which started a friendship that still holds strong to this day. Dr. Paul has been able to continuously amaze his students with not only his superior intellect, and stories from his unique personal and academic background, but his dedication to seeing them succeed both inside and out of the classroom,” said Stroup. You can read more about Stroup’s reflection in his blog on ‘From the Avenue.’
“As I look over the numerous books, notes and emails we have exchanged over the years, as well as photos taken at my senior dinner, ring day, graduation and homecoming, I realize how truly blessed I am to know Dr. Paul,” explained Stroup. “Dr. Paul truly is a dedicated servant to The Woods, that is fully devoted to her success. He is selfless, and always puts the needs of his students above himself. Through my interactions and guidance from him, I know that I am not only a better student, but a better Catholic as well. I am forever grateful for Dr. Paul.”
According to Janet Clark, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and student life, “Dr. Paul gives his all in the classroom and is always willing to meet individually with students to give extra help. He attends nearly every student event concerts, recitals, presentations and of course, athletic events – Dr. Paul is there cheering students on, academically, athletically and supporting them emotionally as an engaged and caring professor.”
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Dr. Paul has been the faculty sponsor for the Peace and Justice Committee for many years, working with students to make a difference in the lives of others through their dedicated service, living out the College’s value of social justice.
“Dr. Paul has devoted much of his life to SMWC and his students, and I expect him to remain engaged with students and the campus for many years to come,” said Clark.