The University of Iowa College of Education

Education at Iowa

Spring 2005

Table of Contents

Against All Odds

College of Education Alumni let nothing stand in their way as they pursue their goals and find satisfaction in their careers.

The Long Shot Beats the Odds

Mitch Kelly
Kelly passes along his enthusiasm for teaching to his students.

Volunteering countless hours as the University faculty representative for Iowa football recruiting, Mitch Kelly (BA '87/MA'91/PhD '95) addresses prospective student athletes-eager and gifted young men whose hard work and determination could help The University of Iowa win top honors-and frames his pep-talk with a simple opening question.

"Is this heaven?"

For Kelly, it's about as close as it gets.

To any sports fan, his story raises eyebrows. After his mother drove him to the outskirts of Dubuque , kissed him on the cheek, and let him out on the side of the road, Kelly hitchhiked to Iowa City for his first day of school, and for the next five years represented one of the most powerful sports dynasties in history. With six siblings and a determined single-mom as his anchor, Kelly cheerfully met life's challenges head on.

Mitch Kelly
Kelly drops two weight classes, wins his match, and provides the meet's margin of victory over #1 Iowa State, 1987.

"Based on the fact that as a college freshman he walked on to the toughest college athletic program of all time and never wavered," said legendary Iowa Wrestling Coach Dan Gable, "and the fact that he'd fill in when the team needed him, sometimes dropping two weight classes and saving the meet for us-Mitch Kelly knows sacrifice."

For Iowa 's incoming athletes, Kelly makes a strong first impression. He assures prospective students that Iowa 's coaches become personal mentors, and that truly great leaders are great leaders both on and off the field, mat, or court.

"I still use Coach Gable and Coach Ferentz as mentors myself, so it's an easy sale," Kelly says.

"Dr. Kelly's message to potential student athletes carries significant relevance because he has been in their shoes," Iowa Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz said. "As a former Iowa student athlete, he is a tremendous example of success both on and off the field. He is an intelligent, dedicated, caring, and charismatic educator and his genuine love for The University of Iowa makes a tremendous impression on our recruits."

Today Kelly does a great deal of one-on-one mentoring himself as an educational Psychology lecturer for Teacher Education students. His exemplary teaching has been recognized with the University's and state's highest teaching awards. He likes to remind his own students that he didn't boast stellar academic records when he first enrolled at the University, yet now he holds a doctoral degree.

Teacher Education student Dameon Place said Kelly's class is one of the most engaging on campus.

"I use the educational psychology he taught us in my own classroom," said Place, who is student teaching in Pella , Iowa . "He used such great examples and illustrations in class, it's easy to remember the philosophies and techniques."

"Mitch Kelly has distinguished himself on campus as an example of all that is good about The University of Iowa," Coach Ferentz said. "His passion for the University, for the curriculum, and most importantly for his students, is what drives his teaching success and campus involvement."

Today, Kelly shares his life with his wife, Janine (BS '87/MPT '88), and their four children who hope to attend The University of Iowa one day, too.

"Be careful who you talk to on the first day," Kelly jokes to the room full of prospective freshmen, before recounting with a winking grin how he and his wife of 15 years met as freshmen themselves on their first day of school.

Although Kelly's wrestling days have past, Coach Gable still enjoys spending time with Kelly and his family.

"Mitch Kelly had it when he came to The University of Iowa, and solidified it to a stronger degree as a member of the wrestling team, and still applies this positive philosophy to all aspects of his life," Coach Gable said. "He makes his breaks. He knows how to take the right road to success."

From his podium Kelly looks out at the crowd of fresh faces-athletes accompanied by their own proud parents-and he smiles. Everyone knows that life is what you make of it, that chances are only as good as the person taking them.

"Is this heaven?" Kelly asks again, spreading his arms to encompass not only the University, but all it has to offer. "It sure has been for me."

"Failure to me is failing to try, not failing to succeed," Kelly said. " We used to have a picture in our wrestling locker room at Iowa about three guys who almost made it: Woulda Been, Coulda Been, and Shoulda Been. I don't ever want to be one of those guys".

In the Works...

Billy Baldwin and Kelly
Billy Baldwin and Kelly

I don't have to get a hit every time I do something," Kelly says, "but I put in my best effort and see what happens.I do love to swing the bat, though."

And swing the bat he does. Currently, Kelly is working on two important educational projects beyond his University teaching job. He authored a yet-to-be-published children's book series called Floyd the Firetruck . The books are intended to teach both children and their parents about important fire safety lessons such as checking smoke alarm batteries and having a family escape plan.

"As a parent, I need to remind myself about fire safety, and thought it would be a good idea that while parents read to their children every one is reminded of fire safety," Kelly said.

Actor Billy Baldwin, who starred in the movie Backdraft , has agreed to be the first celebrity reader when the book is published.

"Baldwin, a former college wrestler, is also interested in furthering fire safety," Kelly said. "Wrestlers tend to help each other out when we can."

Kelly and RonTurcotte
Kelly and RonTurcotte

Kelly is also working to put together a feature film on the life story of Secretariat's jockey, Ron Turcotte.

Turcotte, who left home when he was 14 to find work, was sharing a single room with his brother when he watched his first Kentucky Derby with the family living below. A few years later, he was riding the greatest horse of all time to win the 1973 Kentucky Derby.

But after a horse spill in 1978, Turcotte was paralyzed. His courage connected with Kelly.

"The thing about Ron is he never asked, 'Why me?' He lives life to the fullest, including returning to high school to get his diploma after his racing career," Kelly said. "People need to hear his remarkable story of courage, honor, and resiliency."

Kelly also likes the long-shot nature of Turcotte's life. Turcotte likes Kelly's positive determination and extraordinary energy. "Mitch Kelly is one who doesn't let grass grow under his feet," Turcotte said.

   


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