William Winner ’03

Environmental Science

Biography

After earning my BS and MES from Taylor, I spent a year as an adjunct professor at Taylor. Then, I joined the NOAA Commissioned Corps where I have been a commissioned officer for the last 17 years. As a commissioned officer, I have sailed nearly the entire east and west coasts, been through the Panama Canal and sailed throughout Southern Alaska. I have also worked for the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Satellite and Information Service, and the National Ocean Service. My next adventure will be as the Commanding Officer of the NOAA Ship Ferdinand Hassler.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

In 2002, I was part of the Lighthouse trip to South Africa and spent nearly a month in that beautiful country. In 2002, I was also able to take a class in the Black Hills during the summer. We spent the month touring the Black Hills, Yellowstone, and the Tetons. In 2004, I was able to participate in the Chorale's trip to Greece before the summer Olympics.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

I feel like we get to know the professors at a smaller school like Taylor more than you would at a large state school. I spent time in several professors’ homes and some mentored me spiritually as well.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

As a supervisor, a broader base of knowledge and education is a benefit. I don't often use my technical skills, but the larger perspectives that I gained through the liberal arts core has provided a much more fully developed worldview.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

In my career, I have not always focused as much on the particular job that I was doing. Jobs can change a little more easily, especially in government. I have focused more on places that I want to live. However, if you do have options, a bad supervisor can make even a good job unenjoyable. So, try to find people you want to work for—people that inspire and are caring.