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����ʦapp Faculty Spotlight: Kevin Thomure

For Kevin Thomure, history is more than names and dates—it is the American story, and he believes every student is part of it.

As a History and Political Science instructor at ����ʦapp, Thomure has spent the past 24 years helping students connect the past to the present while building skills that extend far beyond the classroom. At ����ʦapp, he teaches History and American Government courses while also serving as Division Chair for Business, Behavioral Sciences, Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Education, and Physical Education.

“My teaching philosophy centers on helping students learn how to think, not simply what to think,” Thomure said.

Originally drawn to teaching because of his fascination with the people and ideas that shaped America, Thomure says he wants students to engage in active learning and understand their place in the ongoing American story.

“I have always been fascinated by the stories, ideas, and people that shaped American history,” Thomure said. “Connecting to courageous people of the past helps explain the present and challenges us to think about the future.”

His classroom style blends discussion, primary sources, historical speeches and letters, interactive games, and even movie clips to make lessons engaging and memorable for students.

“I want to make history come alive and hook students to how it can be fun, thoughtful, and entertaining,” he said.

Thomure holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Pittsburg State University and a Master’s Degree in American History and American Government from Ashland University. Throughout his 24 years in education, he says his greatest accomplishment has simply been the opportunity to teach and mentor students.

At the center of his work is student success.

He strives to create a classroom environment where students feel supported, comfortable asking questions, and confident participating in discussions. Beyond academics, he encourages students to become thoughtful communicators, respectful listeners, and critical thinkers prepared for life beyond the classroom.

“One piece of advice I always give students is to start with what you have in common with someone and work from there,” Thomure said. “Listening and asking thoughtful questions are often more productive than trying to win an argument.”

He also encourages students to embrace challenges and not fear failure.

“Don’t be afraid to go for it all and fail,” he said. “Many successful people will tell you they learned the most from their failures.”

One of the most meaningful moments in Thomure’s teaching career came recently when a student stayed after class and shared how his storytelling and classroom discussions made historical figures and events feel real and alive.

“It made me smile and laugh,” Thomure said. “I want students to connect with history in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and memorable.”

Thomure says he was drawn to ����ʦapp because of the close-knit campus community and the opportunity to work closely with students.

“����ʦapp gives students the opportunity to learn in a more personal and supportive environment where faculty and staff truly know their students,” he said.

He says one of the things he enjoys most about ����ʦapp is the relationships built across campus. “We are all on the same team and get to be a part of something pretty special,” Thomure said.

Outside the classroom, Thomure enjoys spending time with family, reading, cycling, visiting historical sites, and continuing to learn through seminars and research. History and government are not simply subjects he teaches—they are lifelong passions.

And if he were not teaching history?

“I would most likely be giving tours in a museum somewhere… or be busy being a game show host!” he joked.

Mr. Thomure’s passion for education, dedication to student success, and ability to make learning engaging make him a true blessing to his students, fellow faculty, and staff at ����ʦapp. His enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to helping students grow both academically and personally have made a lasting impact across campus, and we are incredibly thankful to have him as part of the ����ʦapp family.

Thank you, Mr. Thomure, for your dedication to students, your passion for teaching, and the positive difference you continue to make at ����ʦapp every day.