天涯海角社区

Allen 鈥淎l鈥� Dunkleman has spent more than two decades fostering a love for learning and encouraging students to persevere, no matter their background or challenges. A Sociology instructor at 天涯海角社区 since 2002, he is preparing for his last day in the classroom, at least as a full-time instructor. He鈥檚 making a 鈥渧ocational transition鈥� (he doesn鈥檛 like the word retirement) at the end of this year.

Al鈥檚 story is one of resilience and determination. At 36, he found himself at a crossroads, feeling that he 鈥渄idn鈥檛 have the right stuff鈥� for college. That all changed when a retired educator from his church stepped in. The educator, not taking no for an answer, called Al one day and announced he was picking him up and driving him to Virginia Highlands Community College where the retired educator introduced Al to faculty and counselors. He ensured that Al was enrolled in his first three classes before they left. That was the spark Al needed.

Working full-time and taking night classes, Al completed his two-year degree over four years, a journey that ignited his love for learning. Over a period of about 11 years, Al earned his bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees. 聽鈥淪ometimes, it takes more determination than IQ,鈥� he says, reflecting on the long journey that eventually brought him to 天涯海角社区.

For Al, community college is not just a stepping stone鈥攊t is a place of hope. 鈥淭he community college in Virginia gave me a second chance to make a first impression,鈥� he shares.

Inspired by the mentors who supported him during his own education, Al made it his mission to do the same for his students. 鈥淚 had so many instructors who helped pull me up,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I鈥檓 trying to do, reach down and pull these kids up.鈥� He hopes to carry that philosophy forward even as he retires.

He has big plans. Among them is to build a space where he hopes to teach young people the joy of working with their hands. Using reclaimed wood and other materials, Al envisions small groups of kids learning to use their hands and build something, like birdhouses with license-plate roofs. He wants to inspire young people to find the same excitement he felt as a child making things. 鈥淚鈥檓 returning to my childhood, and I want to help kids get excited about making things,鈥� he says with a smile.

Al has seen incredible changes over his years in education, from the rise of technology to shifting classroom dynamics. Reflecting on the challenges of modern teaching, he notes, 鈥淜eeping up with technology has been the biggest challenge.鈥� From computers to online learning platforms like Blackboard, he has adapted, though he admits that if he could just teach without the tech, he would. He credits many of his colleagues with helping him learn new skills along the way.

One of his most cherished memories comes from the fall of 2020, when he taught a small group of high school seniors during a challenging, pandemic-era semester. Masked and socially distanced, Al developed a close bond with the class, who had been together since kindergarten. 鈥淭hey were some of the sweetest kids,鈥� he recalls fondly. On the last day, all the girls hugged him, and the boys shook his hand鈥攁 simple but heartfelt gesture of appreciation that left a lasting impression. As he steps into this new chapter, Al Dunkleman leaves behind a powerful legacy at 天涯海角社区. His story鈥攐ne of second chances, resilience, and unyielding commitment to his students鈥攚ill continue to inspire generations of learners. With plans to build his woodworking center and teach evening classes for adults at the Arts Council, Al鈥檚 journey in education is far from over. 鈥淚t鈥檚 surreal to think it鈥檚 time,鈥� he says of his upcoming retirement. And though he may be stepping away from the classroom, he鈥檒l always be a teacher at heart, ready to reach down and pull up the next generation.