I’ll Be There for You: The Social Sciences “Friends” of Paris Junior College
If you’ve ever watched the TV show Friends, you know the magic wasn’t just in the jokes or the coffee shop—it was in relationships. A group of people from vastly different backgrounds, life paths, and personalities somehow came together, supported one another through everything, and became more than coworkers or acquaintances. They became a chosen family.
That’s exactly what working in the Social Sciences department at Paris Junior College feels like.
At PJC, we are a little bit of everything. We come from different states, different towns—some impossibly small and others much bigger than Paris. We bring with us experiences shaped by military service, law enforcement, teaching careers that began elsewhere, administrative roles, graduate work, and life journeys that have taken us far before eventually leading us here. Some of us come to Paris Junior College with diverse experiences and accomplishments, and we choose to bring them here in service of something larger than ourselves—the collective success of our department and this institution.
That’s what makes it work.
Like the cast of Friends, every person brings something unique to the table. There’s the steady, thoughtful presence—always grounded, supportive, and collaborative. There’s the quirky, deeply loyal heart who has watched colleagues grow up, raise families, and navigate life together, reminding us that this department is more than a workplace—it’s family. There’s the witty voice who keeps things light, especially when technology goes haywire or the semester starts to test everyone’s patience. There are the welcoming leaders who set the tone from day one, making sure no one feels like an outsider for long. Much like the characters on Friends, none of us share the same backstory, but together we create something stronger, richer, and far more meaningful than any one path alone.
What truly sets our department apart is the breadth of lived experience each person brings with them.
Linda has served Paris Junior College in nearly every possible role—from advisor to Division Chair—while continuing to teach and mentor students. Ella once played basketball on this very campus and now stands at the front of the classroom teaching the next generation. Brandon transitioned from a career in law enforcement into the classroom, while Ken brings the perspective of a retired military officer with experience teaching at both West Point and now here at PJC. Jon’s journey began in farming before leading him to sociology. Ben contributes steady dedication as an educator, bringing with him nearly a decade of actuarial and managerial consulting experience both domestically and abroad before beginning his career teaching at the college level. Micha also brings consistent dedication to his students, supported by prior ISD service and ongoing in‑person dual‑credit teaching that maintains strong ties to early college experiences.
Kelly, an avid traveler who has crisscrossed the country, teaches history and government from a global perspective. Matt is a published author, conservationist, and teacher, blending scholarship with passion for the natural world. Marla once guided students as an advisor at PJC and now teaches alongside them, while Paul brings law enforcement experience from Louisiana into his teaching. Jeff’s path took him through the corporate world before education, adding yet another layer of insight. Guiding us all is our leader, Rob—a lawyer, former ISD administrator, and now Vice President of Academic Instruction—whose leadership reflects both experience and a deep respect for collaboration.
Despite our differences, or maybe because of them, we mesh. We laugh. We share stories. We support one another through difficult semesters, busy weeks, and the everyday chaos of academia. Sometimes that means celebrating graduations; sometimes it means forgiving backward shirts, mismatched shoes, or the occasional philosophical quote dropped at just the wrong moment. What matters is that we do it together.
Paris Junior College provides a rare kind of environment—one where professional growth and personal growth happen side by side. Here, we are encouraged not only to refine our teaching, scholarship, and service, but to become better people. We build a portfolio of support that spans years of experience and every walk of life imaginable, all united by a common purpose: serving our students and each other well. Our diverse backgrounds strengthen our ability to connect with students in meaningful and authentic ways. Having come from military service, law enforcement, K–12 classrooms, administrative roles, graduate programs, and a wide range of lived experiences, we understand that no two students arrive at Paris Junior College the same way. Many of us have navigated career changes, balanced work and family responsibilities, returned to education later in life, or taken non-traditional paths to get where we are. Because of this, we recognize our students not just as learners, but as whole people with their own goals, challenges, and circumstances.
This shared understanding allows us to meet students where they are and relate to them on multiple levels. Whether a student is adjusting to college for the first time, transitioning from military service or the workforce, juggling family obligations, or simply trying to find their footing, there is someone among us who has been there. Our varied perspectives make us approachable, empathetic, and responsive, helping students feel seen, supported, and understood. In this way, our differences are not just strengths, they are essential to the relationships we build and the success we foster at PJC.
In a world where workplaces can feel isolating or transactional, PJC stands out. It is a place where collaboration comes naturally, humility is valued, and laughter is never far away. Much like the Friends apartment or Central Perk, our hallways and offices are filled with conversation, connection, and moments that remind us why we chose this profession—and this place—in the first place.
So no, we may not meet for coffee on an orange couch, but if you listen closely, you’ll hear the same theme playing in the background: I’ll be there for you. And at Paris Junior College, that promise isn’t just television nostalgia, it’s how we show up for one another every single day.
Dr. Ella Duren
Instructor of Education Paris Jr. College
PJC Alumni 1992