Tomasz Stanek is a mentor and a history Ph.D. student at the Claremont Graduate University and an adjunct professor of history at Chaffey College. He is also an associate professor of history at Victor Valley College, Antelope Valley College, Barstow College and a lecturer at the University of California, Riverside (Osher Institute). He was born and raised near Krakow, Poland. He received his doctorate from California State University, San Bernardino in Education Studies (2012, dissertation: Applications of the 2003 well-educated mind concept by Susan Bauer in the southern California history classrooms), his master’s in liberal arts from Harvard University in History (2009, thesis: Vietnamese diaspora and the newest Asian migrations to Poland in the early 1990s), the master’s degree in business, MBA, from Augusta University (1999). Dr. Stanek is also a dedicated teacher and has strong interests in enhancing faculty development (Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial faculty trips) and student engagement in the field of history, philosophy, and current affairs. Dr. Stanek is fluent in Russian, Polish, and English and his historical expertise focuses on the topics of the comprehensive historical legacies of major events in human history, migrations and diaspora, and educational and pedagogical issues.  

I love to stay active and connected to the campus and the mentoring program is a fantastic way to ease the stress for new incoming graduate students. CGU might be a challenge for returning and new students, especially for those new to California. 

My advice? Don’t be afraid, seek challenge and new environment because the best learning experience and outcomes come from it. Ask questions.