John Taylor

Taylor is a Drury graduate with a bachelor’s degree in German language and literature. He holds a Ph.D. in German linguistics and a master’s degree in German and European studies from Georgetown University, is an assistant professor of German at Drury and serves as the school’s director of European studies.

He’s also a Sam Walton Fellow with Drury’s Students in Free Enterprise team.

In 2005, Taylor helped lead Drury’s SIFE team to a national championship, something he feels is one of his greatest accomplishments.

“I have been honored to share in their success as two-time national champion and World Cup runner-up,” he said.

Taylor credits his wife with making him who he is today.

“She’s more supportive of my ambitions than I deserve, more dedicated to her own career than I can imagine, and more loving as a spouse and mother than I could have wished,” he said.

Taylor also is enjoying watching his infant son learn.

“Every day there is a new accomplishment and every day that becomes the next No. 1 thing for him,” Taylor said. “I want to help him keep that: The recognition that a good life is a series of small and large accomplishments, and that they should all be savored as a No. 1 thing.”

As a faculty member at Drury, Taylor has led several community service projects including gathering food for Crosslines, mentoring initiatives for Boyd Elementary School students and various service learning programs at Drury.

Taylor also is a member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church and has contributed to prevention efforts organized through the Community Partnership of the Ozarks.

Born: 1974

What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you? A professor from graduate school: “Before you open your mouth, know what you’re going to say. When you’re ready to say it, keep it short.”

What are some stocks that you watch? Gateway, Red Hat, Novell

What’s your favorite Web site? Google, all roads lead from it.