Faculty News “We are what we are because we have been what we have been.” ―
Psychology Professor John Howie, Ph.D., joined the University of Pikeville in 1991 as a teaching assistant, and shortly after, “Howie” became a familiar name around campus. He was promoted to associate professor in 2001 and full professor in 2009. Howie was the coordinator of the psychology program from 1999 to 2019, when he was diagnosed with cancer. Recognizing him for his years of service, the university bestowed upon him the honor and title of Faculty Emeritus during its 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony. Upon graduating from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, he began his journey into psychology at the Goethe Institute in Staufen im Breisgau and Schwäbisch Hall, Germany, in 1977. He studied analytical psychology at the C.G. Jung Institute and Zurich Universität in Switzerland in 1978, before 8
taking root at the University of Dallas where he earned his Master of Arts in psychology and his Ph.D. in archetypal and phenomenological psychology.
“It’s fascinating to learn about the power of dreams, to discover patterns and themes that appear in them and to speculate their purpose in our lives,” Howie stated. “My teacher, James Hillman, taught me archetypal psychology. James Hillman was taught by Carl Jung, who was taught by Sigmund Freud, therefore, I am three degrees of separation from Sigmund Freud.” Howie has traveled the globe extensively, gaining experience in psychology and developing his skills. When asked why he elected to come to UPIKE, his response was simply, “UPIKE chose me.”
The uniquely talented professor has inspired many students in his time at the university.
UPIKE MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2020
Sigmund Freud
"Psychology was the first major that really clicked for me and I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful professor named John Howie,” said UPIKE alum Sara Adkins ’11. “He’s basically the stereotypical eccentric professor. Watching him jump around and change the color of the chalk as he changed topics while he taught made me realize this is what I wanted to do. He inspired me to pursue a career in psychology and earn my Ph.D.” At age 68, he is turning the page to the next chapter of his life’s journey – retirement. Howie intends to stay in Pikeville with his family and continue his passion of ecopsychology by planting trees surrounding a local pond.
“This is what I want to do with my retirement,” he exclaimed as he spread his arms and looked at the pond’s potential. “I want this to be my legacy.”
