Lindsay Ross
Equinox Staff
After his 40-year run here at Keene State, Professor of Political Science and New Hampshire State Representative Chuck Weed has decided to retire at the end of the semester. Not only is he leaving behind a great career in teaching at the college level, but also leaving a name for himself in the Keene community as well as the state of New Hampshire.
Weed has been actively involved in the community and state since he started working here in 1972.
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“The two best words to describe him would be passionate and committed,” Sociology Professor, Peter Stevenson, said.
Weed was born and raised in Evanston, Ill.; he is a proud father of five and a grandfather to 11.
Back in the early ‘70s, Weed attended a conference in Rhode Island, when he was approached by faculty of Keene State College, where they mentioned an open spot in the Political Science department. Weed has a PhD. in international studies. Since Weed has come to campus, the college has always presented the same demeanor that it always had. Even though the staff has grown, it shows the same qualities that it always had.
“The faculty has grown by about 40%, but it has maintained traits that I think are most important,” Weed said. “That of feistiness, a willingness to engage in very hard work and creative thinking, and contributing to a great place for learning.” He is going to look to become involved in travel courses as well as continue to encourage global awareness, along with other plans that he has in mind.
“I am going to stay busy in legislature and come back to teach,” Weed said.
In the early ‘90s, Weed was appointed by KSC to take part in a seminar leadership. There were around 12 to 15 participants.
“I think it is fair to say that it was an honor to be nominated by Keene State College,” Weed said.
The group traveled to various sports events throughout the state of New Hampshire and saw different venues that represented cultural, economic, and political activity.
“For example, one month we visited the state prison in Concord, where we discussed criminal justice and incarceration in New Hampshire. We also went to Berlin where we met with people who were trying to bring development to this largely abandoned city, as well as the CEO of the Balsams who talked about tourism,” Weed explained.
Among all the work he has done, Weed is also part of the Labor and Industrial Relations Committee of the New Hampshire House. It is one of the 20 standing committees.
He had the opportunity to be a representative of the Disabled Ski Team. He traveled to numerous parts of the world, including Austria and Sweden.
“It was a great diversion in my life,” Weed said. “The college bent over backwards to make sure that happened for me.”
Weed’s passion does not go unnoticed, as his colleagues can’t express enough gratitude towards him and his work.
“The atmosphere he creates is among the best I’ve ever been around,” Mike Welsh, professor of political science, said. “I have never seen him flat out or tired.”
Weed has always been very appreciative of his fellow colleagues and will miss being around them, as he has grown close to them and formed a bond that goes further than a professional relationship.
“I have fond memories of my colleagues,” Weed said. “I can’t imagine a more encouraging workplace than the one I have here.”
Colleagues around him see how much he enjoys the work in which he partakes, and what he is involved in the Keene community.
“He has a zest for life,” Stevenson said.
To show appreciation for his work he has done as a professor, a tree on Appian Way contains a plaque honoring him by a former student.
Since the time Weed has taught here at Keene State, he has had roughly around 4,000-5,000 students. Even though he may not remember each and every person, he enjoys when students come up to him and thank him for taking the time out to teach them.
“I am going to miss time in the student’s eyes,” Weed said. “They mention to me that they have had successful memories of being pushed and challenged.”
“I will miss his voice around campus,” senior Jordan Posner said. “He is definitely the most outspoken professor, and that void will not be filled.”
Weed cannot thank KSC for all it has done for him.
“I appreciate that Keene State College has provided me with a home and an exciting environment in which to have my career,” Weed said.
Lindsay Ross can be contacted at lross1@ksc.mailcruiser.com