Kirk Prichard

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2003

Current job title and employer and briefly describe what it is you do: I am the Vice President of Programs for Concern Worldwide U.S. Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organization committed to the relief, assistance and advancement of the poorest people in the least developed countries of the world. I work in the programs unit focusing on humanitarian programs and capacity building. This include grant management, business development, monitoring and evaluation, and advocacy – really everything and anything I can do to contribute to Concern’s mission.

Academic experience at Saint Michael's College help prepare you for your career: The liberal arts requirements is a great aspect of the Saint Michael’s experience. I went into college thinking I would be a business major and obviously changed from that plan. This was largely a result of the different subjects I was exposed to through liberal arts requirements. I also feel that the small group discussions and commitment to developing critical thinking skills is key. It sounds cliché but it is much easier to learn technical skills than to learn how to critically think, and St. Mikes does a great job encouraging the latter.

Favorite memory or class from your time studying at St. Mike’s: Maybe not a favorite memory but a lasting one is Professor Siplon’s class on the ‘Iron Triangle’ and how congressional policy is made. It was extremely interesting at the time, but I thought I would never actually use it or see it. Turns out I (unfortunately) see it frequently and always think back to that class.

Completed or are completing a graduate program, please provide the name of the degree and institution: MA in International Relations – International Humanitarian Action, University of Groningen (the Netherlands)