Dr. John Golden, Wearer of Many Hats
- Jenna Blair
- Nov 19, 2020
- 3 min read
Dr. John Golden is a known presence on Slippery Rock University's campus. He is a professor within the College of Business, teaching FYRST Seminar, and Law and Global Business, and he "serves as the university's Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Chair of the President's Commission on Sustainability" (SRU, 2020). He is also the managing director of the Sustainable Enterprise Accelerator (SEA), a business consultation firm in Slippery Rock that focuses on sustainability and entrepreneurship. In addition, he practices law as an attorney in Allegheny County. With so many titles, Dr. Golden can be described as a wearer of many hats.
Dr. Golden grew up in Gallitzin, a small town in central Pennsylvania, with his parents and three siblings. He graduated from Bishop Carroll High School in 1972. "My father's advice while I was growing up was to go to school, get an education, and get out of this town," Dr. Golden said. They both knew that he was destined for more than what the small town they lived in could offer him.
Dr. Golden saw education as a passport to escape his small town and improve his life, so he made the decision to apply to college. He attended California University of Pennsylvania, which was called California State College at the time, for his undergraduate degree. Dr. Golden started his undergrad as an education major, partially due to influence from his parents. However, during his sophomore year he decided to switch his major from education to business and political science. This led him to pursue a career as a lawyer. After completing his undergrad, he attended Duquesne University School of Law and graduated with his law degree in 1979.
In 1982, Dr. Golden and a friend started their own law firm in downtown Pittsburgh. That same year, a professor approached him about teaching a business law class at a local university. Dr. Golden agreed, but had only planned to teach for a semester. However, he grew to love it, as he served as an adjunct professor at the university for 23 years. His passion for teaching led him to shift his focus from law to the classroom. In 2006, Dr. Golden was hired as a professor at Slippery Rock University, where he began teaching Legal and Environmental Business, and Global Business.
As managing director of the SEA, Dr. Golden works with SRU students who serve as interns or "ambassadors" for the business. Students work on projects that involve project management, teambuilding, and critical thinking; all skills sought after by employers. The internship opportunity provided to SRU students by the SEA has proven to be beneficial. "Most ambassadors usually get hired right after they graduate," Dr. Golden stated proudly.
A view of the Sustainable Enterprise Accelerator (SEA), located at 165 Elm Street, Slippery Rock, PA.
Former SEA Ambassador, Joy Stanek, shares how she met Dr. Golden, as well as her experience interning for the SEA. "Without the SEA I probably would not have created my company as early as I did, so I owe Dr. Golden a big thanks," she said.
Dr. Golden has many hobbies including gardening, biking, hiking, and reading.
Any advice for students? "Find your gift. Find your purpose. Bring that into the world so that the world will know it," Dr. Golden said, "...and learn how to make decisions."
Dr. Golden stands proudly, smiling in front of a mural built on the side of the SEA building.
Professor, lawyer, managing director, and Master Gardener, Dr. John Golden wears many hats...and he wears them all well.
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