By Jaqueline Burke:
For 33 years, Professor Jim Krupa has been much more than an educator—he has been a master storyteller, weaving the grand narrative of life's evolution for undergraduate students. As he steps away from the lectern, we celebrate a career that has illuminated the complex web of evolution, sparked curiosity, and inspired wonder in the hearts of young learners.
Much like Charles Darwin, whose transformative ideas reshaped our understanding of life's diversity, Professor Krupa has inspired undergraduate students to see the world through the lens of evolutionary biology. His lectures were never dry recitations of facts, but captivating journeys through time, painting vivid pictures of ancient landscapes and the creatures that once roamed them.
In the spirit of Aldo Leopold, Professor Krupa instilled in his undergraduate students a land ethic—teaching them to honor the delicate balance of ecosystems. He helped young minds understand that life is not isolated, but interconnected, and that preserving these relationships is vital to sustaining the planet. His advocacy for conservation has been a call to action, reminding students of their responsibility as stewards of the Earth.
Much like Wendell Berry's call to find our place in the natural world, Professor Krupa encouraged undergraduates to see themselves as part of the vast, intricate tapestry of life. To understand evolution is to understand our own story and our role in shaping the future of life on Earth. His passion for the natural world has left an indelible mark, inspiring students to embrace their shared responsibility for the future.
As he retires on December 31, 2024, Professor Krupa leaves behind more than just a legacy of academic achievement. He has planted a forest of curiosity in the minds of undergraduate students, each question sparked, and each moment of awe ignited will grow into future discoveries and conservation efforts. His teachings will continue to echo in lecture halls and laboratories, as the passion he sparked fuels the next generation of evolutionary biologists and conservationists.
Professor Krupa, your impact on undergraduate education is immeasurable, and your stories will live on in all the minds you've touched. As you step into this new chapter, know that the ripples of your work will continue to shape the world for years to come. Thank you for 33 years of inspiration, dedication, and for showing undergraduate students the beauty in the ever-unfolding story of life.
Service to the Community:
- Management of UK Mathews Garden: 2000–present
- Management Consultant for Hazeldell Nature Preserve: 2012–present
- Science Advisory Committee, Living Arts & Science Center, Lexington: 2012–present
Academic Career at University of Kentucky:
- Professor: 2013–present
- Associate Professor: 2002–2013
- Assistant Professor: 1996–2002
- Assistant Research Professor: 1991–1995
- Postdoctoral Researcher: 1989-1991
