Alumni Spotlight: John Wallis

John Wallis, from left, and Webster professors, Tom Serfass, Gina Jensen and Scott Jensen

Over the past 110 years, more than 200,000 individuals have graduated from Webster University around the world.

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Meet John Wallis, who earned bachelor’s degrees in Communication Studies and History in 2021 and an MA in Legal Studies in 2024 from Webster and is currently an assistant professor at Newberry College.

What enticed you to choose Webster for your degree?

Webster University not only offered me the chance to join an award-winning speech and debate team, but it had small class sizes, unique academic opportunities, and it immediately felt like I was home when I stepped onto campus.

What stood out about your studies at Webster?

The faculty within the History, Politics and International Relations (HPIR) Department were among my favorite professors during my studies at Webster. Each of them came from amazing programs, and with the training at those prestigious institutions, challenged us at Webster to be better scholars. John Chappell, PhD, and Gwyneth Williams, PhD, were two of my favorite professors who taught courses in my area of interest while others in the department contributed to making me a well-rounded student of history. The HPIR Department does not always get the spotlight it deserves, but it is a hidden gem at Webster.

How did your Webster degree help advance you in your career?

Because of my Webster degree, I was able to begin a career in higher education and eventually move into teaching, as well. My MA has opened doors for me and allowed me to step into my current role where I am doing exactly what I have always wanted to do.

What is your favorite part about your job?

Helping students tap into skills they didn't know they had and become stellar public speakers. Seeing that spark that lights up when they succeed is just so rewarding.

What is something valuable you have learned during your career?

Since beginning to work in higher education, it has been so important for me to make friends with the staff here. Oftentimes, staff are overlooked, and there is an imbalance between them and the faculty. However, the staff of a college/university are equally important (if not more so), and they have earned the respect of others around them. Often dealing with struggles facing students and even dealing with parents, the staff are more outward facing than the faculty, and they deserve every ounce of attention that we can muster.

What advice would you give to others who are considering Webster for their degree?

There simply is no other place that I could recommend. Webster's extracurricular activities are unmatched, and its opportunities to study abroad and be flexible with your academic plan match no other. But most importantly, the people you will meet there make it all worthwhile. From the professors who will become your mentors and friends, to the classmates who will become your best friends in life, Webster has a familial feel, tremendous academic opportunities and will ensure that you leave a well-rounded scholar and conscious global citizen.

What is your favorite spot on your Webster campus?

Either the lounge in the Priest House or the fourth floor of the library where the big, tall windows are. Finding a good book or finding a good groove to get into for your assignments, those are the perfect places to get stuff done ... or even to have a good, quick cry before motivating yourself and talking yourself up again.

What has your life journey looked like?

I originally grew up in Neosho, Missouri (a small town in the southwest corner of the state). I now live in Columbia, South Carolina, and work at Newberry College. I grew up in a family that struggled greatly even with two parents who worked full-time jobs. It was never a given that college was even in my future. Neither of my parents had a college education, so when I began the process of searching for colleges, it was overwhelming. Webster made that easier for me. When I graduated from Webster in 2021 with my BA, I returned home to teach. After being pushed out of my job because I am an openly gay man and losing the opportunity to do what I loved, I was lost and devastated. But it was Webster who again picked me back up and allowed me to complete my MA while I was working full-time as a speech and debate coach in St. Louis and as a young higher education professional. Webster has always been there to support me ... especially the Webster Speech and Debate Team.

What was your first job, and what do you remember most about it?

My first job was one that my time with the Webster Speech and Debate team helped me get. Before graduating with my BA, I was hired by Brentwood High School to be its coach for speech and debate. I remember the challenges of coaching virtually (thanks, COVID) and the difficulties of being away from my team physically. But that began to change, and the memories I made with my kiddos and the other faculty and staff at Brentwood will be ones that I remember fondly for the rest of my life.

How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time reading, shopping, planning destinations for my next trip (I do love to travel) or just going out for a fun night in the town to make new friends and just have some fun!

Is there anything else you want to share?

If you are going to make Webster your home for the next four years, don't be afraid to dive right in. Join the speech and debate team, join a club and get involved. You won't regret it, I promise!