Continuous and life long learner, Ron Kiker, native of Anniston, AL has had a variety of colorful experiences; positioning him well to support the growth and development of many others as well. Kiker, an active member of the ASTD North Alabama Chapter and Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) recipient, has most recently played an active role in leading a study group to help Learning and Development Professionals in our Chapter to prepare for their own quest for CPLP excellence. However, his background personally and professional did not begin with a concentration in adult learning initially. His road, like that of many others in the L&D field is a curvy one, dotted with a variety of side roads that helped to enhance and shape this influential member of our Chapter.
A graduate of Aniston High School, Ron enjoyed studying the sciences, particularly chemistry and physiology. Even then, the diversity of his interests was obvious, as he was also a dedicated singer in the school’s Robed Choir and performed in the annual school musicals. He was also involved in Church, and credits his faith based teachers with being highly influential in his formative years. When asked about any achievements he was recognized for during his youth, Kiker quips, “Only if you consider the recognition I received for the mischief I got into in high school!” No doubt these experiences also helped to shape his wry sense of humor as well.
Starting with attending Auburn University directly after high school, Kiker’s path of learning and experience continued to wind. Initially, he studied forest and wildlife management and wanted to pursue a career as a game warden or forest ranger because of his love for the outdoors (hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping). After a year of school, he took a break to reconsider his options. Later, while working as a Police Officer with the city of Anniston, Kiker took some classes in Criminal Justice from Gadsden State Community College. He also took some additional Criminal Justice classes at Jacksonville State University while working at the Northeast Alabama Police Academy. Finding a Bachelor’s program in Adult Training & Development initially proved to be difficult. Many schools offer programs in education, but they are largely focused on K-12 training. After a couple of years of research, Kiker found a program at Duquesne that had a concentration in adult training & development, where he is currently enrolled. A Junior with a 3.9 GPA, Kiker is in the School of Leadership and Professional Advancement’s on-line program earning his Bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies with concentrations in Training & Development and Criminal Justice & Forensic Science. His eventual goal is to enroll in a Master’s program in Adult Training & Development. Additionally, Kiker has earned Master Certificates in Six Sigma and Applied Project Management from Villanova University.
Kiker says his life was most influenced by his parents. One of the things that he learned early in life from his father was construction. He was a general contractor and Kiker worked for him many summers as a teenager and young adult. As a result of what he learned from him, Kiker and his wife Carol and were able to build their own house. He specifies, “I don’t mean we had it built. I mean we designed it, drew up the plans, cut every board, drove every nail, pulled every wire, and plumbed every pipe.” A proud accomplishment indeed, and what a great learning experience! Additionally, Kiker has built a couple of barns on his property and also helped a friend of his build an 1100+ square foot, two-story shop/pool house (a.k.a. man-cave). He also enjoys taking care of the 10 acres his family shares with his in-laws. And on occasion, he gets a little fishing in, and a couple of times per year, he fills in for his pastor at church.
Ron Kiker is currently employed as a Process Engineer for Aerotek. He is working on a sub-contract with Sigmatech where uses his lean six sigma skills on a contract with the Army.
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Written by Ana Waters
