By Lindsey Coblentz

A wise man once said, “It turns out that you’re 5,000 times more likely to get struck by lightning during your lifetime than to win the Kentucky Lotto South.”

This is only one of the many facts that students who have had Dr. Allen Whitt over the years may have learned.

Whitt, who has been a sociology professor at the University of Louisville for 25 years, uses facts such as this to give his statistics students real life examples.

“I like trying to convey something that’s not only interesting, but useful to them,” said Whitt.

Though Whitt may seem like the natural sociology professor, it wasn’t always that way.

“I was thinking about taking a job in the computer field,” said Whitt. “I had been in engineering for a while.”

While studying at the University of Texas at Austin, Whitt took an undergraduate sociology class, reportedly by accident. “That was what whetted my interest,” said Whitt. “I sorta fell into it.”

Since making his career decision, Whitt has no regrets. “I find it stimulating,” he said.

“I really do enjoy seeing the light come on when people get something.”

Students who have had Whitt in class seem to enjoy his teaching style.

“He has a clear, direct, focused and effective style,” said Judah Thornewill, who is studying for his interdisciplinary studies Ph.D.

“He’s willing to answer any and all questions students have, and he’s brilliant,” said Sarah Crockett, a senior sociology major.

With 37 total years of teaching experience under his belt, Whitt has had his fair share of memorable moments.

One such moment occurred while teaching his introduction to sociology class.

He routinely gave out depression inventory tests to his students for their benefit.

One day, he received a phone call from a young woman who had been one of those students.

As it turns out, by taking the depression inventory test she had discovered that she was clinically depressed. She had sought help for her depression, and had Whitt to thank for the help.

“That certainly made my day,” he said.

As a teaching veteran, Whitt has seen his fair amount of change at U of L.

“I’ve seen a lot of growth in the department,” said Whitt.

“It’s getting a fair amount of notice at the national level now.”

After years of memorable teaching moments, Whitt has made the decision to retire.

While he looks forward to retirement, there are certain things he will miss about teaching.

“I’ll miss the engagement with students,” said Whitt.

For Crockett, the feeling is mutual. “It’s unfortunate future students won’t get to experience his guidance.”

For some, the idea of retirement may evoke images of lazy days in bed, but not for Whitt.

“I plan on keeping busy,” he said. “That’s the key to a healthy life after retirement.”

Whitt plans on pursuing his interest in creative writing, especially creative nonfiction, while spending time with his wife and their two Shetland sheepdogs.

Whitt also looks forward to traveling. He has been to over 40 countries and says he’s not done yet.

“I haven’t been to Australia,” he said. “And I’d like to go back to Africa.”

As a retiree Whitt looks forward to the change of retirement.

“My retired friends tell me there’s not enough time in the day to do everything you’d like to do.”