Professor Profile

Professor Thomas Joseph Hoberg of the English department simply prefers to be called Tom. A native Chicagoan, Tom maintains an earnest open-door policy with the diverse people that make up the NEUI. "I really enjoy the fact that there are a variety of people from different ethnic backgrounds and ages, including the older/returning students mixed together in the classrooms here. I also enjoy the freedom allowed in teaching at NEIU. There is a certain amount of room for trying and developing new things."

Hoberg speaks from experience. In 1966, while working as a teacher's assistant at the University of Chicago, he applied for a position teaching composition and the equivalent of general education courses in the English department at NEIU. Back then, NEIU was known as the Illinois Teacher's College.

Tom's interest in teaching started to develop in 1959 while he was working on a Bachelor of Arts degree at Notre Dame. "I had a teacher there that greatly influenced me. I found that I wanted to be like him." Upon graduating from Notre Dame, he served three years as an officer in the military. This service was required in order to fulfill ROTC scholarship requirements. "I next returned to Chicago and completed a masters and doctorate degree at the University of Chicago. I took my time with my dissertation and the Doctorate in general. Luckily, I had the help of a mentor named Stuart Tave, and for that I am ever thankful. Finishing that Doctorate degree, especially the dissertation, was the biggest challenge I have ever had to face in my life, but it was well worth it."

Currently, Hoberg teaches 200-level classes in fiction, drama, and poetry, and 200- level survey classes on both American and British literature. He has taught some 300-level classes in the history of NEIU, but only as needed. Hoberg is, officially, an advisor for students minoring in English and, unofficially, advises any student seeking guidance and answers to their scholastic concerns.

When asked what he enjoys teaching the most, Hoberg quickly replies, "Traditional romantic Victorian-era novels, Arthurian legend, and Science Fiction/Fantasy." Talking about his favorite books and authors seem to make his eyes light up. "I love absolutely all of Jane Austin's works. Fantasy such as the likes of Tolkien. Science Fiction. I love the novel Moby Dick. I would say it's a cosmic novel with a sense of humor. One of my favorite poets is Robert Browning of the Victorian era. Adrian Rick is a great modern-era female poet," he said.

Speaking of fantasy, Hoberg divulges one of his own, saying, "I would love to be able to time travel. Go back in time to see ancient Rome in its glory days. Watch the pyramids being built. Imagine checking out the dinosaurs or Victorian Europe with all its intrigue. I could think of a million different eras and places that would be interesting to drop in on for a while."

And while Hoberg may have to put his dream of time travel on hold for a while, he does have plans to travel to London and Dublin in the near future. "I want to visit these two places that I have read about but haven't seen. I plan on taking my time too. But, I have no plans to retire. I love what I do, and I'm pretty good at it," he said. When asked for advice or tips to spare, Hoberg said, "Love what you read and read what you love. Enjoy and don't analyze. Live life."

Professor Hoberg maintains an open door policy with his students. His office is located in the Classroom Building, Room 2007. His email is t-hoberg@neiu.edu.