Chris Wheeler, Academic Advisor and Scheduler

Did you know that there is an artistically keen and musically inclined staff member in the Department of English at Arizona State University. Can you guess who he is?

[[{"fid":"15172","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"ASU staff member Chris Wheeler / Courtesy photo","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"ASU staff member Chris Wheeler / Courtesy photo"},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"ASU staff member Chris Wheeler / Courtesy photo","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"ASU staff member Chris Wheeler / Courtesy photo"}},"attributes":{"alt":"ASU staff member Chris Wheeler / Courtesy photo","title":"ASU staff member Chris Wheeler / Courtesy photo","height":"269","width":"404","class":"media-element pull-left file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]You may not assume that Chris Wheeler, who started in his position as English’s classroom scheduler and undergraduate advisor on Halloween last year, was a musical hoot while growing up. But it’s true: not only does he play music, he also builds his own guitars and guitar effects pedals. When was the last time you created your own effects pedal? Talk about hands-on talent!

Wheeler's hobbies include reading about various subjects, especially the history of wars. He also taught this topic in high school before coming to ASU.

Wheeler began playing classical guitar when he was five years old, and in sixth grade got an electric guitar that opened up a whole new world for him. This led him to take up music seriously, so he studied and received a Bachelor of Music (BM) in performing arts management from DePaul University in 2012. During college, Wheeler worked at several record labels as production and marketing/promotions intern; and also interned for a company that set up after-school music programs in low-funded schools.

Wheeler graduated in May 2018, with an MBA degree from ASU's W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU. His research focus was on world financial crises of the last 50 years. We're glad Wheeler chose the Department of English for a "home base" while he pursues his various interests and passions.

Olja Sipka

Photo of Chris Wheeler by Murphy McGary.