Dr. Foulds is the latest addition to University School’s History Department, where he will be teaching Western Civilization courses. Additionally, he serves as the Faculty Advisor for the US News. In order to learn more about Dr. Foulds’ interests and personality, I sat down with him to ask him a few questions.

When did you figure out that you wanted to study and teach history and what events lead you to do so?

I knew I loved history almost from when I was in elementary school. I would take a break from whatever my homework assignments were in my classes, and I’d pick up history books. I loved the stories and the discipline behind it- constantly asking why. You learn one fact and that leads you to ask another one. Originally, I thought of writing history books for people to read. I only realized I wanted to teach when I was in graduate school. Part of what you have to do in graduate school is teach a class every semester, which I ended up enjoying more than anything else.

What’s the one thing you regret doing most, or the one thing you regret you haven’t done?

It pops right into my head. I regret quitting playing the trombone. I was pretty good at it. It’s another language- another way of thinking. I take so much relaxation from listening to music. I wish I could still play it. I would encourage anyone whose playing an instrument to continue playing it.

If you could live in a civilization of your choice, which would it be?

There’s a couple. I think it would be really cool to live in Ancient Athens when it was engaged in the experiment of democratic government for sure. I think being in Italy during the Renaissance period would be cool too. I’d like to see the French Revolution. I don’t think I’d want to live in it though, for the fact that I might not live that long.

Does your status on the social hierarchy have an impact?

Definitely- most of these great eras in history for the vast majority of people are just business as usual. You’re not really taking part in this. During the Renaissance, most people weren’t experiencing the greatness that we learn about on a daily basis

What’s the greatest movie of all time?

That’s tough! I know that one of my favorite movies of all time is- well anything directed by the Cohen brothers. My two favorites of theirs are the Big Lebowski and Fargo. I try to sneak some Big Lebowski references into class every once in a while- see if everyone’s paying attention.

The student body and the faculty are happy to welcome Dr. Foulds to the University School community. Clearly, Dr. Foulds has diverse interests both in and out of the classroom. As the year progresses, I encourage you to get to know him, whether or not you have him as a teacher.