Gus Nollmeyer was born and raised in southwestern Montana. After earning his bachelor of science in elementary education, he taught 4th grade for two years in Hysham, MT. During that time he married his childhood sweetheart, Carmen. The two then moved north for an Alaskan adventure. Over the next eight years, Gus taught 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. While he enjoyed them all, he would admit that 5th grade was his favorite. It was while in Alaska that Gus’ heart for brain-compatible education, integrated curriculum, and project-based instruction flourished. He worked as a part-time consultant for Susan Kovalik’s Highly Effective Teaching program and was a part of the team who founded the Tongass School of Art & Sciences—a local charter school.
Gus and Carmen thoroughly enjoyed their years in Alaska. Ketchikan is a beautiful place with massive trees, mountains, and all the wildlife and opportunities afforded an Alaskan beachfront town. On top of this, the family had grown to four after the birth of two sons. They had developed lifelong friendships in the local bible church where they enjoyed serving and worshiping. However, it was time to get the kiddos closer to grandparents. So, the Nollmeyers moved back to Montana where Gus opened an educational business and taught pre-K through 12th grade students.
After two years of struggling to develop economic viability, Gus—recalling a plan to become a professor when he got “old”—decided it was time for more schooling. Over the next three years, while Carmen kept bread on the table, Gus completed both his masters and doctorate degrees. His focus on science education prepared him for the position he currently holds at Eastern.
In the fall of 2014—with the family now numbering five, the Nollmeyers moved (hopefully for the last time) to the Spokane area. They love the community, the kids’ school (Liberty Elementary), their church (Christ our Hope Bible Church), and of course all that Eastern Washington University has to offer.
