Skidmore Spotlight: Amon Emeka

Amon Emeka is an associate professor of sociology who teaches courses on population dynamics, immigrant adaptation and statistical methods. 

When he is not on campus, Emeka is likely on his mountain bike in the backwoods or “on the buttery smooth Tri-City BMX track in Rotterdam.”

It’s not just a hobby, Emeka is a decorated competitor, recently zooming into first place in a New York State BMX championship.

“I love BMX! When I head full-out to the first jump, I feel like my 10-year-old self, like there is nothing else in the world but a jump in front of me and guys on either side of me trying to get to that first turn before I do. I will admit that I do not feel like I am 10 when I fall, but that’s what pads are for,” said Emeka.

Recalling his championship run, Emeka said, “I passed through the preliminary round without much trouble, but in the final, a ‘kid’ got to the first turn first and ‘closed the door’ on me at every turn after that. He left me just enough room to make a move coming out of the last turn and I took the race by a wheel.”

Before joining Skidmore in 2013, Emeka taught at the University of Southern California but he “always longed for smaller, more engaged classes.” 

“While some enjoy the anonymity of a large campus, I prefer the intimacy and familiarity that our small campus facilitates,” said Emeka. “Being a professor at Skidmore is just how I imagined being a college professor when I was in school.”