Biography of Carl Hurley

Carl Hurley is known for his infectious laugh, twinkling eyes, wide grin and the use of humor as a carrier for his message.

Carl Hurley came from a family of "talkers" and he spent endless hours listening to aunts, uncles and cousins swapping yarns that were richly embellished after years of telling.

The idea of "making people laugh" was a fascinating, but far-flung idea. Little did he realize that a career in higher educaton would eventually lead to a career in speaking and entertaining. Carl Hurley's first audience was at his one-room country church when he was called upon to recite a Scripture verse in front of the congregation.

After graduating from high school, he headed to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and enrolled in the summer session and in 1965, he received a bachelor of science degree from EKU and then 1966, he received a masters of arts in education. His studies continued and in 1971, he was awarded a doctorate in education from the University of Missouri in Columbia.

In 1972, Carl Hurley was selected by the U. S. Jaycees as one of the "Outstanding Young Men in America" and he seemed destined for a successful career in education. For eight years he was a professor at EKU and coordinator of secondary education programs.

His speaking career began by accident when in l971, he decided to "liven up" an otherwise boring school conference. One of the men attending the conference, impressed by Carl's ability to wrap humor around a message, invited the young professor to speak for his company. Other invitations followed and, in 1982, Carl Hurley decided it was time to pursue speaking and entertaining full-time. His appearances range from standup comedy to convention keynotes to seminars and workshops. Known as "America's Funniest Professor," Carl E. Hurley shows how change can present problems or opportunities, depending on how we cope with it.

He packs his important message in rollicking packages of stories and anecdotes. His presentation contains a serious and uplifting message about success in any field--a message that success is not a destination but a journey. His goal is to help each individual in his audience discover how to unlock their own potential and become super achievers in their respective profession. You will laugh and learn!

Most Requested Topics:

• Success Is a Process: This program is designed to help employees at all levels develop a plan for working and living that leads to professional growth and development. Based on the idea that success is never final and failure is never fatal. Carl presents a strong motivational message along with emphasis on attitude adjustment. Participants are led to write specific goals with a plan for their achievement.

   

• Coping With Change: Dr. Hurley planned this seminar so that participants will develop a strong belief that change is a way of life, and that those who can accept it and adjust to it are happier and more productive. He emphasizes the idea that we are not helpless victims of change, that we can bring it about and give it direction to our lives.

   

• What Sales People Need to Know About Their Customers: Carl is convinced that those of us who sell goods and services are facing, more than ever, customers who expect quality. The things that make our products and services better are the things that make us a winner. He presents a variety of ideas that set us apart from others with special emphasis on customer relations.

   

• Developing Peak Performance: Emphasis is placed on leadership skills for creative problem solving, team building and the acceptance of change. Carl will discuss a variety of human relations techniques to be used by managers in helping employees achieve peak production.