The greatest thing I can do as an instructor is to teach my students to think for themselves and to questions the things that they’ve been taught and/or assume as the truth, the “systems” they’ve grown up in, and to decide for themselves whether or not those beliefs are valid and logically sound ones. It is important for students to be exposed to a broad spectrum of ideas and arguments so they can learn to be critical and independent thinkers. In addition, I believe that it is my duty to prepare students for the real-world situations they may find themselves in and expose them to contemporary thoughts and conversations as active thinkers and citizens within their given communities and our society as a whole.
Degrees Earned:
Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication (A.B.D. status), Colorado State University.
M.A. in English Literature and Language, Central Michigan University (1999).
B.S. in English and Philosophy, Central Michigan University (1997).
Previous Teaching Experience:
Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Northeastern Junior College, Jan. 2014 – May 2014.
Adjunct Professor of English and Literature, American Public University, March 2010 –present.
Adjunct English Professor, Muskegon Community College, August 2011 – December 2013.
Graduate Teaching Instructor, Colorado State University, August 2008 – May 2012.
Assistant Professor of Journalism and English, Northeastern Junior College, August 2006 – June 2008.
Memberships/Affiliations/Awards:
Modern Language Association
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Association for Practical and Professional Ethics
Publications:
Runner-Up, Carol Burnett Award for “Reconsidering Transparency: Finding a Coordinated State in a Disoriented Concept.” Media Ethics division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (August, 2010)
Winner, 2005 Michigan Press Association Better Newspaper Contest “Road-end Drownings.” Second Place Spot News Story award; October 2, 2005.
Contributing poet: “Love Poem No. 12,” Nov. 2004-05. North Atlantic Review, North Eagle Corp. of New York.
Additional Info:
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Conference Denver, CO Presenter: August 2010.
Association of Practical and Professional Ethics Convention Cincinnati, OH Presenter: March 2010.
Modern Language Association Annual Convention, Chicago, IL Participant: December 2007.
Professional Development Grant to attend MLA Conference in Chicago Northeastern Junior College; October 2007.
Distance Learning Online Developmental Grant Northeastern Junior College; October 2007.
Contributing Editor: November 1998. The Poetry Writer’s Toolkit, NTC/Contemporary Publishing Company.
