CCPS 2011-12
Excellence in Teaching
Award
2007-08 Governors Teaching Fellow
1982 NCAA D-III Football
Champion
I served 4 years in the United
States Marine Corps. I studied at the University of West Georgia (BBA), Keller
Graduate School of Management (MBA), and Nova Southeastern University
(Ph.D.). All three of my degrees are in Information Systems. I have over 15
years of corporate Information Systems experience; working concurrently at
Emory University's Organ Transplant Department, Piedmont Hospital's
Transplant Program, LifeLink of
Georgia an Organ & Tissue Procurement Organization, and Egleston Hospital's
Transplant Program. I started my teaching career in 1997 at
Mercer University as an Adjunct Instructor, and I started full time in 2001.
Teaching
“Failing to plan is a plan to fail.” E.H.Jones
As an educator, my greatest pleasure is watching adult students grasp the knowledge that is presented and engaging in the continuous learning process with them. I aspire to bring forth in each student the desire to learn new concepts, the motivation to improve on his/her weaknesses, and the drive to complete his/her education. These skills not only make successful students, they will also help them succeed in lifelong endeavors.
There is nothing more rewarding than helping improve the life of a student through education. Adult students seem to learn more from teachers’ actions rather than their words. My obligation as a teacher is to instill, through my deeds, the importance of organization, preparation, respect for others, professional ethics, problem solving skills, and, most importantly, an enjoyment for learning.
Most knowledge obtained by adult students is done outside the classroom through homework, projects, and studying. As such, I am compelled to be more of a facilitator than a lecturer. I must not drill facts but instead ignite a student’s desire to learn. I can only introduce a perspective and then attempt to guide students through complex concepts.
I recognize the importance of creating a learning environment where students feel safe to contribute, comfortable to criticize, and self-confident enough to ask questions. Every class has a separate personality. It is my duty to create a balance between course content and the interests, needs, and capabilities of students. The syllabus and course outlines provide structure for a course, but they should not be so rigid as to inhibit the creativity of a class. It is my hope that they will discover for themselves how to implement fundamental IT concepts, technical principles, and general guidelines.
I am a firm believer that student assignments should be clearly stated so students will know what is expected of them throughout the course. I try to fulfill my responsibilities and clearly convey what I expect from them. Cheating on any assignment or examination ultimately hurts the student. Cheating masks weaknesses; thus preventing the assessment of areas where the student needs help. Furthermore, cheating and lying violate the trust between teacher and student. Such a distraction only hinders the overall learning process.
In order for a class to be successful, the instructor must be able to captivate and involve the students. Simple ways I achieve this are through the use of video conference, laboratory demonstrations, chat sessions, blogs, videotapes, humor, and enthusiasm. As a former Marine, motivation is the key to instilling a sense of urgency to the learning process. To achieve urgency, I regularly center classes around group discussions both online and in class. I also require a written paper and at least two oral presentations during each session. Being able to write well is very important, but being able to communicate and present those thoughts verbally to peers is the pinnacle to a successful career.
As a teacher I am not afraid to learn from students. Working with Mercer’s adult population creates an arena in which I am able to grow and learn as well. Each class I teach gives me insight on how to design the next syllabus. I am constantly instituting new and exciting ways to present subject matter concepts to adult learners. Being a professor is a challenge; but it is invigorating, and it gives me a great sense of satisfaction.
Finally, I am proud to be a
participant in Mercer’s education of adult students. Perseverance,
encouragement, and proper guidance are essential to helping adult students
complete their educational goals. I always enjoy graduation ceremonies
because they afford me the opportunity to witness first hand how educating
one touches many.
