When I was in the second grade, I realized that my professional calling was teaching. I have never wavered from that decision and majored in speech communication education in college. Since college graduation I have taught university-level speech communication courses. I am currently co-teaching a master's in liberal studies class at Metropolitan State University. This opportunity fosters my interest in lifelong learning and feeds my need for intellectual challenge. I'm grateful to be a part of this program.

Even after 30 years of serving students in higher education, I can honesty say that I can't think of anything else I'd rather do as my life's work. Among the many things I am grateful for, I am glad to have had the opportunity to spend my professional life as a teacher and foster student success.

Currently, my love of teaching and learning has motivated me to explore the world of faculty development. Since 2000, I have been involved in faculty development. From 2000-2002, I served as co-chair of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Metropolitan State University. For the next two years, from 2002-2004, I served as faculty development coordinator at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Center for Teaching and Learning. In late July 2004, I left this position after serving 2 1/2 years of a three-year term to return to classroom teaching and to complete a doctoral degree in education at Capella University. I finished my dissertation that focused on the factors influencing adjunct faculty participation at a midwestern university. This work may increase understanding of how faculty development centers can best train, support, and retain adjunct faculty who teach online. I hold a Ph.D. in Education with a specialty in postsecondary and adult education.

During the spring 2005 semester at Metropolitan State University, I served as interim faculty development program coordinator in the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). I was delighted to be able to take on this exciting and meaningful responsibility. I currently serve on the CTL Advisory Committee.

In June 2005, I began serving as the Institutional Electronic Portfolio Project Trainer for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. This position enables me to meet with colleagues throughout the state system to assist them with their using eFolio for institutional purposes. I also develop documentation and training materials that will assist users with the eFolio software tool and serve as editor of eFoloWorld News, a quarterly publication that showcases best practices in eFolio software.

In October 2009, my professional path took me to my alma mater, Capella University, where I serve as an advanced learner doctoral advisor--working with students who are writing comprehensive exams and dissertations. My coaching skills and understanding of the Ph.D. journey serve me well in this position

Please tour my site by clicking the tabs on the menu to your left and contact me with your questions about anything you find here.