Academic Information

• Ph.D., Capella University, 2004, Higher Education Leadership, Dissertation: Exploration of Leadership Competencies Needed by Future Illinois Community College Presidents
• M.S., Capella University, 1999, Education Emphasis Adult Education, Thesis: Cultural Impact on a Mexican Family Literacy Project
• B.A., Western Illinois University, 1996, Liberal Studies
• A.A., Kaskaskia College, 1980, Liberal Studies

Biographical Information

I am proud to say that I am a community college graduate who has made higher education my vocation.  I have served in a community college setting for 15 years and am currently employed as a Visiting Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership graduate program at the University of Illinois at Springfield.  Currently, I teach research to educational professionals. My specific focus is helping educators understand how to become good consumers of educational research.  My job responsibilities at the community college included administering and teaching adult basic education, ESL, and adult and family literacy students; directing Career and Employment Services specializing in services for non-traditional students; and serving as Dean of Continuing Education and University Alliances.  I have also served as a trainer for regional and bi-state literacy organizations. I was named Illinois Adult and Continuing Education Support Staff of the Year in 1998 and received the Illinois Council for Continuing Education and Training Leadership Award in 2005.  As a part of my professional development in the community college system, I have authored and managed numerous grant programs, as well as authoring articles and prose for a variety of non-fiction popular publications.  My most recent publications in academic journals include leadership and building partnerships in a community college setting, online education, and multigenerational learning environments.  I am currently conducting research in multigenerational learning environments, primarily within a community college setting.

It is an honor to work with the CCM program and the fine professionals who have chosen to work with community college students as their life-work.  Prior to entering the higher education venue, I worked in business.  This background taught me that partnerships and having a presence in the community is critical to all educational institutions.  It is my hope that you will find your place within your community as you endeavor to influence and lead others through your work with your community college.

Certifications

• Master Online Teacher, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana
• Career Specialist, University of Illinois at Springfield
• Teaching English as a Second Language, Winfield College
• Retail Management, University of Arkansas

Specialization

• Higher Education Leadership and Management
• Educational program planning specifically in adult basic, continuing, and community education
• Teaching and learning of adult students
• Multigenerational Learning Environments
• Practical Applications of Research