Faculty Excellence at UMUC

Interviewer:

Please tell us about yourself—what made you decide to teach at UMUC? What kind of work do you do when you are not teaching at UMUC? Are there any life experiences that have influenced your teaching at UMUC? If so, please share one story.

Joyce Henderson

Prior to becoming a full time  professor for UMUC, I worked for Marriott International as a human resource  executive for twenty years. I also served as the National Vice President of  Human Resources for Volunteers of America, one of the oldest and largest  charities in the United    States in addition to serving on a number of  corporate and nonprofit boards of directors. This background plus my Doctor of  Education degree from The George  Washington University  prepared me well to share my expertise in human resources with a wider  audience. I sought the opportunity to teach at UMUC because the students are  working adults, eager to learn and position themselves for expanded opportunities  in their lives.

For UMUC I serve as a collegiate  professor in human resources for the School  of Undergraduate Studies.  I am also the course chair for several HR courses and a mentor for new faculty.  I was happy to have helped establish the UMUC student chapter for the Society  for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and served as the faculty adviser for three  years. The SHRM chapter helps students network for positions in human  resources, continue their knowledge development in the discipline and for those  who serve as officers, to build their leadership and management skills.

I serve on the advisory team for  the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business’ Center for  Leadership, Innovation and Change. I am also continuing my research interest of  transformative learning in the online environment and have published articles  and made presentations at academic conferences.

In my hometown of Linden, Texas,  I have a second residence and I am involved in revitalization efforts for the small  town. Two recent projects have been a streetscape design for the downtown (new  side walk treatment, street lamps and hand rails) and championing an effort to  open the first public library for the town. I spend holidays and other time  between semesters in Texas with my large  family but also enjoy river boat cruises in Europe and trips to the Napa valley  of California. Since I  live in the Washington DC area, I also thoroughly enjoy all our beautiful  capital area provides.

Interviewer:

How would you describe your teaching style or philosophy? What experiences or person(s) have influenced your style or philosophy?

Joyce Henderson

My style is one of respect for each  student as the individual they are with their own unique set of experiences to  draw upon. I provide the framework and encouragement to learn and support them  in their process. I embrace the UMUC learning model of student collaboration,  active learning, frequent and prompt feedback, time on task, high expectations  and respect for diversity.

I have had tremendous influences in a wide  range of areas. On the business side, J.W. and Alice Marriott, the founders of Marriott  International influenced my business acumen as well as my progressive human resources  philosophies and respect for all employees. I continue to be influenced by the  body of knowledge of Jack Mezirow for transformative learning, John Dewey, Cyril  Houle, Huey Long, Malcolm Knowles and Sharon Confessore in methods for adult  learning. I admire Dave Ulrich for his views on the evolution of human resources  and the vital strategic role it can play in organizations. I believe in Dr.  Ulrich’s quote of a few years ago that "the function of HR has evolved, but not  all the individuals in HR have evolved" is the impetus for my desire to teach  our students about human resources. I strive to assist our HR students with  their evolution. Frances Hesselbein and Peter Drucker have influenced my  leadership style – theirs is a civil and gracious style of leadership I attempt  to achieve.

Interviewer:

What do you think it is about your teaching style that appeals to students?

Joyce Henderson

I try hard to provide course participants with a positive classroom  atmosphere where they feel it is safe to try  new ideas and to share  insights and experiences from their professional lives. In the classroom,  whether online or hybrid, I view myself not just as an instructor in business  management, but as a "coach" and a facilitator. As the saying goes, "Be a guide  on the side, not a sage on the stage." I also try to provide "added value" in  my classes by sharing insights from my several work experiences as well as my  experience in university instruction. As a facilitator, I try to help our adult  students connect the dots between the concepts and theories they learn from  required readings and exercises with their daily work and personal experiences.

I personally have a good time teaching my courses, and I do tell my  students that it is all right to discuss serious topics and relax as well. A  sense of humor is important, and not taking one's self too seriously is important  too. These are lessons in life that I try to communicate to our adult  course participants.

Interviewer:

Do you teach face-to-face, online, or both? Do you have a preference between teaching face-to-face and online? If so, please explain.

Joyce Henderson

I teach both—plus hybrids. I enjoy all  three types. Each is different and has to be designed differently but I adapt  the design to each one.

Interviewer:

Please tell us about your chosen discipline-i.e., what made you interested in the area initially? What do you do to stay current in your discipline? What do you like best about teaching in your discipline?

Joyce Henderson

From an early age I knew I wanted  to work in business so I chose business administration for my undergraduate  (BBA) and graduate degree (MBA). After working as an intern in the human  resources office one summer, I discovered it was a discipline that would be  required in business for many years to come and was one that could add  tremendous value to the organization.

I’m a member of SHRM, am on the  listserv for HR related updates with a couple of employment law firms,  read  Fortune, Forbes, The Wall Street  Journal and The Economist to stay current. I also learn from my HR professional  colleagues. Serving on the advisory board for the UMCP Center for Leadership,  Innovation and Change also helps me stay current.

Helping to build a better  understanding of the HR discipline and an appreciation for how it can add  strategic value to the organization if performed effectively and positioned  appropriately within the organization. I also just enjoy our students!

Interviewer:

What is the most challenging to you in teaching in this area? What teaching strategy do you use when you encounter the challenge? Are  there any special challenges in teaching this subject matter online?  If yes, please explain what could be done to  meet the challenges.

Joyce Henderson

There are a lot of details in the  discipline of human resources–especially with changes in employment laws,  technology, globalization, changing demographics and challenges to existing  laws through lawsuits.  I use case  studies and adult learning techniques to apply the knowledge of HR to the  student’s work places, personal interest areas and their own lives. I use audio  messages, videotapes and team projects as part of the design.

Online classes require daily  participation, good questioning skills and a careful review of the discussion  thread to determine when a statement or question is needed in the conversation.  The faculty must be diligent in answering questions and show active presence in  the classes. This is not a challenge – just a necessity.

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to students who are interested in majoring or working in your discipline?

Joyce Henderson

Join SHRM, volunteer for an officer  position; get to know the HR staff in their own organization.

Interviewer:

In your opinion, what makes UMUC the college of choice for students?

Joyce Henderson

I think the value of our faculty –  being both scholars and practitioners who can share real world experience, the excellent  computer platform, our recently revised degree and course objectives – designed  to ensure our students have the knowledge, skills and abilities to be  successful in their chosen career fields all contribute to the attractiveness  of UMUC. Also, the support we give students with the library, writing center,  the alumni association all helps. In the workplace UMUC has a great reputation  for graduating knowledgeable students with marketable skills.

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to new faculty who are interested in teaching in your discipline at UMUC?

Joyce Henderson

Learn to  use adult learning theory and  techniques while staying current in their discipline and in their technology  skills.