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.

Ralph Masi:

I had been an adjunct faculty member at an outstanding university in Northern Virginia, and looked for a change to a program with a more nationally v. regionally based reputation. In addition, a chance to affiliate with a university that placed a premium on faculty with doctorates was a consideration, along with an opportunity to teach across a wide range of graduate courses.

When recruited in 2001, I was an active duty Army officer, and as a serving colonel, heading a large division (of 30-some senior officers) on the Army Staff in the Pentagon. Our role was strategic planning. At that point, I was near completion of a 25-year career, with combat infantry and aviation commands, at multiple levels. I was a high-time attack helicopter pilot (over 1,000 flying hours, and also an airborne - parachute-qualified Army Ranger). I'd also, in the course of my active duty career, received two masters degrees (one as a full time, fully-funded student at Texas A&M; the other on my own time - nights - with University of Oklahoma), a doctorate (as a full time, fully-funded student at the University of Illinois), and a third masters degree (in National Security Studies; Army War College). Upon my retirement, I took a position with the RAND Corporation (Washington Office), where I'm a senior defense analyst.

My own life as a student - particularly while working towards an MPA with the University of Oklahoma extension program in Hawaii - gave me a keen appreciation of the demands placed on "working" students. This, more than anything else, flavors my approach to the classroom and, to my students.

Interviewer:

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

Ralph Masi:

Through some 25 years of active military service (1977-2002) combined with fourteen years of college teaching starting in 1994 (and now, with six years in the private sector as well), the practice of caring, mentoring, accessible, "person-centered" leadership of the men and women in my charge has been at the center of my philosophy. The result, born out over time, has consistently been a motivated, dedicated work force (and, class room) that's able to adapt to life's stresses and strains while still completing - and usually excelling at - its requirements.

My own degree work across a range of disciplines, together with a keen appreciation for the demands placed on working adults, has influenced my teaching philosophy.

Interviewer:

Please explain if you do something special or unique in your teaching and what made you develop this.

Ralph Masi:

I try to maintain a casual, approachable, relaxed demeanor, and am loath to “over control” the classroom and student activities. I also attempt to grade all requirements the day they are handed in.

Interviewer:

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

Ralph Masi:

I take a personalized approach with each student, and that seems to hold a great deal of appeal.

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.

Ralph Masi:

I teach both online and face-to-face classes. I like to teach face-to-face classes given my work hours and children's schedules.

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?

Ralph Masi:

Business and management have always held a great deal of appeal, and when the Army granted my request for fully-funded PhD work in this discipline as well - they award roughly 20 PhD fellowships a year, with the proviso that the degree has to be completed in three years - I knew I had a "calling."

I stay current in my discipline because I work these areas in my full-time position, and publish in them, and also attend conferences and presentations when I can.

What I enjoy the most about teaching in my discipline is the ability to make a real-time impact on organizational problems and on students' outlooks.

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 to teaching your discipline online?

Ralph Masi:

The most challenging part of teaching is balancing university demands with the needs of students -and avoiding potential bureaucratization of their learning experience. Providing sound, constructive feedback to my own supervisors is key to managing this.

Interviewer:

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

Ralph Masi:

Read everything you can get your hands on, in the discipline - and "know what right looks like," as quality graduate-level writing goes.

Interviewer:

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

Ralph Masi:

Accessibility, reputation, and, quality faculty make UMUC an excellent choice for students.

Interviewer:

In your opinion, what makes UMUC the employer of choice for future faculty members?

Ralph Masi:

What will make it the employer of choice for future faculty is the best adjunct pay in the country, as it moves its programs, and its product, to national-level recognition.

Interviewer:

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

Ralph Masi:

Practice person-centered leadership - it counts more in an online environment than most would ever realize, even more so than in a face-to-face environment, in some respects.