Biography

Regarding my academic background, I am currently at the final, dissertation stage for my PhD in English from Miami University of Ohio; I intend to defend in January, 2008. My sub-field of rhetoric and composition will be valuable in communicating your desires and interests effectively to the administrative levels of UMUC through Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC). In addition, my dissertation analyzes the levels and types of interaction occurring in selected UMUC Asia DE courses, so my knowledge of the Distance Education (DE) program in general, and my research in particular, will be useful for DE-related FAC issues. I received both my BA (in English literature) and MA (in English composition) from California State University, San Bernardino.

I have been teaching numerous undergraduate English courses for UMUC's Asian Division for the past four years, in both on-site and distance education formats. Before I became employed by UMUC, I taught English courses for Central Texas College aboard a U.S. Navy ship (an LHD). I have also taught at several community colleges in Southern California and at Miami University.

Perhaps my most valuable trait in serving as a member of FAC is a genuine interest in listening to, and learning from, my colleagues, and I suspect fellow faculty members who I know on a face-to-face basis will attest to this fact. In addition, I am friendly and personable, qualities which are valuable in any administrative-oriented arena.

In my view, FAC is an integral component of UMUC; FAC exists to assist with communication and understanding between the world-wide faculty of UMUC and the administrative levels of the University, so that specific projects and endeavors may benefit all of those involved.

In my view, “university growth” is most important to FAC, as I believe that the other areas fall under the domain of “university growth.” For example, specific issues (whether envisioned as concerns or opportunities) regarding UMUC Asia that are at the forefront of my mind, as I write this nomination letter, are the advent of FLEX courses, the administrative promotion of DE for both faculty and students overseas, and the seemingly ever-declining numbers in on-site courses. Rather than put forth specific proposals regarding these issues at this time, if elected, I will use the coming months to determine the views of the UMUC Asia faculty body, and it will be my duty to help derive proposals which reflect these perceptions.   

It is crucial, with the numerous administrative changes taking place within UMUC Asia, that more opportunities become available to faculty, not less; helping to ensure this situation is my primary impetus for wanting to join FAC. 

I do not have as much experience as many of you in reference to UMUC—this is my fifth year with the program—but this fact causes me to have a tremendous interest in the solidarity of UMUC's future here in Asia.

Thank you for reading my nomination letter and for considering me to represent you and your interests as a member of FAC.

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