Jan. 31, 2006 issue
I began at EMU in 1990 as a lecturer. In
1993, I was elected to tenure-track and became an associate
professor. Since July 2004, I have served as the interim
department head of history and philosophy.
My strong attraction to EMU comes from my sense of identification with
many of the students. I came from a similar background.
I'm a Midwesterner. My immediate and extended families
all worked in the auto industry. Before I was teaching
and during my college years, I supported myself by working
in an auto plant. So, I understand the very important changes
that occur when you go from a working-class background
to the world of higher education.
I enjoy helping students achieve their life and career goals. I see students
of all ages discover more about who they are, and I get to help them discover
strengths and talents they may not have developed yet. I think that's
the most satisfying part of working at the University.
Eastern Michigan also has provided me with many tremendous opportunities.
From an early point in my experience here, I was able to
travel with Academic Programs Abroad. I went from having
no international experience to having quite a bit of international
experience. I got to know my students better and learned
more about myself. As a result, I've become a better teacher
and a better researcher.
Now, in my role as an interim department head, I'm able, often enough,
to be of service to students. I provide a little advising or assist transfer
students with course equivalencies. I help them progress toward their
degree.
Through interaction I have with colleagues in this department, I feel
I've done a good deal of development as a teacher. The level of intellectual
life of our department is very invigorating.
This is a slogan I put on every syllabus: "Ignorance is the worst
oppressor." Education is the cure.
