August 30, 2005 issue

I actually did my undergraduate work at Eastern Michigan University, majoring in psychology with a minor in English language and literature. I also graduated from the College of Education, in secondary education; taught middle school for a short time; and then went back to graduate school to further my education in order to pursue a career in clinical psychology.

After establishing a clinical practice in psychology and teaching at several other colleges, I returned to EMU in 1982 as a temporary part-time lecturer. I am happy to say I am still teaching in the psychology department and loving what I do.

I decided to teach at the university level because I love teaching and felt being in the classroom balanced my clinical practice. I came to Eastern because I had very positive experiences as an undergraduate student — wonderful classes, excellent professors and terrific opportunities — and wanted to give something back to the psychology department and the University.  

My favorite thing about teaching at Eastern is the opportunity to interact with the students. They are eager to learn, dedicated and open to experience. Their enthusiasm is contagious. My classes tend to be applied and interactive: that is, I try to teach in a practical way so students can use the information outside of the classroom, as well as learn from each other. It truly makes my day when I run into former students and they say they still remember and use things they learned in my classes.

Teaching at Eastern Michigan University is a joy and I feel privileged to be even a small part of students' education and growth for the future.   

 

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