Toppers R.I.S.E. Director

Education

· Ph.D., Education, emphasis in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development, University of Louisville, 2010

· Graduate Certificate, International Student Services, WKU, 2008

· M.A.E., Student Affairs in Higher Education, WKU, 2004

· M.A., English, emphasis in Teaching of Writing, WKU, 1999

· B.A., History, WKU, 1996

Research Interests

My research interests include academic dishonesty, specifically the differences in cheating in traditional and online learning environments, as well as active learning and high-impact practices and how they improve student retention and learning experiences.

Professional Background

I began teaching my first semester in graduate school in 1997. At WKU, I have taught English, Yoga, First-Year Experience, Organizational Leadership, and Adult Education courses. Prior to my current position, I worked in faculty development for10 years for WKU, last serving as Assistant Director for the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, providing both in-person and virtual training and consultations for faculty who wished to better their skills with technology in the classroom and online teaching. I also facilitated the Graduate Assistant Teaching Institute (GATI), the Part-Time Faculty Teaching Institute, and other Professional Learning Communities for faculty at the university. Prior to that, I was an Assistant Professor of English at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College for KCTCS. Since 2018, I have also served as the project manager for the Master Educator Course, a DELO cohort program with US Army Cadet Command through Fort Knox.

Personal Background

My husband, Robert, and I live on a small farm in Allen County with 2 dogs, 6 cats, and 9 hens. We enjoy spending time outdoors and supporting Manchester United Football Club and England’s men’s and women’s football teams. I also love to cook and bake.

Professional Affiliations

· Association of Leadership Educators: Conference Planning Committee, Awards Committee

· Quality Matters: Certified Master Reviewer and Peer Reviewer, Certified Face-to-Face Facilitator