Faculty Profile

Sociology Instructor
Division Chair for Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Education/Degrees:

M.A. – Sociology, Western Illinois University, 1997
B.A. – Sociology, Western Illinois University, 1995
A.S. – Highland Community College, 1993

Classes Taught:

Campus and Community Involvement:

Throughout my career, I’ve been actively engaged with College Senate and Spoon River College Faculty Association. Currently, I serve as Division Chair for Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences. Previously, I served as a faculty advisor to Phi Theta Kappa and Kaleidoscope, SRC’s literary and visual arts student publication.

About Me:

I was raised in Lena, Illinois, and I graduated from Lena-Winslow High School. I began my college education at Highland Community College in Freeport, Illinois. Upon earning my A.S. transfer degree from Highland, I transferred to Western Illinois University and earned my B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Anthropology. I remained at WIU to earn my M.A. in Sociology.

While completing my Master’s Degree at WIU, I began teaching for Spoon River College in 1997 on a part-time basis. After completing my degree, I was hired by Spoon River College as an Academic Advisor and I continued teaching part-time. Two years later, I was hired as the full-time Sociology Professor. I’ve spent my entire professional career at Spoon River College. I moved to Macomb, Illinois in 1995 to be a student at WIU, and I never left Macomb.

I grew up in a family that valued and prioritized education. My father worked as a principal in the Lena-Winslow School District, and my mother worked as a substitute teacher. In addition to education, basketball played a central role in my family. During his career, my father coached basketball at nearly every age level within the school district, both girls and boys. I spent most of my youth heavily involved with basketball.

Why Spoon River College?

After graduating from Highland Community College, I was determined to earn my Master’s degree and become a professor at a community college. I was an underperforming student in high school. I didn’t have any direction, long-term professional goals, and I struggled in the classroom. Attending community college was the best decision of my life. The two years I spent at Highland were transformational and provided me the time to mature and explore my academic options. I am not sure what would have happened to me without access to my community college.

I feel extremely fortunate to have enjoyed a long-term career at Spoon River College. I’ve worked with many exceptional teachers and taught hundreds of outstanding students who have helped me refine and improve my teaching.

My Educational Philosophy:

Education is foundational to democracy. Without an educated and informed public who are scientifically and historically literate, our democracy is at risk. Strengthening and improving our democracy is the primary purpose of education. A highly educated public will improve the chances of building a more just, equitable, and inclusive society with citizens who understand the present-day impact of our nation’s history. These educational principles guide everything I do as a teacher.

The sociological perspective is the primary tool I use to achieve these outcomes. The sociological perspective is often absent or misunderstood in public discourse. My job is to help people understand and develop the critical thinking skills that the sociological perspective provides. These same critical thinking skills are invaluable in any profession and are fundamental to long-term professional success. The skills needed for citizenship and democracy are the same skills needed for a successful career.

Advice for Students:

Be prepared to be challenged about what you think, believe, and understand. New knowledge requires adjustment, evolution, and the courage to discard beliefs and ideas that are not supported by the scientific and historical evidence. You must be willing to examine what you currently think and believe. Being an educated person is a voluntary choice. Education will change you. However, rejecting an education will also change you. Make a wise choice for your future quality of life. Educate yourself and embrace the change that becomes you. Freedom and education are inseparable. Finally, don’t prejudge your courses. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find and learn. You’re here to explore your options.