Through empowerment, modeling, and my own continuing education (i.e. research), my goal is to prepare hard-working, intelligent students to be critical, to be just, and to care about those around them. When I find myself not participating fully in the learning process, when I sense myself slipping, I recommit by getting back to my mission.
I graduated from Trinity in 1995 with a B.A. in Religion and Communication. After graduation I worked at the University of Maryland for five years. Working in the shadow of the District of Columbia had a significant impact on my worldview and my personal growth.
From 2000-2009 I worked in the TU athletic department, four years as an Assistant Athletic Director and five as an Associate A.D. During my time as the intramural guy I was one of the luckiest people on the planet. Additionally, having an opportunity to follow Jim Potter, my first professional mentor, was an amazing honor.
I am an avid sports fan, but am also concerned about some aspects of the contemporary sport enterprise. I hope that students leave my classes not simply with the "how-to," but also having spent significant time reflecting on the why of sport. As students graduate and enter career fields related to sport or simply become parents of kids who play sport, I want them to consider the social, legal, and ethical ramifications of the choices they make.
I firmly hold that learning takes place, not only through traditional methods, i.e., reading, writing, and testing, but often the most impactful learning takes place through doing. Furthermore, I contend that the role of the educator is that of expert coupled with that of facilitator. Finally, I am convinced that the most effective teachers, the ones who truly engage and connect with students are those who make learning real.