Assistant Professor, Philosophy

Office phone: (716) 375-2015
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Plassmann Hall 311

• PHIL 104. Introduction to Ethics
• PHIL 111. Critical Thinking
• PHIL 307. Feminist Philosophy
• PHIL 330. Business Ethics
• PHIL 338. Healthcare Ethics
• PHIL 339. Philosophy of Love and Sex
• MKT 309. Sports Marketing
• MGT 329. Introduction to Sports Marketing
• MBA 696. Business from the Pacioli Perspective
• SAM 615. Sports Ethics

• Ph.D., University of Edinburgh, Scotland, 2006
• M.B.A., St. Bonaventure University, 2017
• M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary, 2003
• M.Ed., State University of New York at Buffalo, 1996
• B.A., Grove City College, 1995

• Received “Master Certificate” for online instruction and course development, 2015
• Attended the CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) Faculty Development Seminar: Salvador, Brazil, 2011
• Erasmus Scholar at the University of Tübingen, Germany, 2005
• University Chaplain at Princeton University Chapel, 2001-2002

I started my career in education as a primary school teacher before attending graduate school. Instead of returning to the elementary classroom, I started my career in higher education. I taught in North Carolina as an Assistant Professor Religion at Wingate University from 2006-2013.  I then worked in the athletic department at St. Bonaventure University as Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Support Services while serving as an adjunct instructor from 2013-2018. I joined the Philosophy Department in August 2018.

• Awarded summer fellowship for the Jessie Ball duPont Summer Seminar at National Humanities Center.  Seminar Topic: Human Nature: Ethical Implications of Biological, Cultural, and Technological Transformation, 2007
• Received the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Outstanding Advising Award, 2013 
• Received the NC College Professionals Association Faculty Award, 2008
• Received the National Association of College Professionals Faculty Award, 2009

My life journey through the fields of education, moral philosophy, and systematic theology has enabled me to be creative in my lessons, plan accurate and useful assessment devices, and empower students to think critically and ethically. The years spent training and working as a primary teacher have facilitated the development and delivery of the courses I teach for undergraduate and graduate students.

I believe that all students can be successful if they are provided with the necessary foundation and guidance and have the desire to be successful.

The pedagogical education and experience designing educational activities for young children can be adapted for students in higher education.

The three concepts that I think should be included in university courses are: critical thinking, relevance, and active learning. Critical thinking must be the foundation of university courses if the students are to use the information and skills learned in the classroom in the future as they encounter various situations in different contexts. Active learning is necessary for students to learn, understand, and practice the new concepts they encounter. By infusing the courses I teach with critical thinking, relevance, and active learning, I believe I can effectively guide students through the courses and empower all students at St. Bonaventure University, who desire to be successful, reach their academic goals.

I grew up in the Olean, NY area and after living in New Jersey, Scotland, Germany, and North Carolina, I returned to the area in 2013. I am an ordained Protestant Minister. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors with my Border Collie dogs. I am an advocate of study abroad opportunities and enjoyed being a student at four institutions in the United Kingdom and Germany. 

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