Educational

I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University in Technology (Concentration: Electronics) with a minor in Computer Science. My master's degree in Educational Media (Instructional Technology) from Appalachian State University helped me to develop my academic application of the technology skills I acquired through my undergraduate experience. To develop the administrative skills needed in the ever-changing field of technology, I completed an Ed. S. degree in Higher Education Administration from Appalachian State University. Last, I completed a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership in December of 2006 from the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University.

 

Professional

Soon after completing my master's degree, I joined the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University as the Technology Facilities Coordinator (Information Technology Manager). My responsibilities include supervision of diverse responsibilities that include the supervision of full-time staff, graduate and undergraduate students, management of technology facilities and infrastructure, and supervision of a 500 plus item Media Lab checkout inventory, collaboration with partner institutions to develop technology facilities, and coordination of resources to enhance the effective use of technology in education. Under the umbrella of the Dean’s office, I have gained valuable experience working with academic, administrative, budgetary, and personnel policies and procedures.

 

I have an array of teaching experience. I have taught formal courses on the topics of web page design, advanced web design, integrating computer technology into instruction, and internship supervision at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and Appalachian State University. . In my technology facilities coordinator capacity, I have continual opportunities to educate faculty, staff, and students in serendipitous “just-in-time” situations. I feel that these opportunities often prove the most rewarding educational experiences, given that users have a real need and desire to resolve an issue. Teaching opportunities present themselves to me through my efforts to assess the technological needs of faculty, staff, and students. As a result, I often provide workshops and training sessions covering new technologies, applications, and instruction pedagogy. In my work with undergraduate students, graduate students, and staff, I am often provided teachable moments concerning academic, administrative, and technical topics.

 

I have served as an adjunct faculty member for the Instructional Technology program in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies. I have taught in a variety of environments. I have a great deal of experience using online collaborative environments. My experiences include the use of online learning environments such as AET zone (virtual world), Skype, Centra, discussion boards, blogs, wikis, and other synchronous and asynchronous tools to collaborate with colleagues and students. My use of such tools varies from impromptu discussions to formal presentations and conversations with guest speakers. The use of Internet based three-dimensional worlds such as AET are creative and interactive environments for faculty to engage students from a distance. Experiences in these interactive environments have proven beneficial given the recent emphasis on learning from a distance at Appalachian State University.

 

Personal

I am a native North Carolinian. I grew up in Advance, NC, where I attended Davie County High School. While attending Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, I met my wife Tammy. We grew to love the the quiet rich culture of Boone and decided to make Boone our home. We currently live in Boone with our 10-year old daughter, Kiersten and 7-year old son, Jonathan. We are very active in the community and are involved with our children's school and sporting activities.