Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global.

I am an Instructor in the Legal Studies Department. I have been with Purdue University Global for over 15 years. I am a corporate attorney and handle all types of business law matters. I have a passion for teaching and my goal in the classroom is to teach students the law, motivate students, inspire students, encourage students, and support students during class, after class, after graduation and to watch my students make their dreams into reality! 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

Outside of PG, I am the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Upper Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania, which is synonymous to the Mayor. As a politician, I deal with residents from all walks of life, different backgrounds, different races, different social classes and difference beliefs. Every one of the residents of Upper Mount Bethel has a right to be heard, just as every one of my students has a right to be heard. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

I have learned from my role as an instructor and from my role as a politician that listening is the key to communication and broadening one's knowledge. Listening helps me understand different cultures and where that person is coming from. I learn from my students and the residents of Upper Mount Bethel each and every day. I was a paralegal before I became an attorney and both being a paralegal and attorney do their best when they listen to their clients first and foremost. As an instructor, communicating effectively with my students helps me understand how they want to learn, how they do learn and what they want to get out of class. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

I found my career path by being a victim of a violent crime at the age of nineteen. I survived and was a witness for the State of New Jersey in the criminal case and the plaintiff in a civil case against the defendant. I loved the prosecutor who was fighting for justice and my civil attorney who was fighting for me to obtain compensation for my injuries. I loved my attorneys and knew I wanted to fight for others and defend the law. Although I did not become an attorney until I was in my 40's, I was a professional musician, a comedian before the law - I am an example if you find a new path, a dream you never went after - go for it. It is never too late! 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

My advice is that you have one life. It is your life and you are in command. Be what you want and never give up no matter what the nay-sayers say. There will be challenges along the way but one of my favorite quotes is, "there are but two roads that lead to an important goal and to the doing of great things: strength and perseverance. Strength is the lot of but the privileged few; but austere perseverance, harsh and continuous, may be employed by the smallest of us and rarely fails of its purpose, for its silent power grows irresistibly greater with time." Your professors and instructors here at PG are here to help you grow and develop into the person and professional you want to be. Develop relationships with your instructors and lean on them, ask them for guidance, advice, and support. Develop relationships with your classmates as they will be your network and your friends for life. If you can dream it, know you can do it! 

Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global.

Prof. Berube has been with Purdue Global for over 20 years, teaching a wide variety of courses, including Law and Society, Business Law, Introduction to Legal Technology, Legal Ethics, Civil Litigation and Ethics and the Legal Environment. He has also been actively involved in many committees, including the Faculty Curriculum Committee, the Institutional Review Board, the Ethics GEL and the Leadership PC. He is also the internship coordinator for the Legal Support and Services students. 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

After graduating from a small liberal arts college in Maine, Prof. Berube worked as a paralegal in a large New York City law firm, doing corporate work. With this experience, he continued his legal education and returned to Maine to get his Juris Doctorate from the University of Maine School of Law. He worked for a number of years for a small firm in Bangor, which handled primarily general civil litigation. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

Clearly, Prof. Berube's experiences both as a paralegal and a lawyer assist him in preparing his students for their roles in the legal field. Having worked in both positions, he is able to help each student develop the skills needed for whatever professional goals the student may have in mind. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

Prof. Berube decided to move to South Florida. Once here, he became involved with a distance education program, providing nationally accredited degrees in paralegal studies, legal nurse consulting and criminal justice. This work would ultimately lead to the development of the regionally accredited paralegal programs of Purdue Global. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

Work hard! Keep looking for opportunities to improve upon yourself and your skills. Have an open mind to new possibilities. They can lead you in amazing directions that you never considered! 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

As an attorney and veteran, I quickly became interested in assisting veterans who found themselves in the legal system. I worked with closely with the Ohio State Supreme Court to develop and implement a Veterans Court in the state of Ohio. I am also a member of the Montana Association of Legal Assistants. I work within this organization to promote awareness of the paralegal profession, as well as improving the educational opportunities of paralegals within the state. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My legal experience and background brings with it a unique understanding of the law, and the role judges, attorneys, paralegals, and the support staff play in representing clients and upholding the law. My professional experiences have taught me the critical role the law plays in all aspects of our lives. My goal is to help train our next generation of legal professionals. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

At a young age a family friend who was an attorney always encouraged me to pursue a career in the law. Following my time in the military, I knew I wanted to continue to help others who found themselves disadvantaged and the law was the perfect opportunity. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

My advice would be there cannot be growth without discomfort. While balancing school, work, family, and the many other responsibilities students have, it may seem too difficult at times to continue pursuing an education. Don’t give up. The more education you receive the more opportunities that will be opened to you and your family. You will also have greater opportunities to help others, this is one of the greatest rewards of the legal profession! 

Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global.

I teach a variety of undergraduate legal courses. I am also the course lead for the PA110 Civil Litigation course. 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

I received my law degree from the University of Idaho. I worked in the legal publishing and information services industry for several years as an attorney before working in higher education. For the past year, I have also served as a prelitigation panel chair with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses for medical malpractice cases. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

One of my favorite professors in law school was a recently retired judge. He shared amazing stories from his career as a lawyer and as a judge that inspired me. Likewise, I try to use some of my own experiences to inspire students. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

I participated on my high school mock trial team. We had the final competition at the famous Stanley Mosk courthouse in downtown Los Angeles with over 100 courtrooms. The courthouse was featured on the television series Perry Mason. That experience instilled in me a passion for the law. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

My advice is to learn something new each day. At age 87, the famous Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo purportedly said "ancora imparo" which means “I am still learning.”

In addition, seek out volunteer opportunities in your field to gain experience and contacts. 

Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global.

Instructor 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

I am a retired lawyer who practiced law in St. Louis for a number of years where I specialized in labor and employment law and employment discrimination. I did a lot of litigation in federal and state courts and administrative agencies and in arbitration connection with my practice. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My experience practicing law is very helpful in teaching legal subjects to the students. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

I applied for my position here and was hired, and I also applied to Southern Illinois University Carbondale where I taught in the Paralegal Studies Department from September 2005 to September 2014. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

Find educational programs that interest you, and pursue them with dedication and enthusiasm. 

Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global.

As a full-time faculty member in the Legal Support & Services Department, I teach in the Master of Public Administration program (MPA). I am the Course Lead for multiple courses within the MPA program. I serve on the Academic Appeals Committee (AAC), The Guardianship Editorial Team, and the Employee Resource Group Pride Committee. 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

Before joining Purdue, I was an adjunct professor at several for-profit colleges and universities, teaching various graduate and undergraduate courses. Additionally, I worked for multiple manufacturing and energy generation companies, where I was responsible for government relations and regulatory issues, including environmental safety and health compliance.

In 2000, I was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives and served for twelve terms. I sit on six legislative committees: Rules, Health & Human Services, Natural Resources & Environment, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, and Small Business Development and Urban Affairs.

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My role as a legislator has taught me several things of note: first, the depth and breadth of the issues facing society; second, the value of how to integrate theory and evidence with practice; lastly, how to build relationships with colleagues despite partisan differences to garner support for legislation.

Having worked in these positions, I can help each student develop the skills needed for whatever professional goals the student may have in mind.

How did you find your way to your career path?

My career and educational background were not a straight line; I have had the opportunity to work across the US and the Caribbean with various job responsibilities. My core is that I live to serve, and I love teaching! 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

My advice is first, have fun along the way; learning is a lifetime pursuit; second, “life happens,” and when it does, remember what Stephen Hawking said, “it matters if you don’t give up.” 

Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global.

I teach in the MSLS program. 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

Currently, I serve as a volunteer board member of a Credit Union. We serve over 30,000 members from 7 counties in my local area. Our membership is very diverse and it is a joy, and a learning experience, to learn about different perspectives of our members as to finance, management, and other issues. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My outside experience underscores my role here as it allows me to see and hear diverse views and experiences, on a regular basis, from members across the spectrum of local society. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

I had a radio program for 7 years early in my career, and conducted a TV program for 2 years, so this provided for a broad range of public speaking activities. Studying, learning, and sharing knowledge across disciplines continues to be enjoyable. When I was in graduate school, at a time when tuition was embarrassingly low, it was a great opportunity to obtain 4 graduate degrees, from 4 different universities, across disciplines, which led to opportunities to later teach in and across those disciplines. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

Take advantage of every opportunity to learn something new, whether in a degree program or by obtaining a micro-credential. Knowledge of a certain subject does not have to seem totally relevant to you now for it to actually be relevant to you later and long into the future. 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

A licensed attorney for 35 years, I have practice experience in civil litigation, employment law, and criminal law. I also have 12 years of public service as a Superior Court magistrate judge and am a graduate of the Judicial Studies Program at the National Judicial College, University of Nevada.

As an advocate for domestic violence issues, I established a consulting business that provided specialized training and consulting services in the area of domestic violence prevention and intervention. In my work, I presented training workshops and keynote addresses at state, regional, and national conferences. I enjoyed previously serving for several years as President and board member of the Indiana Coalition against Domestic Violence. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My experience as an attorney, judge, and business owner is reflected in my work with students in the classroom. I have supervised and worked with paralegals, law clerks, and judicial assistants, so I can provide insight as to the skill set needed by legal professionals. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

I knew when I enrolled in college that law school was in my future plans. As a freshman, I had the opportunity to serve as a student representative on a curriculum committee for a new bachelor’s degree program in paralegal studies. That experience encouraged me to double major in government and paralegal studies. A summer internship in a law office confirmed my interest in becoming an attorney. Following graduation, I attended Indiana University Maurer School of Law–Bloomington. After obtaining my JD, I became a licensed attorney and started my career at a small law firm 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

Challenge yourself! I encourage students to work hard on improving their writing and critical thinking skills that are so important in the legal profession. Be ready to seize every opportunity in your studies and career! 

Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global.

As a full-time faculty member in the Legal Support & Services Department, I teach Business Law, Criminal Law, Intro to Law and the Legal System, Family Law and my favorite - Legal Philosophy. I am the Course Lead for Legal Philosophy and Constitutional Law. I serve on the IRB Committee as well and enjoy presenting at conferences sponsored by PG such as the General Education Conference and Purdue Global Village. 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

I serve as the Chair of the Animals in Science & Tech Subcommittee of the American Bar Association Animal Law Committee, as the Chair for the Idaho State Bar Animal Law Section, and as the Diversity Vice Chair for the Animal Law Committee. As the Diversity Vice Chair, I have had the opportunity to attend several webinars on diversity and inclusion and learned excellent insight on these topics that I have been able to bring back to my classrooms as well. Diversity and inclusion are essential topics to include as part of legal studies curriculum, especially in classes such as Legal Philosophy and Law & Society, so this supplemental training on diversity and inclusion has been extremely valuable for my teaching as well as for my roles on the committees. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My role with the ABA Animals in Science & Tech Subcommittee requires me to host meetings each month on key issues in animal law, so it keeps me current on this field of law and is a topic so relevant to many of the classes I teach, from Legal Philosophy and the views of animal rights versus animal welfare to Family Law and pet custody issues. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

As a History major in college, I took a course on The History of Constitutional Law and I found it so interesting that I switched my plan of becoming a history teacher to going to law school to study constitutional law, civil rights, and other interesting topics with the goal of teaching. I come from a family of teachers and I always knew this was the career for me as well. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

My advice is to know you can make it to the finish line - sometimes school seems overwhelming, but take it one week at a time and enjoy learning all that you can. Immerse yourself in the classes and try to enjoy all the new insight you are gaining as you progress through each class. I remember law school being so time-consuming and demanding, but I didn't mind because it was so interesting, so I would say the key is to stay engaged and have fun learning! 

Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global.

Adjunct Instructor 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

Attorney for 47 years having practiced as a criminal defense attorney, prosecutor, and private practitioner. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

Diversity of experiences in civil and criminal litigation, estate planning, and probate assists with subject matter of courses. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

The importance of ethical standards for practicing attorneys due to their fiduciary role. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

I appreciate that most of my students returned to pursue their educational goals as they change careers or did not have these opportunities earlier in their lives. 

Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global.

I have been a faculty member at PG for almost 17 years and I teach a variety of courses, but specialize in working with new students in the Introduction to Law and the Legal Profession course. 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

I provide some legal services in criminal defense and workers compensation cases on behalf of the injured worker. I am also a major advocate of restorative justice and equity in education issues. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My outside experience helps me remain current in my field and allows me to provide practical guidance to my students. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

I tried out many different things and took a variety of classes in college and then decided to become a lawyer after working at a law firm. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

My advice to students is to make it to the finish line no matter what obstacles come your way--the value of the degree will be a permanent pathway to opportunities for advancement. 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

I have been a licensed attorney for 36 years. I had a private practice focusing on domestic relations, bankruptcy and civil litigation before moving into higher education about 25 years ago. I am a graduate of the University of Kentucky School of Law.

Before I began my tenure with Purdue, my work as a full time professor allowed me the chance to create a paralegal certificate program (and seek ABA accreditation), as well as create the very first distance learning/online business law at the college where I worked. I really got in on the ground floor in that regard and was prescient enough to see the coming tide of online education opportunities that were unfolding.  

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My years of practicing law are invaluable to me in the classroom.  I hired and trained paralegals and legal assistants, was a litigator and gained practical legal experience in many different areas of law (general law practice with emphasis on domestic relations and bankruptcy), all of which help me in my role as an educator. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

I got my undergraduate degree in journalism with a minor in theatre arts. I am also an actor.  I enjoy writing and performing.  I also always had a strong interest in the law.  I took the LSAT on a whim during my junior year of undergraduate work.  I did well and applied to law school(s) and was accepted.  Once I passed the bar examination and began working as a practicing attorney, I felt unfulfilled and yearned for a more positive, altruistic approach to using my education to help people.  Also something with less stress! I was contacted by another attorney friend who asked if I would like to teach a law course at a local paralegal college.  Once I did that, I was hooked and realized that being a professor allowed me to use my legal education plus my love of performing (after all, being a professor has performative elements!) and I realized my true life’s calling.  I have been in higher education ever since and never looked back. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

I would advise students to be kind to themselves (so much stress and pressure from outside influences, particularly in the modern digital age).  Anything worthwhile, specifically a college- degree, takes time and patience and a dose of trial and error.  Celebrate the successes and learn from the challenges. I would advise students to listen to their own sense of what gives them joy and passion in a career choice and that, ultimately, they will “know when they know” if they are on the right path. 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

My background in social work and community services has helped to influence my current professional and personal goals. I am a member of the Florida bar, NALA and Phi Mu Fraternity. Membership in these organizations provide opportunities to connect with professionals both in and outside my field. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My prior practice drives my desire to assist new legal professionals in their careers. Membership in these organizations provide opportunities to connect with professionals both in and outside my field- keeping my skills and perspective fresh. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

As a social worker, I found I was either in court or drafting court documents all the time. My supervisor suggested I go to law school to be the advocate instead of the witness in our cases. So off I went to law school. I found my way into just that role, attorney for the state social service agency. To facilitate my growing family, I left big practice and began teaching law. It has been one of the most rewarding decisions and has allowed me to explore new practice areas 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

My advice would be to reach out to your professors to ask lots of questions. Questions are the tell tale sign that the student is engaging with and exploring the materials, so questions are expected and appreciated. 

Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global.

I have the pleasure of teaching various courses in legal studies such as Intro to Torts and Law Office Management, for examples. 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

I have been an attorney for almost 20 years, specializing in tax law. I also have experience in civil law and contract law. Outside of work, I am a playwright and enjoy traveling. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My background and experience allow me the ability to see and understand different points of view. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

I have always enjoyed reading, writing and speak so law was a natural fit. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

Be curious, listen and say yes more than you say no. You never know what opportunities lie ahead. 

Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global. 

Gurmit Kaur has been with Purdue Global’s School of Legal Studies for over 19 years. She started her PG journey as an adjunct faculty member in 2004 and taught a wide variety of courses. In 2007, Gurmit was promoted to the position of academic department chair and she has served in that role for the past 16 years 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

Gurmit’s legal, educational and management experience provides great insights into understanding of the law, the different roles played by the key stakeholders in the the legal profession. Growing up in Malaysia provided Gurmit in-depth understanding of different cultures and how to harness that in everything she does. She considers herself a life-long student-educator who always strives to lead by example.

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

Having had the opportunity to work in many part of the world - namely Malaysia, Singapore, USA, has taught me how to celebrate and accept diversity as the guiding force in how I discharge my duties and develop my role as an academic department chair. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

I consider my self as a life-long student and educator. My love for the law aligned well with my desire to share my knowledge. I am lucky to work with a very dedicated and talented team of full-time and adjunct faculty members. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

Never fear what change brings - Lao Tso's saying "the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" has always motivated me to never fear taking on new challenges. 

Tell us about your role here at Purdue Global. 

As Associate Dean, my role encompasses all things PG Public Safety and Legal Studies from students, to faculty, curriculum, general oversight, forward vision, and more. The best part of my job is working directly with colleagues, faculty, and students alike. We have such a great team of students and professionals in our programs and it is my mission that all PG Public Safety and Legal Studies stakeholders feel supported in their academic and career pursuits. 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

Interestingly, most of my career in higher education has been at PG. However, I previously developed online courses for Pearson Education and have taught both online and on-ground at other institutions. Prior to entering college myself, I was a military police officer in the Air Force. Being both in the military and having a long career in higher education, I have worked with individuals from all walks of life, and I always enjoy hearing about the lived experiences of others. I've learned that what I cannot see for myself in a lifetime, I can experience through the reflections of others when engaging in conversation. The ability to "walk a mile in someone else's shoes" is much easier when you hear their perspective directly. 

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My former roles in the military and at other institutions helped me gain entry to a long career path at Purdue Global. Since 2005, I have served happily in various roles at PG including student, faculty, academic advisor, advising manager, associate director, chair, and associate dean. 

How did you find your way to your career path?

Honestly, by getting the degree and experience necessary to gain entry into higher education, as I had always hoped. From there, a hiring manager took a chance on me in 2005, and I have done my best not to let any of my employees or supervisors down ever since. This is my dream career in every sense of the term. 

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

My advice to all students is never be afraid to ask questions and get the support you need. We cannot help you work through an obstacle without knowing that an obstacle exists. Usually, a quick e-mail, phone call, or other form of notification goes a long way to bridge any communication gaps. We are here to help and I encourage anyone to reach out to me directly. My virtual door is always open.