My eleven years as a student affairs practitioner were deeply situated within the student experience at Baylor University. Professionally I was housed in Campus Recreation and Student Activities and worked closely with a student-focused team. Other roles included the Training Advisor to the Baylor Bear Program, instructor of record for a First Aid Course, and frequent speech-giver about Baylor University's traditions.
My wife accepted a faculty position at Texas A&M University, which began in Fall 2018. I pushed my dissertation into overdrive so I could be better eligible for a professional transition into the world of academic affairs. I was fortunate to land at the Center for Teaching Excellence, and instantly realized I was unknowingly well-prepared for this new environment. So excited for my second higher education career path!
My sixteen year commitment to the Bear Program remains unmatched over the 100+ year tradition. I worked daily with student trainers, campus administrators, and external stakeholders to maintain a healthy and safe environment. This area was the setting for my dissertation and continuation of an oral history collection.
In 2016, Baylor University experienced a horrible intercollegiate scandal. Actually, this motivated me to professionally transition into and work directly with the Student Gameday Experience. Here, I led a rollout of a previously created sportsmanship pledge initiative. You should check out my new paper!
I joined this awesome interdisciplinary graduate program upon my arrival. Along with this offering learning communities, our team conducts educational research on the interdisciplinarity of the program, including faculty and students. This venture is very foundational for my educational development work and collaboration with faculty.
My recent work within the Center for Teaching Excellence is centered around a campus-wide mentoring initiative, where I promote healthy and effective mentoring 'within and across' Texas A&M University. I am fortunate to partner with many outstanding administrators, faculty, and graduate students. Mentoring is afoot!