Tell us about yourself and your background?
I grew up in southeast Idaho. I attended the University of Idaho and then started teaching high school agriculture in Adrian, OR. I then taught in Lebanon, OR before returning closer to home to teach in Arimo, ID. After 10 years as a high school teacher, I returned to the U of I to complete a Ph.D. in Education, focusing in Ag Education. From grad school I took a job as a teacher education in Ag Ed at South Dakota State University. I worked for SDSU for 7 years prior to taking this position with UNL and starting in June as a lecturer for the Agriculture, Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC) department.
What is your position at the UNL Panhandle Research, Extension & Education Center?
I have been with UNL for six months. I am a lecturer in ALEC and my duties are primarily teacher support, curriculum writing, and recruitment of students for the Ag Ed and Skilled and Technical Sciences Education, both degree specialization options in the ALEC department. My area is the western half of Nebraska.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy working with teachers, visiting programs and meeting students who are interested in becoming teachers. I like seeing what programs are doing and sharing the cool things I see with other teachers to help them make their own programs better.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement has to be my six children, three are in college and three are still at home.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I lived in Southern Africa for 2 years serving as a missionary for my church.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy working in the shop and being outdoors. I have been very involved with the Boy Scouts of America, and have spent many summers as a firearms instructor at BSA summer camps in Idaho and South Dakota.