Program: Computer Information Technology
Education/Industry Certifications:
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting, Southeast Community College (1983)
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration, Southeast Community College (1983)
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Microcomputer Technology, Southeast Community College (2000)
Has Taught at SCC Since: Adjunct (2000-2002) Full-time (2002- Present)
Years of Work Experience Outside SCC: 15 years in the computer industry
Describe your teaching philosophy.
I want to prepare students to be ready for their job in the IT field. I try to make the materials covered in class applicable to what they will encounter on the job and bring current and real-life situations to the classroom.
Why did you decide to teach at a community college?
I like the fact we are producing the “Doers” in the IT field. The majority of my post-secondary education came from SCC and when a full-time position became available in the CIT Program, it was a dream job to educate the next generation of IT “Doers”.
What can prospective students expect when they enroll in your program?
Students start out learning the basics of computing and the IT field at an accelerated pace. CIT classes build on each other so remembering concepts and techniques from one quarter to another is very important. Finally, our students are provided a significant amount of hands-on experience from customer support, to programming, and network management to cybersecurity.
What experiences outside of SCC do you bring to the classroom/laboratory that enhance student learning?
My first IT position after graduation was to implement a new client-server infrastructure within a department at the State of Nebraska and I continue to support lab and production networks. I try to engage students with examples and problems I encounter in these environments. In the past year, I have been designated as a Curriculum Coordinator (CC) for a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant in cybersecurity awarded to the CIT Program. As part of my training and attendance at technical conferences for the grant, I am able to bring experiences and information from other IT programs across the country into the classroom.
What advice do you have for students pursuing a degree in your program?
Be willing to commit the time needed to learn and complete the hands-on portions of the CIT Program’s curriculum. This allows you to make your mistakes in a lab environment rather than in the work world. Also, Moore’s Law was accurate in that the IT industry changes rapidly so be prepared to be a life-long learner to stay current with technology.
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
When the light comes on and the students understands the concept or learns the skill being taught. That knowledge now belongs to the student and can’t be taken away from them.
What is the best part about being an SCC faculty member?
The SCC staff and students I work with. The CIT staff is like a second family to me: We laugh, we cry, and we grow together. SCC’s students often become personal or professional friends after graduation and I enjoy seeing them achieve their personal and career goals.
What has been your proudest moment as an instructor?
I remember one specific student who had physical and personal challenges in her life. On the day she graduated (with honors), she came to my office with a Thank You card in her hand and tears in her eyes to say good-bye. The note she wrote in the card about her SCC experience brought tears to my eyes, too.
What do you like to do when you’re not teaching?
My wife Kim and I are empty nesters so we like spending time together at home. It’s so nice to have our house back! We also like to travel both domestically and abroad.
What would students be surprised to know about you?
In my previous career, I spent 25 years in the hospitality industry managing restaurants in the Lincoln area. I was also a Complete Music disc Jockey for 20+ years, too.