Ph.D., Social Work,University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 2015
M.S.S.W., Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 2008
M.Div., Social Work, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY, 1995
M.A., Biblical Studies, International School of Theology, San Bernadino, CA, 1985
B.A., Sociology, DePauw College, Greencastle, IN, 1979

I am originally from Indianapolis, IN and am most recently from Louisville, KY.  Prior to coming to Manchester University in August 2017, I was an adjunct professor and worked on a research team at the University of Louisville.

One of the things that attracted me to Manchester was that I was interested in teaching “macro” social work courses that prepare students to be change agents in organizations, communities and society.  Part of the macro perspective involves analyzing and changing social policies in systems such as education, employment, housing, criminal justice and health care so that the United States can truly become a country “with justice for all.” One published article I have co-authored is about the social injustice that exists between grocery stores in predominantly white, affluent neighborhoods and those in predominantly black, low-income neighborhoods. It is entitled, “Brown Lettuce and Rodent Traps, Granola and Trees: A Qualitative Study of an Experiential Teaching Tool to Promote Socially Just Practice.” It is published in The Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 48-55.

I am an ordained Baptist minister. In the past, I pastored a church in Kokomo, IN and am currently an associate minister of a church in Louisville, KY. Since the social work profession began in the Church, I seek opportunities to integrate my faith with social work ethics and values.

One of my research interests concerns the African American Church.  I am a co-author of an article entitled, “Suffering in Silence: Child Sexual Molestation and the Black Church: If God Don’t Help Me Who Can I Turn To?” This article is published in the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 147-157, DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2014.956962. I have also studied the role of the African American Church during the Civil Rights Movement and would like study what the its current role is in the continuing struggle for civil rights.

As far as hobbies are concerned, I enjoy listening to and playing gospel music on the organ and flute. I have played my flute in many churches and have been a church organist. I also delight in watching “retro” TV programs. One of my favorite series is Star Trek! Yes, I am a Trekkie!

Ph.D., Sociology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 2018
M.A., Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, 2002
B.A., Psychology, Huntington University, Huntington, IN, 1998

I grew up in Northeast Indiana and I am excited to be able to call this region home again. I was drawn to teaching at Manchester University because of its mission and values challenging students to live “compassionate lives that improve the human condition.”

Prior to returning to graduate school to pursue a doctorate in sociology I worked for 13 years in student development including residence life, new student orientation, and campus diversity. While most of this work was at three other liberal arts colleges, I also spent three years living with my family and working as the director of an environmental study abroad program for college students in Belize, Central America.

My current research interest is the intersection of rural sociology and education. I am also broadly interested in community development, environmental and social justice, and the social aspects of food production and consumption.

Outside of my work on campus I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, bird-watching, and attending sporting events. 

I came to Manchester as a visiting faculty member in the fall of 2016.