Title: Assistant Professor of Mathematics
College: Humanities and Social Sciences
Years at GCU: 6
Academic degrees:
Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Physics and M.S. degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics, University of Alabama-Huntsville
What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?
School and learning were and still are fun for me, but I am probably proudest that I completed 330 college credits, more than 120 of which are graduate credits in six different disciplines, and I did equally well in all. That was important because it allows me to teach multiple disciplines at the college level.
I also am proud that I have taught more than 750 courses online in four different disciplines since Aug. 18, 2010, and more than 150 courses on ground in six different disciplines. Teaching in different disciplines was one of my personal goals from the start because I am easily bored doing the same thing.
What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
I try to make sure people know what they are doing when they finish a class. Therefore, I use far more examples than the norm to try to ensure that happens.
What is a memorable moment you had in class, and what does that reveal about your teaching style?
I used to teach a course titled Math Modeling and Simulation each semester to current or future rocket scientists in Huntsville, Ala., which is called Rocket City. I brought actual model rockets to class for them to study and teach them material in full detail that was directly applicable in real life at their job. It helped them better relate book stuff with real life.
What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
I build cars for drag racing. Therefore, I work on turbocharged, supercharged, nitrous and blower cars on nights and weekends.
What is something interesting about you that most people don't know?
I own 28 cars and trucks, and most are more than 1,000 horsepower and a couple more than 2,000 horsepower. Cars are what I care about most in the world, and I am always looking for more projects. Unfortunately, my storage spaces are all at capacity at the moment, so the next one will be parked on the roof like Santa's sleigh.
