Reprinted from the Ozarks Technical Community College Employee Newsletter

Describe what you do at OTC in 50 words or less.

I serve as the chair of Communication and World Languages.  In my position, I oversee instruction for courses in the areas of Communication, ASL, French, Journalism, and Spanish.  I also serve as a liaison for the Foreign Language Institute partnership with Missouri State University.  I primarily teach Introduction to Communication and Public Speaking both online and face-to-face.  In the past, I have taught Intercultural, Interpersonal, and Mass Communication.

How long have you been at OTC and where were you immediately prior?

My career at OTC began as an adjunct in the fall of 1992. I was hired as a full-time faculty member fall of 1997. I have been a department chair since fall of 2007. I worked at Missouri State prior to joining the faculty at OTC.

Tell us about your family life.

My husband, Richard and I have been married for 20 years. He is semi-retired but still works part-time as a safety officer.  My daughter, Gabrielle, is a recent graduate of the University of Texas – Austin.  She is practicing her first year as a Speech language pathologist in Austin. I also have a stepdaughter, Tiana, and she and her family live in the St. Louis area.  We recently adopted a new rottweiler mix puppy, Worf, after the passing of our 17 year old Austrian Shepard mix, Clarice.

Please tell us one boring fact about you.

Actually, I don’t think of this as boring but I collect King Kong memorabilia and love all the movies.

If you could have dinner with three famous people, alive or dead, who would they be?

President Barack Obama

Oprah Winfrey

Eddie Murphy

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy volunteering at my church, watching court TV, shopping, attending community events, and spending time with family and friends.

A tornado siren goes off. Are you in the basement or standing on the front porch, watching?

I am in the basement with all the necessary survival supplies.  When you are married to a former emergency management professional, you have a heightened appreciation for safety.

If you could take a vacation anywhere in the world (with no worries about the cost), where would you go?

I would go to the African continent to see Egyptian pyramids and to go on safari.

What’s your favorite place to eat – and your go-to order?

I have several favorite spots so it is hard to pick just one.  When visiting my daughter in Austin, I always visit the Cheesecake Factory and order herb-crusted salmon with garlic mashed potatoes.  At home, I love McSalty’s pizza and cashew chicken from Hong Kong Inn.

What were the last three songs you played on your musical device?

I typically listen to Sirius Radio Heart and Soul or the Groove. I enjoy listening to Silk Sonic, Earth, Wind and Fire, Charlie Wilson, and the Isley Brothers.

What do you hope to accomplish in your position in the coming year?

This academic year I plan to focus on Integrated Planning and Assessment. I hope to see an increase in retention for all courses within my area, however, my focus will be enhancing the online platform experience for students.