Explain your career path

I chose to pursue the field of education. Over the last 30 years, I have served in a number of roles including teacher, coach, principal and superintendent.

What was your major at Southeast and how would you characterize the quality of that program to prospective students?

My first undergraduate degree was in Secondary English Education. I chose Southeast because of its good reputation of producing quality educators. In time I went on to earn my Masters Degree in Secondary School Administration and my Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership.

Why did you choose to attend Southeast?

I chose Southeast for a variety of reasons including its proximity to my hometown of Ste. Genevieve, affordable/value and reputation of producing quality educators.

Who influenced you most during your time at Southeast?

Naming one teacher is difficult. I have to include Dr. Frank Nickell, Dr. Harvey Hecht, Dr. Wayne Gould and Dr. Olivia Parrish among the many Southeast educators who influenced me the most.

Share your best college memory.

I loved listening to Dr. Frank Nickell's history lectures. He knew his material well and his storytelling ability was second to none.

If you were in Greek Life, the Honors Program or any other student organization, please tell us about that experience and how it impacted you.

I serve as superintendent of Bayless School District in south St. Louis County. During my tenure, the school system has grown and improved in a variety of ways. I owe much of my effectiveness to the quality education I received at Southeast.

What is the most important thing you learned while you were at Southeast?

I learned how an institution like Southeast Missouri State Univerity can create a community of scholars who can help change the world for the better.

Describe Southeast in three words.

Exciting, Value, Tradition

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?

I would encourage students to really examine why they want to serve as educators. This is not any easy field, but it can be tremendously rewarding.