Center for Success of Women Faculty

What is your current job title and responsibilities?
Associate Professor, Methodology, Measurement, and Analysis Program
Department of Educational and Human Sciences, College of Education and Human Performance
Responsibilities include teaching graduate level quantitative statistics and research courses, maintaining an active research agenda, submitting and securing external funding, and participating in professional service.

What is your history at UCF and before UCF?
Senior Proposal Development Associate
Office for Sponsored Programs, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
May 2001-August 2003
Responsibilities included increasing the number and quality of project proposals including activities such as concept development, team building, proposal writing and editing, budget development, and providing general assistance in all pre-award responsibilities of the Assistant Academic Vice President for Research.

Manager, Student Support Services TRIO Program
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
November 1999-May 2001
Responsibilities included designing and implementing a comprehensive federally funded academic support program for 200 low-income, first-generation, and disabled undergraduates

Manager, Graduate Student Services
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
February 1998-November 1999

Director, Educational Services
Alabama Credit Union League, Birmingham, AL
July 1996-February 1998

Marketing Director
Metro Credit Union, Springfield, MO
September 1993-June 1996

Graphic Designer
Letsch Advertising, Springfield, MO
August 1992-September 1993

Creative Services Assistant
McBee Loose Leaf Binders, Springfield, MO
August 1988-August 1992

What is your academic background?
Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Research
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
2003
Emphasis:  Educational Statistics
Minors:  Applied Statistics and Educational Foundations

Master’s in Business Administration
Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
(now Missouri State University)
1995
Emphasis:  Marketing

Bachelor’s in Fine Arts, Graphic Design
Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
(now Missouri State University)
1990
Magna Cum Laude

What is your favorite UCF memory?
My most treasured UCF memories are when I bring my daughter to campus.  This happens quite frequently, and I will never tire of it.

If you could change one thing at UCF, what would it be? ($ and time no object)
More faculty recognition that goes beyond an ‘atta boy’ (such as lighter teaching load—faculty in my college have a 3-3 teaching load; more tangible recognition for loyalty to UCF such as years of service awards for faculty who have 5, 10, 15 years of service; better benefits for family leave—as an example, a colleague at UC-Santa Barbara received one full semester of leave and one semester of ‘modified’ duties which included working with students and committees but no teaching; faculty parking permits that actually mean faculty can find a parking space).

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with your colleagues?
Don’t lose perspective on what’s important in life.

If UCF was going to name something in your honor, what would you like it to be and why?
The meditation garden at the Burnett Honors College.  It’s beautiful and tranquil, and I love being outdoors.

If you could have lunch with anyone at UCF (who you do not normally eat lunch with), who would you choose and why?
Knightro and the UCF cheerleaders.  I’d love to be surrounded by so much positive UCF spirit.  I’d also invite my 7 year-old daughter, who would truly get a kick out of it!

Who at UCF would you like to thank for your success?
I started trying to individually name UCF employees and found it nearly impossible.  I will simply say ‘thank you’ to so many who have helped me during my time at UCF.

Name and describe a teacher or researcher from your past who truly inspired you and why.
There are two that stand out.  The first was my high school art teacher, Camille Ogden.  The second was the professor for my introductory stats class during my first semester as a doctoral student, Dr. Richard Lomax.  Both exemplified a love and passion for their field.

What undergraduate or graduate class/program/experience inspired you the most and why?
My intro stats class during my first semester as a doctoral student, taught by who was later to become my advisor and is now my co-author on two textbooks.  This class led me to switch doctoral programs, so it was quite impactful.

What is your favorite restaurant or food?
This changes on a daily, perhaps hourly, basis.  As I type, I would say my favorite food is chocolate cake iced with chocolate buttercream icing that is as thick as the layers of cake!

What is your favorite movie, book or music?
Favorite movies are much easier to pinpoint: Mission Impossible and Batman Begins.

What is your favorite vacation destination?
This was an easy one.  Hands-down, Siesta Key, Florida.