Department/Years at Stout: Food & Nutrition and 33 years
What do you like most about UW-Stout? Student-centered learning model encouraging student potential
What are your hobbies? Reading, baking, watching & participating in sports of all kinds
What is your favorite class to teach? The one I am teaching at the moment
What makes for a successful student in your area? An attentive student engaged in learning. A student in higher education has to read and integrate all applied work with the research literature. A successful student invests time, energy, and thought in deeper learning and critical reflection.
How did you get interested in your field? In fourth grade a state 4-H specialist evaluated my demonstration and told me I should be a teacher. She continued to serve as my mentor for years. Even deceased, she graciously left an endowment as a legacy to encourage leadership activities for students I advise in an honor society (Phi Upsilon Omicron).
What have your students taught you? To be real, humble, enthusiastic, and dedicated to a vision larger than all of us.
What book is on your nightstand right now? I am reading Twinkees, Deconstructed. I just finished The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.
What one technology do you wish were available right now? Interactive camcorders on computers which can link more people at one time.
Where is the most exciting place you’ve visited or done research? My family (my husband and four children – with spouses, girlfriends, and now a grandchild) like to visit state parks with our motor home. We loved the variety of produce and activity at the fish market in Seattle, WA. I also love the ocean.
What advice would you give to an incoming student? In time your energies will shift from being the best in the world to becoming the best for the world.* This humble, dedicated approach to learning will help you believe in yourself and your vision for success. It is important to be prepared for class discussions, by reading the assigned materials. At the same time a student should come to class ready to interact with others by asking critical, integrative questions. Use your laptop computer as a tool to promote your learning.
* Jones, D. (2001). Celebrate What’s Right with the World. TM (DVD) St. Paul: StarThrower.