About
What is your advising philosophy? Strengths-based advising: Everyone has their own unique self, complete with distinct histories, interests, challenges, and opportunities. That's your blueprint; that's what we're working with, what you bring to the table right now, today. But that's not the end of the story. You also have areas to work on and improve, your own dreams and imagination, what you want your future to hold. I see my job as an academic advisor to be helping you identify what you do best and assisting you in crafting the narrative of where you've been, where you're going, and why.
What was your path to Newnan? I joined the Newnan team after several years at Purdue University where I earned my M.S. and Ph.D. in cultural anthropology. My research focused on the intersection of marginalized identities in the U.S., especially gender, class, race, and sexuality. During and after the completion of my degree, I taught several courses as an instructor, lecturer, and visiting assistant professor. Teaching and interacting with students was always my favorite part of the day. While at Purdue, I also had the opportunity to work on several causes I am passionate about such as advocating for LGBTQ+ students, mentoring student athletes, and developing better research and study abroad safety guidelines.
What do you enjoy about working in Newnan? I love meeting new people so it's exciting to get to know and learn from students every day.
Class you loved and why? Undergraduate seminar on happiness. We explored the human experience of striving and searching for fulfillment and peace through works of classic fiction. It was very intense subject matter for me at age 20, but I find I'm still learning from that class as the years go by.
Interests and hobbies: Camping, hiking, trying to visit all the major league baseball parks, classic James Bond films
