What brought you to FSU?
Initially, I came to FSU as a student, ultimately completing three degrees including my Ph.D. Professionally, I served as an adjunct instructor for almost seven years in the colleges of Business and Education while working in various management and executive roles in business and government. Three years ago, I had the opportunity to join the College of Business faculty full time, as well as to serve as the executive director for the Center for Human Resources Management.

What courses do you teach?
Typically, I teach negotiation and conflict management and specialty human resource classes in training and development, compensation management and organizational behavior. The variety of classes I teach is both challenging and exciting as I am able to integrate my extensive HR and management experience into these interesting courses. Additionally, I think it is important to help students see the integrated nature of the HR disciplines.
What does your research focus on and why is it important to you?
Similar to my work background, my research interests are diverse. I have interests in human resources, specifically in the use of technology – such as adaptive learning systems, virtual reality, augmented reality, simulation – and training methodologies to train complex skills, as well as interests in studying leadership and innovation.

Why should students consider studying management?
FSU’s management program exposes students to both the strategic and human aspects of organizations. Factors, such as emerging technology and analytical techniques applied to management practice, increased competition and workforce diversification are requiring individuals to have a broad range of management knowledge and skills that can be adapted to a variety of workplace environments. Consequently, studying management at FSU offers students the opportunity to develop a skillset that will make them competitive in an evolving marketplace.

What is something students might be surprised to learn about you?
I have coached football for more than 15 years at various levels up to high school. I love the strategy, creativity and team orientation of the sport as it represents the ultimate live-action chess match. Additionally, due to my background in gymnastics, I was the captain of the FSU cheerleading team when I was an undergraduate. After an injury in high school ended my football career, I was fortunate to draw on my childhood experience in gymnastics to help me make the cheerleading team. While not necessarily planned, it was a great experience.