What is your advising philosophy? I want to help each person make the most of their time at Michigan by carefully considering their choices. What that means exactly depends on the individual I am meeting with. Each student has a unique background and personality, and these will lead them to different places in life. I do my best to value that. We have choices every minute of every day. I would like to listen to students talk about the choices before them, and help them feel empowered to make the choices that will lead to their desired future.

What was your path to Newnan? Shortly after graduating undergrad my wife and I decided to teach English in China. This was one of the best decisions of our lives. Experiencing the people, language, and culture of another country changed me forever. It was in China I dedicated myself to higher education. After returning, I went to grad school. After a great internship I was hired to work in the Office for International Students & Scholars at Eastern Michigan helping to welcome new international students to Eastern Michigan. Wanting to focus more on advising, I have found my way to Newnan.

What do you enjoy about working in Newnan? Getting to know individuals as they are, not who others would like them to be, but just as themselves through honest conversation.

Class you loved and why? EDLD 631 Intro to Human Relationship Skills for Educational Leaders.

This is where I learned to stop talking so much and really listen to what others had to say. Changed my life.

Interests and hobbies: I thoroughly enjoy hanging with my little family. I’m also quite fond of The Legend of Zelda, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, coffee, audiobooks, memes, and naps (if I can get them).