With Briar Cliff University: Since 1989

Teaching Expertise: Visual Communications (photography & graphics, new media), Introduction to Mass Communications, Public Relations, and Media Ethics.

My photographic equipment includes: A Nikon F5and a Nikon D70 body. Lenses include a Tokina 17mm AT-X PRO f3.5, Nikon 50mm f1.4, Nikon 85mm f1.8 Tokina 80mm to 200mm AT-X PRO f2.8, and a Nikon 300mm f4.

The influential photographers in my life have been those that I have had the privileged to study under. Miguel Blanco and Howard Laws from California State University, Sacramento where I began my formal education in photography. Miguel's documentary work in El Salvador encouraged me to look at photography as storytelling with images.

At Ball State University I was challenged by Dick Ware who was a master of lighting, and Bob Heintzelman, who allowed me to teach his beginning photojournalism. From this experience I knew I wanted to teach at the college level someday. At Ball State I also had the pleasure of studying under Joe Costa who had photographed so much of history a simple conversation was a trip through the past. Joe was a founder and the first president of the National Press Photographers Association.

My photography education has continued through the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops. Course work included Photographing Native Americans with John Running, Light, Color, and Gesture with Arthur Meyerson, and the Project Workshop with Sam Abel. When Sam and I met we learned that we both had studied under Dick Ware. Sam at the University of Kentucky and I at Ball State.

Education
California State University, Sacramento: BA, Government, Photography minor
Ball State University: MA, Journalism (photojournalism)
Georgia Institute of Technology: Certificate in Multimedia
University of South Dakota: Advanced studies, adult and higher education

My Resume in PDF

My teaching philosophy: I believe that each student is unique and learns in various ways. It is my role as a facilitator of learning, to create an environment that students feel comfortable and are willing to challenge themselves. I use various independent and collaborative methods and activities so students can find what works for them.

It is my hope that students become pro-active, problem solving, independent learners now and after their traditional education ends. I believe learning is a life-long two way process, and that I become a better person from this experience.

My photography portfolio includes; documentary, travel, concerts and sports. The documentrary work includes Native American Celebration, 10-41(Begin Tour of Duty) a 24 hour ride-along with the Sioux City Police Depaartment, The Spirit of Small Towns in Northwest Iowa, and John Kerry's presidential campaign visit to Sioux City. Travel works include; Mexico, New Mexico, the Bahamas and Nova Soctia. Concerts have included Buddy Guy, the Wallflowers, Michele Branch, and Brian Setzer. Sports work includes the Nike and the Buy.Com golf tours, and varrious Briar Cliff University intercollegate sports

My work has been exhibited at Morningside College, Northwest Iowa Community College, Plymouth County Museum, Northwestern College and the Sioux City Art Center.