I am delighted that students now have the option to obtain their education around their life and obligations. I am also grateful that I am able to balance my love of teaching with my life and business obligations. It is truly a win-win! Yet, faculty members and students alike need to remember at all times that they are involved with rigorous degree programs.
As a faculty member, my goal is not only to provide a quality education but also to assist students with their confidence and self-esteem. Students have to believe in themselves to be successful. At a recent graduation ceremony, a student sought me out with her family and thanked me. It really crystallized the powerful impact that faculty members can have on real people beyond the virtual classroom!
Courtney Anderson, JD, MBA, Axia College of University of Phoenix
Courtney Anderson has been a University of Phoenix faculty member since 2005. She teaches subjects including business, management, criminal justice and cultural ethnicity. Anderson, who has nine years of experience as an attorney, currently owns her own law office and consulting and corporate training firm. Additionally, she serves as an on-air legal and business expert for several news organizations and has appeared in major publications as an expert and analyst.
I was inspired to join the faculty at University of Phoenix by a number of things—the structure of the teaching environment, as well as the University's professionalism and mission. University of Phoenix provides a doable, proficient education system for working students and military professionals. The University’s method of providing education to thousands is highly commendable and appreciated.
In fact, several students in my management courses have written me letters thanking me for the newly discovered knowledge I was able to provide in class. They described in detail how the classes benefited them professionally and personally. It really made me appreciate my role as a faculty member at University of Phoenix.
Alfredo Cooke, College of Undergraduate Business and Management
As a Marine, Alfredo Cooke attained the rank of gunnery sergeant and led an infantry platoon in combat. Now retired from the military, he leads a force of police officers as police captain. Cooke has taught subjects including management, organizational behavior and critical thinking at University of Phoenix since 2001.
I began teaching at University of Phoenix more than 13 years ago and was inspired by the quality of the faculty and administrators, the diversity of the learners, and the integration of theory and practice throughout the curriculum. Translation: I fell in love with University of Phoenix! My goals are to inspire learners to exceed their own expectations and to support them to achieve their educational goals.
Leona Lobell, PhD, School of Advanced Studies
As a consultant for institutions of higher education and non-profit organizations, Dr. Lobell has been engaged in strategic planning and has worked on the re-engineering of institutional advancement areas of several major universities. She is Managing Editor of the Journal of Leadership Studies, the research publication for the School of Advanced Studies. Additionally, she participates in curriculum development as a member of the Global Curriculum Council and the Doctor of Health Administration Program Council.
I was inspired to become a University of Phoenix faculty member because I felt I had something important to contribute to the nursing profession. I wanted to help nurses learn about advanced practice. As a faculty member, I also want to help students achieve their goals and reach their highest potential in a dynamic atmosphere. I teach research, which is not always the most sought-after subject material. But after facilitating classes for hundreds of students, I know that their opinions about research often change and their interest is piqued. They gain confidence in their own abilities and that is very satisfying to me.
Mary Nelson, RN, PhD, College of Health and Human Services
Mary Nelson holds bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, as well as a doctoral degree in research with a focus on cardiovascular wellness. She spent 23 years as a nurse in the military and currently is the director of a health and wellness center. Dr. Nelson also is a part-time research director for a national nursing association. She has 10 years of teaching experience, including seven at University of Phoenix. Dr. Nelson teaches subjects including nursing research, nursing theory and research utilization.