Professor of Marketing
Where did you obtain your degrees?
- BBA Tiffin University
- MBA Tiffin University
- PhD University of Toledo
What did you get your degree in, and what inspired that choice?
I earned my degree in marketing because I wanted a career where I could be creative every day and not do the same thing over and over. I actually got my start in high school through the DECA program, and that experience fueled me from day one. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to experience so many aspects of marketing from sales and event planning to PR and customer service, which has only reinforced that I chose the right path.
I typically present at conferences on my work around internships, experiential learning, and online learning. I’m currently schedule to present at a marketing conference about internships and how we can better connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. I also research and present on experiential learning strategies and effective online teaching practices, especially ways to keep students engaged and career-ready. These areas are important to me because they directly impact student success both during college and after graduation.
Tell us about your first job after you graduated from college.
My first job after graduating from college was in advertising and sales. It was fast-paced, competitive, and taught me very quickly how important communication, relationship building, and resilience are in business. I learned how to pitch ideas, handle rejection, meet goals, and think strategically about positioning and value. That experience really shaped my foundation in marketing and ultimately influences how I teach today, because I know firsthand what students will face in the real world.
I prepare students for the challenges they’ll face after graduation by focusing on real-world application, not just theory. I build projects that push them to think critically, communicate, solve problems, collaborate, and present their ideas clearly, just like they’ll have to do in their careers.
How did your career path lead you to teaching at Tiffin University?
I spent years working in marketing and consulting, which gave me real-world experience to bring into the classroom. I was fortunate to always work in my field, even immediately after graduation. I actually started at TU as an adjunct and taught for five years before Dr. Millar called me and offered me a full-time teaching position when someone retired, and the rest is history. It felt like a natural transition. I’ve truly enjoyed coming to work everyday for the last 23 years.
How do you prepare students for challenges they’ll face in their careers/after graduation?
I prepare students for the challenges they’ll face after graduation by focusing on real-world application, not just theory. I build projects that push them to think critically, communicate, solve problems, collaborate, and present their ideas clearly, just like they’ll have to do in their careers. I also run my classroom like a business and treat presentations like a boardroom, so they get comfortable showing up professional, prepared, and confident. Adding pitch competitions, client-based projects, and community involvement gives them hands-on experience. I do my best to make sure the experiences in my classroom build their resume and prepare them for the next step. I am also fortunate enough to have a wonderful community connection that helps with this and without Jeff Knedler, Bryce Riggs and Dale DePew many of these experiential projects would not be possible.
What makes Tiffin University stand out to you as a faculty member?
Tiffin University stands out to me because of its strong sense of community and its entrepreneurial mindset. As a faculty member, I appreciate how supportive the institution is when it comes to trying new ideas and creating meaningful student experiences. TU is always willing to try new things and stay ahead of the game in most areas, which makes it exciting to be part of. Most importantly, there is a genuine focus on student success, both academically and professionally, and that makes the work we do feel purposeful and impactful. Seeing students succeed and feel confident when they graduate makes me proud of the work we are doing.
How do you incorporate TU’s motto – “Without risk, there is no gain” – into your own life or classroom?
I incorporate Tiffin’s motto, “Without risk, there is no gain,” by being willing to try new things in my classroom, even if I am not sure how they will turn out. When teaching marketing concepts, I often think outside the box and test new ideas to see if something sticks, and then I build on what works. For example, I started a pitch project in my sales class as a small activity, and it has now grown into a community event that includes three additional educational institutions. Taking that initial risk created a bigger opportunity for students and for the university.
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you – or an interesting hobby?
Fun fact, I shoot Dartball for the Women’s Invitational Dartball League in Toledo and my team of 15 women have brought home many championships throughout the years (even back to back years a couple times) where I have lead the league in batting average and first base hits for over 16 years.
What’s your favorite book, film, or quote – and why does it resonate with you?
I have 2 quotes. “Don’t be content with being average, average is just as close to the top as it is the bottom.” This resonates with me because it pushes you to be better, or if there is a better way, find it. Not being content is a great way to keep improving and I feel that way when I teach. I am always trying to find ways to push my students to be better and stand out after they graduate.
And “Just do with what you have to do.” This resonates with me because no matter what problem, issue or decision I am trying to make, my grandmother gives her sounding advice and in closing says “Just do with what you have to do”.