Prospective Students: Outstanding Faculty

Jon Bouknight

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:46:36 GMT

- Professor of Speech and Writing

Following the examples of some of the greatest educators in Western history such as Socrates, Aristotle and Cicero, discussion is the cornerstone of all my classes and is what makes them interesting, I hope. I love watching students who get excited about a topic, or who admit to having their long-held beliefs challenged. Also enjoyable are students who reach a personal goal — even in a course they’d love to skip. Best of all, though, and selfishly, I most enjoy it when the students teach me something.

Patricia O’Neill

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:35:01 GMT

- Professor of History

Patricia O'Neill

Patricia O'Neill teaches history of Western civilization, world history and European history courses.

“I try to show the students the big ideas and events and encourage them to change the kaleidoscope slightly so they can view those events from the eyes of the people in the culture or time period we are studying,” says O’Neill.

In addition, O’Neill blends her extensive travels in Asia, the Middle East and Europe and her natural storytelling ability to make history come alive for her students.

“I tell stories, bring in food, costumes and slides — anything else I can think of — to make the class more enjoyable for the students.”

Kiri Simning

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:47:19 GMT

- Associate professor of nursing

Kiri Simning

It’s an amazing process to watch our students’ learning progress from day one to graduation. They come in so nervous, hands shaking as they open a pill package and leave us with the confidence to perform complex skills and communicate professionally.

The best aspect of teaching is working with students in the clinical sessions. I love the direct patient contact and the real-time learning that happens in the hospital setting. It’s so rewarding to see the “light bulb” moments when concepts and content click for a student.

Ralph Phillips

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:11:02 GMT

- Assistant Professor I of Computer Information Systems

Ralph Phillips

My teaching style is pretty casual. I think most people learn by doing and making mistakes, so I’m a big fan of trying something different to see if it works.

My favorite course to teach is Web development, because the opportunities for students to experiment and create cool, creative stuff are very high. Entry-level computer courses are great, too, because so many of the skills learned and practiced can be applied immediately to students’ home, work and school lives to have fun and increase productivity.

Mark Eberle

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:32:59 GMT

- Professor of Biological Sciences

Mark Eberle

Raised on a cotton farm near Bakersfield, California, Eberle became interested in insects as a youngster. While teaching in graduate school, Eberle discovered that he liked to talk to people about the “things that interested him.”

“Microbiology is my favorite course to teach because I get to be *plague doctor, read from “Huckleberry Finn” about scarlet fever and wax indignant about the misuse of antibiotics,” says Eberle. “My students are delightful people, and it’s a real privilege to work with them.”

He also teaches the human anatomy and physiology and anatomy and function series. To help students be successful, Eberle has developed “course paks” that contain lecture notes, lab guides and sample exams. These packets, he says, allow more class time for multi-media presentations and computer work.

*What is a Plague Doctor?

Bill Hoppe

Wed, 02 May 2007 07:00:00 GMT

- Associate Professor of Art

Bill Hoppe

I began with design and drawing my junior year of college; they are still my favorite classes to teach because they offer so many opportunities for discovery. My teaching style comes from my own experience in college: “a little talent and someone who takes an interest in it are really all that is needed.” From there I have developed my body of work and a career. My students’ struggles — and even the smallest successes — remind me of where I have been and what is required of me to be a lifelong artist.

Good fortune and “keeping at it” have placed my work in major museums and public collections through out the Northwest. Large-scale public commissions in the Nordstrom Medical Tower in Seattle and The Oregon Convention Center in Portland have been my greatest joys.

“Art…must do something more than give pleasure: it should relate to our own life so as to increase our energy of spirit.”
- Sir Kenneth Clark, Looking at Pictures

Ken Mays

Wed, 02 May 2007 07:00:00 GMT

- Professor of Automotive Technology

Ken Mays

My favorite courses are those that encompass an array of scientific principles, mixed with mechanical and electrical applications. I especially enjoy the areas of ignition, fuel injection, computer controls and emissions that tie together into diagnostic routines. These areas are a challenge, and I enjoy working with students on these complex situations.

After many years training students, I absolutely enjoy watching past graduates succeed in the automotive industry as technicians, managers and business owners. Teaching at COCC has been a wonderful opportunity to watch students excel — and to be a part of their lifelong learning.

The automotive industry is changing fast and I’m looking forward to the challenges as technology moves toward multiple modes of propulsion systems. The COCC Automotive Technology Program will be ready.

Bret Michalski

Tue, 01 May 2007 11:33:35 GMT

- Associate Professor of Forest Resource Technology

Bret Michalski

My favorite classes are wildlife ecology, wildlife conservation and survey of Northwest wildlife. These are the areas I have the most knowledge, experience and interest in, and the students seem to be genuinely interested in learning about critters. I also love to teach my spring term forest entomology and pathology class, because bugs and diseases are so prevalent in forests, yet students know so little about them.

I always try and drum up enthusiasm for course material, by letting my own enthusiasm show. I strongly believe in putting course material into real-world contexts through personal examples. Sometimes the students laugh when I start another story about “when I was a kid...,” but they seem to really remember the material better when I make it personal.

Charlie Naffziger

Tue, 01 May 2007 11:30:48 GMT

- Associate Professor of Math

Charlie Naffziger

“Students are remarkably consistent in their comments about his classes, noting year after year, that he is always well prepared, always energetic, always clear, always kind,” says Kathy Walsh, COCC's vice president for instruction. “Students also appreciate his humor and the fun he brings to his classes.”

The middle of five children raised in Roseburg, Naffziger never considered attending college while growing up. At age 26 he enrolled at Lane Community College. There he found he enjoyed his work-study job as a math tutor and developed a cult following of regular tutees. When his calculus instructor suggested he consider teaching, it made sense. Naffziger decided to include his signature wit—a survival technique developed during childhood—in his teaching style while observing his student teaching supervisor effectively incorporate humor into the classroom.

College algebra steadfastly remains his favorite course to teach because—as a requirement—it brings together such a diverse mix of students. “I also like the content—it's never boring—even after 18 years. It's constantly a challenge because I'm always looking for ways to do it better. That's the beauty of it.” He kids his students that since he has been teaching the material for 18 years, they should know it by now.

A member of the COCC faculty since 1995, Naffziger was lauded for his distinctive and thoughtful professionalism and commitment to students and teaching when he was selected for COCC's Faculty Achievement Award in 2005.

Julie A. Keener

Tue, 01 May 2007 10:55:42 GMT

- Professor of Mathematics

Julie A. Keener

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Keener says that although she was not a stellar math student, she does enjoy working with students who struggle with the subject.

“Oftentimes students learn the steps of math, but don't understand why they are doing them,” said Keener. “My goal is for students to build a strong foundation of understanding that allows them to successfully continue on with math.”

Keener has watched her some of her students progress from Math 10 (arithmetic) to upper division courses and that, she says, is the most rewarding aspect of her job.

“In Julie's classes, students become active learners,” said colleague Mike Sequeira. “She challenges those who think they know math to understand the subject more deeply, and she does it in a super positive way.”

Keener, a former middle school teacher, has been a member of the COCC faculty since 1990, primarily teaching the series of math courses for elementary school teachers as well as developmental math courses. In 2003, COCC honored her with its Faculty Achievement Award.

Robert Reynolds, Ph.D.

Tue, 01 May 2007 10:51:26 GMT

- Associate Professor of Geology

Robert Reynolds, Ph.D.

“Science is the brazen challenge of the unknown.”
- K. Grisesen

This favorite quote of Dr. Bob Reynolds epitomizes his approach to science and the classroom. His intense love of the outdoors has made him one of the leading geology experts in the Northwest. Each year, he leads research expeditions and classroom field trips to as far away as the Galapagos Islands and as close as Crater Lake National Park, the Clearwater Mountains of Idaho, and Newberry National Monument, inspiring his students with every step. Dr. Reynolds teaches classes in geology, volcanology, oceanography and environmental resources, just to name a few.

On a lighter note, Dr. Reynolds is a self-proclaimed toy junky. With that, his other favorite, science-related quote: “Science requires patience and really cool equipment”.

Deb Davies

Tue, 01 May 2007 13:08:10 GMT

- Associate Professor of Dental Assisting - Director of the Dental Assisting Program

Deb Davies

“The years I have spent as a student, mother, waitress, bartender, factory worker, professional ski patroller, forest service employee, small business owner and dental hygienist all contribute to the teacher I am today!

“My favorite course to teach is Dental Radiology because this is the ultimate final exam for students to demonstrate what they have learned. It is exciting to realize that with this knowledge and experience, students can pursue worthwhile and productive careers in the dental health field. Being a part of students’ education and watching them transform into dental professionals is the best aspect of teaching for me.”

Davies was recently chosen as a finalist for a Civic Engagement Award presented by Oregon Campus Compact for her role in launching a local low-cost dental clinic. The recognition acknowledges exceptional leadership and vision in promoting community service.

Julie Hood

Tue, 01 May 2007 13:05:18 GMT

- Assistant Professor II of Human Biology

Julie Hood

After teaching human nutrition courses at COCC as a part-time instructor for 13 years, Julie Hood closed her private practice as a nutritionist and started teaching full time five years ago. She now also teaches courses in human anatomy and physiology and culinary nutrition.

“While I love all my classes, I do have to say that it's especially fun to teach nutrition because I love helping people understand the value of science and research. There are so many myths in the field of nutrition! It's great to be a myth-busting scientist!

“The best aspect of teaching is watching students collaborate on a project and seeing their satisfaction when that process has gone well. I think students have a lot to offer each other, and while they're together here at school, I hope to help them teach each other!”

Kathleen M. McCabe

Tue, 01 May 2007 13:02:57 GMT

- Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Kathleen McCabe

I am a retired police officer from Michigan, who worked as a hostage negotiator and a field training officer. In police work, you are mostly dealing with people who are in some type of conflict and failing in areas of their lives; teaching has given me an opportunity to see people who are taking control of their lives and making personal improvements. I decided to teach at a community college because I like the commitment and determination that these students show. COCC also has more individualized interaction between students and professors. I teach criminal justice because I like looking into the faces of the future for criminal justice.

Michael Gesme

Tue, 01 May 2007 13:00:49 GMT

- Assistant Professor of Music

Michael Gesme

“I approach every class I teach with individuals in mind, and I am intent on helping all students to reach their full potential,” reflects Gesme. “I seek to create an environment where students are not afraid to ask questions or make mistakes.”

A member of the COCC faculty since 1996, Gesme was recently awarded COCC's 2006 Faculty Achievement Award. “I find teaching incredibly satisfying and enjoy the demystification the music-making process,” he says. “It seems that I have a natural gift for talking about music.”

On the student evaluations, students comment that the most valuable aspects of his courses are his high standards, his humor and the phenomenal level of energy he brings to every class, according to Kathy Walsh, COCC's vice president for instruction.

In addition to his teaching duties, Gesme currently conducts the Central Oregon Symphony and the COCC Cascade Winds Symphonic Band, the Obsidian Opera Company, the Obsidian Opera Chamber Orchestra and the Linfield Chamber Orchestra in McMinnville, Oregon.

Rebecca L. Walker-Sands

Tue, 01 May 2007 12:58:36 GMT

- Professor of Psychology

Rebecca L. Walker-Sands

During her undergraduate work, Rebecca's mentor—a biology professor—made it possible for her to participate in an internationally recognized research project teaching American Sign Language to chimpanzees. It is his riveting teaching style that she emulates: “I have attempted to model his rigor, engagement and dynamic in the classroom, though I've never received standing ovations as he did.”

Students appreciate and value her knowledge and enthusiasm. According to one student: “She sets up students to succeed, not by going easy on them, but by doing all that she can to help them succeed.”

She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Southern Oregon University, a master's degree in experimental psychology from the University of Nevada and a doctorate in developmental psychobiology from the University of North Carolina. A member of the COCC faculty since 1995, she won the Faculty Achievement Award in 2004 for excellence in teaching.