I am a Professor of Education, Coordinator for the Career and Technical (Vocational) Education Teacher Education Program and Faculty member teaching in the Department of Educational Leadership and Technology at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).
I try to live a balanced life. Those that know me might say I am student centered. I work toward maintaining academic rigor but strive to meet the needs of all students. To illustrate, I have acted as first reader for numerous masters students in the completion of their graduate thesis; and advocate that a quality education includes technological innovation, not just computers or digital stuff, to promote and facilitate better interpersonal interaction in educational settings.
I am also actively involved on vaious university, local, state, and national committees. I strive to maintain and sustain my personal educational goals, and professional development by staying active academically through continuing education, and by regularly presenting and publishing works that I have completed at local, regional, and national association conferences.
I too strongly believe that Career and Technical (Vocational) Education and Technology Education and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are unique, high-spirited disciplines known for their unmatched levels of excellence and leadership practices. These disciplines will sustain their reputation as thriving and valued educational delivery systems/mechanisms for life-long learning for both academic and career readiness, career exploration, and workforce development. I believe these fields get individuals motived, connected, engaged, inspired, develop skills academically and technically, and provide leadership opportunities that may have otherwise been overlooked.
Career Synopsis:
In my early years I worked for my father's business as an apprentice plasterer (lath, plaster, drywall), in Southern California (San Diego County) while transitioning through high school and college. This was a character building experience. Having said that, I enjoyed the work and an opportunity to learn a trade.
After high school, I enrolled at San Diego State University. My dreams were to become a Naval Aviator. To that end, I majored in Industrial Studies, while concurrently working on an Associates Degree in Aeronautics at Grossmont Community College. My junior year of college I was accepted to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps and it seemed I was on my way. Unfortunately, my dreams were only partly fulfilled.
Though, I did receive a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Studies, two Associate degrees in Aeronautics (flight operations and operations management), a minor in Military Science, a Private Pilot Certificate (Single Engine Land rating), a commission as a Naval Officer, and was accepted for training in Pensacola, Florida as a student naval aviator, I found myself undergoing another career change and character building experience.
I was
redirected from the naval flight program due to some hick-ups on my part.
However, I learned as the old adage goes, "in every adversity lies an equal
or greater benefit." After being redirected out of the flight program, I began
taking SCUBA diving lessons and received a NAUI and PADI Open Water certificate.
Soon after, I was given orders to Surface
Warfare Officer School in Coronado, California. I spent many months
in training, then soon found myself stationed in Long Beach, California
on the U.S.S.
Anchorage (LSD-36) 
.
This was a rewarding experience. Still, as stated, I joined the Navy to
fly.
After
my release form active duty 
naval service with an honorable discharge, I accepted a management
position with an industry corporation in San Diego, EXPO Industries. This company was a manufacturer
and supplier of lath, plaster, and drywall products. This worked out pretty
well for me! I had practical experience in the trade, and I figured it
would be a great time to begin work at night on my Masters Degree at San
Diego State University while building industrial management skills. After
three years of employment in management, and many hours of night and weekend
work, I obtained my masters in Industrial and Technical Studies. However, I felt the desire to continue on with my education. After completing my masters, I had a desire to apply to
a doctoral program. My fourth year in industry, I applied for a Doctoral
Degree in at the University of Missouri
- Columbia, in Education with a major support emphasis in Career and Technical, Technology and
Industry Education. That summer, my wife, children, and I packed our things
in a 24 foot truck and relocated to Missouri.
That said, I spent a total of five years in Missouri. The first three years in Columbia - Missouri working as a graduate teaching/research assistant/instructor of Technology Education and Career and Technical (Vocational) Education. I taught at the high school and university levels. The last two years in Missouri, I received an assistant professor position in Cape Girardeau, with Southeast Missouri State University's Industrial and Engineering Technology Department teaching technology education, career and technical (vocational) teacher education, multimedia, electronic communications, photography, graphic arts, and more. I completed my doctoral degree in the process. This too was a wonderful experience!
Still, my heart and desire were to teach only career and technial (vocational) teacher education courses. Additionally, I longed to return back to California. Having said that, I became aware that a position had opened at California State University, San Bernardino. So, here I am!
In spite of it all, I have realized many things...most important, sacrafice, commitment, and faith. Through reflection, I know that good things come through hard work, and by helping and building others. For me, devoting oneself to a purpose or cause unconditionally brings the greatest rewards and feeling of satisfaction...giving oneself not to receive, but to give to community through service.
"In any event, I look forward to assisting you any way possible." Should you have any questions or concerns feel free to let me know. I am glad to be here!!!