My teaching philosophy is grounded in a commitment to student success, social impact, and professional growth. I believe teaching is an opportunity to support students in realizing their intellectual and professional potential while empowering them to lead change through nonprofit and philanthropic work. I aim to instill the confidence, knowledge, and skills students need to become effective leaders and innovators. Teaching also provides me with a continual opportunity for reflection and development, allowing my approaches to evolve through classroom experience
and student feedback.

My courses are designed to be practice-based and centered on nonprofit and philanthropic leadership, aligning closely with the missions of both the MPA and MNM programs at the University of Memphis. I incorporate theory, best practices, and critical analysis, guiding students through hands-on projects that bridge academic concepts with real-world application. Students develop essential documents like fundraising plans, a case for support, and develop grant proposals, collaborating with local nonprofits in the process. These experiences build generalist and specialist knowledge, enhance students’ practical skills, and deepen their understanding of the sector’s complexity and potential.

I adopt a student-centric and equity-focused approach that values diverse perspectives, encourages critical engagement, and emphasizes flexibility. My courses incorporate discussions on systems of power and social justice issues, reflecting the realities students will navigate as future leaders. I continuously assess and improve my teaching by soliciting and responding to student feedback through mid-semester surveys and end-of-term evaluations. This
feedback loop strengthens my instruction and contributes to consistently strong student evaluations, demonstrating the effectiveness of my approach and my dedication to inclusive, impactful teaching.

Teaching Experience

The University of Memphis

Department of Public and Nonprofit Administration
August 2020 – Present

PADM 7642 – Resource Development for Nonprofits
PADM 7643 – Seminar in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Administration
PADM 7646 – Philanthropy, Nonprofits, and Social Change
PADM 6228/4228 – Grant Writing
PADM 4226 – Introduction to Nonprofits
PADM 0100 – Certificate in Fundraising

University of Nebraska at Omaha

School of Public Administration
January 2017 – May 2020

PA 3500 – Nonprofit Organizations and Management
PA 2170 – Introduction to Public Administration