About
BRIEF BIO
BRIEF BIO
I am so glad you have found my website. Welcome.
I am so glad you have found my website. Welcome.
Let me tell you a little about myself.
Let me tell you a little about myself.
Although I have lived in Austin, TX for many years, decades really, my strong affinity for the St. Louis Cardinal baseball team is a result of growing up in the St. Louis area where everyone bleeds Cardinal red.
Although I have lived in Austin, TX for many years, decades really, my strong affinity for the St. Louis Cardinal baseball team is a result of growing up in the St. Louis area where everyone bleeds Cardinal red.
Childhood visits to my grandparents' farms in rural southern Missouri left a deep impression on me, which I think has become clearer as I have gotten older. Watching my grandparents work on their farms taught me that the value of a person is not in how much wealth a person possesses, but rather how much we care for one another.
Childhood visits to my grandparents' farms in rural southern Missouri left a deep impression on me, which I think has become clearer as I have gotten older. Watching my grandparents work on their farms taught me that the value of a person is not in how much wealth a person possesses, but rather how much we care for one another.
My favorite subject in school early on was mathematics. No surprise I became a math teacher. From junior high/middle school to adults at Austin Community College, I enjoyed building relationships, figuring out ways to help people learn, and sharing the amazing universe of mathematics.
My favorite subject in school early on was mathematics. No surprise I became a math teacher. From junior high/middle school to adults at Austin Community College, I enjoyed building relationships, figuring out ways to help people learn, and sharing the amazing universe of mathematics.
However, I also knew from a young age I wanted to attend seminary and have a vocation helping others explore their faith. At first glance, these two professions, mathematics professor and pastor, do not appear to have much in common, but for me, they are both about listening attentively to others and responding with care.
However, I also knew from a young age I wanted to attend seminary and have a vocation helping others explore their faith. At first glance, these two professions, mathematics professor and pastor, do not appear to have much in common, but for me, they are both about listening attentively to others and responding with care.
Last, but not least, I am delighted to share a home and my life with my spouse, Betty, and our standard poodle, Louie. Our daughters are grown and we could not be more proud of the women they have become. The grandchildren they have brought into our lives makes life especially grand.
Last, but not least, I am delighted to share a home and my life with my spouse, Betty, and our standard poodle, Louie. Our daughters are grown and we could not be more proud of the women they have become. The grandchildren they have brought into our lives makes life especially grand.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Mathematics, December 1987 - State University of New York at New Paltz, New Paltz, NY
Master of Arts in Mathematics, December 1987 - State University of New York at New Paltz, New Paltz, NY
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, January 1981 - Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, January 1981 - Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK
VOCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
VOCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
ChrysalisQ.org is a support and resource organization, providing a safe space for LGBTQI+ families.
ChrysalisQ.org is a support and resource organization, providing a safe space for LGBTQI+ families.
Church of the Savior is a relatively small congregation. And yet, it serves its community in big ways via clothing for newly placed foster children, distributing backpacks filled with food at a local elementary school, building homes with Habitat for Humanity and Community First Village, offering space numerous other groups and faith organizations. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, it was the gift of a lifetime to serve this vibrant generous congregation as their pastor.
Church of the Savior is a relatively small congregation. And yet, it serves its community in big ways via clothing for newly placed foster children, distributing backpacks filled with food at a local elementary school, building homes with Habitat for Humanity and Community First Village, offering space numerous other groups and faith organizations. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, it was the gift of a lifetime to serve this vibrant generous congregation as their pastor.
I taught the range of courses offered by the community college from remedial math courses to more advanced courses. I thoroughly enjoyed watching students at every level succeed, overcoming obstacles, and taking steps to achieve their goals and realizing their dreams.
I taught the range of courses offered by the community college from remedial math courses to more advanced courses. I thoroughly enjoyed watching students at every level succeed, overcoming obstacles, and taking steps to achieve their goals and realizing their dreams.
Secondary Education Teacher in Mathematics - 1981 -1985
Secondary Education Teacher in Mathematics - 1981 -1985
My teaching career began in a small town in Oklahoma. I learned very quickly that students respond to basic kindness and encouragement.
My teaching career began in a small town in Oklahoma. I learned very quickly that students respond to basic kindness and encouragement.
BOARDS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
BOARDS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Math Pentathlon Volunteer for local elementary school, Fall 2019 – Spring 2020
Math Pentathlon Volunteer for local elementary school, Fall 2019 – Spring 2020
US Congressional Candidate, 2017-2018
US Congressional Candidate, 2017-2018
Civic Saturday, Panelist for environmental conversation, “Acting on Our Conscience”, Nov. 2017
Civic Saturday, Panelist for environmental conversation, “Acting on Our Conscience”, Nov. 2017
Hill Country Community News, Regular Contributor for the Faith Column, 2011 – 2017
Hill Country Community News, Regular Contributor for the Faith Column, 2011 – 2017