My mission is to create positive momentum towards the development of vibrant, thriving communities. I do this by leveraging experience, connections, and strengths in a variety of different arenas—in higher education, in modern libraries, and through community partnerships.
Too often in higher education we are focused on content over skills—information over application. The same is true of history. Rote memorization of names, dates, and places is not an effective way to develop a deeper understanding of the past. I believe that academia is approaching an inflection point where educational outcomes must focus on skills and career readiness, and where internal structures and activities must reflect a changing professional landscape. I believe that conversations about education and career readiness must move beyond educational attainment and even passion. They must include work ethic and responsibility, innovation and opportunity.
I believe communities move forward when priorities of business and economic development are combined with quality of life and culture—where industry meets people. I believe modern libraries are particularly well-placed to serve at the center of community growth. Libraries are engines of economic impact and agents of development in the neighborhoods they serve, ready and able to facilitate discovery, growth, and opportunity. I am glad to share that power with anyone who will listen.
Bottom line—I believe in a world where progress is not comprised of either intellectual pursuits or practical concerns but is comprised of both—bringing together experience, education, and opportunity in a way that is economically viable and intrinsically valuable. This all might sound a bit strange, coming from a military historian and librarian—but if we can’t break a few stereotypes along the way, where’s the fun?
If you find yourself resonating with anything I’ve just said, consider this an invitation to reach out and drop me a line.
We might be kindred spirits.
“If the work is big enough and challenging enough, it cannot be done alone.” Rachel Bair
