"Since I work for a Christian University, I consider it a gift to be able to teach from a Christian perspective. I start out each class by reading a devotional that relates to the subject matter. Several assignments in each class require students to synthesize faith with theory and practice. In the classroom, the students wrestle with how to incorporate faith into their work without words. ºÚÁÏÍø half of the students do not subscribe to the Christian faith so I consider my job a ministry."
Susan's Career Journey
During her tenure as a student at Messiah College, Susan was an intern at Messiah Village Retirement Community, now Messiah Lifeways. Prior to graduation, Susan was hired as an Activities Supervisor. She continued to work in several roles at Messiah Village, and was their first non-nurse Neighborhood Manager. Susan was simultaneously working on her Masters in Health Administration at Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg. Several years later, she was asked to teach two courses in the Family Studies program, which proved to be invaluable to her career. Susan's family moved to NJ in 2002 shortly after they started a family, and Susan started working on her Doctorate in Medical Humanities a few years later. Susan's doctoral dissertation focused on Alzheimer's disease and personhood. While writing her dissertation, her husband took a job transfer to Illinois, where she discovered Judson University in their backyard. In 2010, Susan was hired as an adjunct faculty member, specifically to teach a newly created Gerontology course amongst several others in the Human Services program. In the fall of 2012 she was hired full time as the Human Services Program Director and her role has considerably grown in the past 18 months.
Working as a Professor
Susan has three distinct roles at Judson University. As an Assistant Professor, she teaches a variety of courses, oversees internships, and advises students. She also serve on several University committees to ensure compliance with assessment and curriculum standards. In addition to teaching, Susan serve as the Human Sciences Department Chair. In this role, Susan oversees the development of curriculum and schedules and trains faculty in the Human Services and Applied Psychology programs. Last, as the Director of Adjunct Faculty services she oversees the hiring process and ongoing training for 160+ adjunct faculty in the School of Leadership and Business.
Susan's Advice
"I find that many students worry about the relevance of their degree during their tenure as a student. This degree in particular will lead to many opportunities, even if not discovered immediately. My advice is for students to enjoy the journey and allow God to lead them to the job He has chosen for them at the right time."