Community Development and Partnerships

5.D NAU-Yavapai (regional university/YCNAU (2+2)

I was pleased and proud to be asked by the new dean of NAU-Yavapai, Mark Shelley, to come on board even before the university started, to help design its innovative hybrid-class structure.  Discussions began in the spring of 201 between Dr. Shelley and various faculty at YC with hybrid and online teaching experience.  I attended roughly a half dozen such meetings, both at Yavapai College (including several Summer and Winter Institute sessions) and at the new university’s Prescott Valley location.  It was quite exciting to watch and contribute to the development of a much-needed local educational institution that will offer bachelor degree.

In the spring of 2011, I taught my first course for NAU-Yavapai, HUM 205: Technology and Human Values, in an accelerated five-week format and then HIS 205: World History Since 1700 in the first summer session.  In both cases I was in close contact with Dr. Shelley, sharing my experiences and insights as these first classes unfolded.  I like to think that my observations have been of use to Dr.Shelley as he continues to shape the new institution.