PC: The position is what I expected and what I had hoped it would be. I am somewhat surprised by my ability to find my way around in GR. Of course it may have something to do with my trusty GPS system, but my family and friends would tell you that I am somewhat directionally challenged.

PC: I started college as a journalism/literature major, but when I discovered psychology, I was hooked. My interest in student development began when I was a graduate assistant at U of M. Although I never imagined teaching as a career, I found teaching classes and working with students energizing.

PC: I grew up in an environment where creativity was valued and making a difference mattered. I feel fortunate that I found a career where I get to do both on a daily basis. My earliest career aspirations were to be a cartoonist. I recall going through period where I wanted to be an astronaut but in retrospect I was probably drawn to the idea because there were no female astronauts at the time.

PC: We all have the ability to lead and the opportunity to make meaningful change. To me this means being committed, having values and teaching. My definition includes the ability to inspire other people to accomplish good things and striving to teach by example and motivating others to grow. Leadership is more than style or characteristics. It is the sum of all of our parts - it’s our world view, our inner self, our integrity and our ability to communicate vision, purpose and passion to others.

PC:. I believe in beginning with the end in mind. This means we don’t start with a problem and look for a solution - rather we start with a vision of what we would like to be and work backwards to discover the steps we need to take to achieve our goals. Collaboration is the key to positive change. When people understand the “what” of a change and also the “why,” they are more likely to embrace or own the change, and we, as an organization, are more likely to succeed-together.

Leadership implies change. It takes work, vision and time to succeed.

PC: I am a collector of quotes so if you visited my office you would find a framed print of quotes that has guided me in my career. Since we are on the subject of change I like this one of Thoreau: “Things do not change. We change.” Another favorite is “Grow where you are planted.” And finally, “All who wander are not lost.”

PC: We all need heroes. People to look up to, who model a lifestyle we admire. These people are not perfect, and because of this, they help us to realize that we can succeed in spite of our own imperfections. My grandmother was one of my heroes. She encouraged us to never back away from a challenge. She was the first woman in her town to cut her hair, to get a job and to learn to drive. When my grandfather died while she was in her thirties, she got a job and continued to work well into her eighties. She did everything with style - she was always slow to blame others or to feel sorry for herself and quick to advocate for others. I hope that I am like her.

PC: [At Aquinas] we seek a community that shares our values and passions and a community that we can make our own. I knew from that moment that AQ would be a good professional and personal fit. I wasn’t wrong. And I am so excited to be here! My immediate plans - to rediscover GR and become part of the AQ community.