Welcome

I am the Assistant Dean of the Applied Language Institute at the University of Missouri Kansas City with expertise in curriculum and instructional design, faculty development, English language teaching, instructional technology, qualitative research, and global initiatives. I believe a healthy balance of these areas contributes to the development of traditional, blended, and online English language learning and teacher education programs through research-informed practices. As a director of an intensive English program, I am contributing to the teaching and learning community by connecting our program to partner universities through innovative blended learning practices, including virtual exchanges. If you are interested in learning more about my professional background, I encourage you to explore this site.

Recent Accomplishments

Created a website for English language program teachers and administrators on the use of generative AI in higher education, Spring 2024-present, https://sites.google.com/view/gai-in-higher-education?usp=sharing

Launched the ALI’s first Teletandem English Language Learning program with a partnership in Poland, Fall 2023-present, https://shss.umkc.edu/areas-of-study/applied-language-institute/tell.html

Designed and launched UMKC’s first Medical English Camp, Summer 2023, https://shss.umkc.edu/areas-of-study/applied-language-institute/medical-english.html

Designed and launched UMKC’s first pathway program, The Paseo Program, Fall 2019 – present, https://shss.umkc.edu/areas-of-study/applied-language-institute/ali-programs/paseo-program.html

Launched UMKC’s first low-cost English language program for the Kansas City community, Summer-Fall 2023, https://shss.umkc.edu/areas-of-study/applied-language-institute/evening-english-program.html

Established new partnerships for the ALI and UMKC in Brazil, South Korea, Chile, Vietnam, Mongolia, Turkey, Japan, Poland, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Costa Rica

Revived and strengthened partnerships for the ALI and UMKC in Mexico, Brazil, and China, including Taiwan

Launched and co-designed the Comprehensive ALI Online Placement Exam (CALIOPE), Spring 2020, https://info.umkc.edu/ali/homepage/future-students/caliope/

Founded and coordinated UMKC’s virtual exchange (COIL) programs, Spring 2020 – Spring 2022

Designed and directed customized online learning programs for partner universities in China and South Korea, Spring 2020 – Spring 2022

Organized and facilitated an online conference, Language Teaching with 2020 Hindsight, Fall 2020