Awards:
Recipient of:
- Professional Achievement Award from the NKU Alumni Association
- Award of Excellence from NKU’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law
- Continuing Legal Education Award from the Kentucky Bar Association, multiple years
- “Who’s Who in Law Higher Education” recognition from Academic Keys, 2018 - present
- Civic Leadership Award from Kids Voting Northern Kentucky, 2015
- Part-Time Faculty Excellence in Instruction Award from NKU, 2015
- Judge Robert W. Heaton Award from the Kentucky District Judges Association, 2015
- Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award, 2014
- Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Award, 2013
- Dean’s Citation for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award from NKU’s Haile/US Bank College of Business, 2013
- Public Advocate Award, 2013
- Chief Justice’s Special Service Award from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, 2011
- Service Award from Mental Health America, 2009
- Law-related education awards from the Kentucky Court of Justice in 2005, 2000, 1999
Which class(es) do you teach online?
BUS 605: Legal Environment for Business
What do you want students in your courses to learn? What is the learning outcome or objective?
Students will be able to identify, understand, and apply legal concepts to real-world and hypothetical situations. Once this course has been completed, students will recognize situations where legal counsel is needed and be able to cooperate and collaborate with legal counsel in real-world situations. Students will also be able to analyze and appraise the ways in which legal issues impact business.
Why did you start teaching?
I started teaching at the Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 1989 and then for the College of Business at Northern Kentucky University in 1990. I have been teaching at least once a semester for each college ever since.
What advice would you give to those considering an online program?
Be prepared! Know what the time requirements are and the expectations of the professor. It is also helpful if you can plan a schedule in advance of the start of the class to help you keep up with the work and to turn in all of the assignments as they become due. One last piece of advice—don't be afraid to reach out to your professor if you have any issues or problems. We are here to help you through issues and concerns about the class and the material we cover.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in business?
Detail, detail, detail. In the world of business, details matter, and having the ability to spot issues and possible problems for the business you are involved in is an invaluable skill to an employer and for future entrepreneurs.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that people in business face today?
The world of business is constantly changing, and the legal environment that surrounds business changes with it. A graduate from the MBA program faces the unenviable task of keeping up with changing employment law, changes in the organizational models of business entities, changes in commercial practice, and the ever-changing international landscape.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
One book isn't enough. I would suggest a daily national paper.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know about you.
I have been a judge since 1996 and have been lucky enough to also teach legal concepts and legal systems. I am a SCUBA diver and a totally obsessed Cincinnati Bengals fan who has had season tickets since 1981. Hope springs eternal with a Bengals fan!
