Education Faculty Profiles

I want to provide doctoral learners with a smooth, positive experience. My goal as a faculty member is to build their desire to be their best, as well as their desire to become lifelong learners. I had to build those desires on my own.

The diversity of the learners in the doctoral program has been a vehicle for me to learn about global teaching and learning. The collegiality of the faculty at University of Phoenix has been wonderful. I’ve had the opportunity to grow professionally, develop confidence in my own teaching abilities and learn more than I ever imagined would be possible from the many professional colleagues who I now consider to be friends.

Dennis Clodi, Ph.D., School of Advanced Studies

My goal is to inspire and touch the lives of my students and help them become master teachers. I want to instill a passion for teaching by being a vibrant role model who is child centered, caring and nurturing. I believe University of Phoenix students deserve the very richest learning experience possible. I set high expectations for myself and my students. I give them my best and hold them accountable for learning. My philosophy is to always remember that my students may be teaching my granddaughter one day and I want each and every one of them to be the best and most effective teacher they can be.

As a faculty member, it is especially rewarding to observe my students while they're student teaching and see them put the knowledge and skills they gained into practice. Attending graduation is also very rewarding. Watching students walk across the stage, seeing how proud their parents and friends are, being invited to graduation parties, hearing from them when they get that job they dreamed of, and having them call with questions about teaching after they've been teaching awhile - these are the things that inspire me to continue teaching.

Myrtle Combrink, College of Education

I had the opportunity to facilitate classes in educational leadership for University of Phoenix while working as a public school administrator. I observed the support that the learners were given by the University and the rigorous training that the faculty members went through in order to teach at University of Phoenix. Later, I discovered the School of Advanced Studies, which supports its learners through rigorous curriculum and encourages learners to finish and succeed rather than put up barriers once they begin their doctoral journey. I wanted to be a faculty member with this program and help develop leaders who will contribute to changes needed in the public school systems. I believe that education is the foundation of success in whatever field one pursues, thus the need for excellent educators is a constant.

Jack Crews, EdD, School of Advanced Studies

University of Phoenix caught my eye as a cutting-edge educational institution. I appreciate that professional expertise is valued and staff development is part of the faculty program. At first, I thought online teaching was going to create a feeling of distance from my students. On the contrary, it has provided some of my most meaningful and effective teaching experiences. I hope to stay connected with University of Phoenix throughout my professional life. I find it rewarding to share my expertise as a parenting specialist with education students.

Sally Goldberg, PhD, College of Education

I have more than 30 years of experience at the highest levels of community college administration. I wanted to become a faculty member at the School of Advanced Studies so that I could share that with University of Phoenix doctoral learners.

My goal is to help learners make their dreams of a doctoral degree come true. I remember being asked in March 2007 during a year four residency course if I could help a learner who was in need of a new mentor. I became the learner's mentor a few days after the conclusion of the residency. Then, we reorganized her dissertation committee with two new members. In March 2008, the learner's dissertation was approved and she added Ed.D. to her credentials. This one year journey represents the pinnacle of academic success for this learner and the committee.

Ron Hutkin, Ph.D., School of Advanced Studies

Teaching and learning have been my passion for as long as I can remember. My mother tells of me organizing all the children in the neighborhood into a backyard "classroom." True to my dreams, I was blessed with a 36-year career as a public school educator.

Now, as a University of Phoenix faculty member, my goal is to enable students to develop the knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary for success in the classroom and in their personal and professional lives. Ultimately, the goal of learning is to build the capacity and competence to advance the human condition. This is the personal teaching and learning challenge I hold most dear.

During nearly every class, some event causes me to appreciate my teaching role at University of Phoenix. Sometimes it is a student who says, "I really enjoyed that activity." Sometimes it's the interactions I observe during small-group activities or the phone call asking clarification of the assignment. A student's comment on a recent survey caused me to smile broadly. It said, "This instructor showed that she really cared about the learning of each student in the class."

Connie Lorthridge, EdD, College of Education