Over the last 7 years I have worked in the healthcare sector, four of which were with Providence St. Joseph Health and over 12 in Information Technology and I can’t tell you how happy I am to join the team here at the University of Providence in Great Falls. One of the biggest draws to UP for me is the Mission and values which are very much in line with my own personal values. The fact that I get to live them out daily is a true benefit of my job.
My vision for the coming years is a vision of growth and innovation. I see UP growing both in traditional education as well as distance education. Technology in the classroom will allow both faculty and students to experience a mixed atmosphere of traditional and distance learning in the same classroom. Both our School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and our School of Health Professions will move into the future utilizing cutting edge technology and innovative thinking.
I was born and raised in Southern Oregon where it rarely snows and seldom gets below 20 degrees. In the rare case that it does snow the city shuts down. My first experience with both UP and Montana was in December ‘17 during my interview. The entire day was sunny and gorgeous, though a little cold, and I was sold on Great Falls immediately. Little did I know that when I would arrive in January it would be what I was told as “one of the worst snow seasons in 10 years.” I had never seen snow dry enough that you can clear off your driveway with a leaf blower. I had my first experience pushing a car out of the snow, actually multiple cars none of which were mine, yet. The snow finally melted in April/May and the beginning of one of the most beautiful summers I’ve ever experienced began.
Dr. Tony Aretz has laid out a bold vision for UP over the coming years and I find myself growing more excited with the direction of UP each day. The university is doing amazing things both in education and technology innovation and being part of this growth is a true blessing.
