Pre-Conference Workshop Biographies
Paula Burns, Vice Provost at Michener Institute
Paula Burns is the Vice Provost at The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences. In this role Dr. Burns provides leadership for academic programming and the Centre for Learning and Innovation. She is responsible for leading the implementation of the Academic Innovation Change Strategy, part of Michener’s transformational journey.
Dr. Burns began her career in education in 1994 when she joined Michener as a faculty member in Respiratory Therapy. She has held several coordinator positions in both full time and continuing education programs and was an Academic Chair for two years prior to her current position.
Paula’s love for learning led her to complete a Masters in Education from Central Michigan University and a PhD in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning from The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.
Paula has delivered a number of presentations and workshops in the area of faculty development, teaching and learning, and curriculum design including presentations at the NCSPOD and POD. She has facilitated the development of two National Competency profiles and consults internationally in the area of curriculum development. Recently she has led two Inter-professional Collaboration Camps, an organizational development opportunity for faculty and staff at Michener.
Paula is a facilitator for the Chair Academy and is passionate about the connection between personal development and leadership.
To go to Paula Burns' and Jill Shaver's workshop description, click here.
Jill Shaver, Consultant, Coach
Jill Shaver has extensive experience in leading and facilitating strategic change in the hospital sector, most recently as the Assistant Vice President Organizational Effectiveness at a large academic teaching hospital. Jill has consulted to The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences in Toronto, Ontario during the past three years of its transformational change process, providing expertise in change and organization development for the implementation of the Academic Innovation Strategy. Jill has also consulted on change internationally, including a multi-year project to improve medical laboratory services in the Caribbean. Jill holds a MBA from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and is a graduate of the Master of Science in Organization Development Program at Pepperdine University in California. Jill’s passion for navigating transformational change led her to launch her own business, B. J. Shaver Consulting Inc., and to consult, facilitate, coach and educate on strategic change, organization development and leadership development in national and international settings.
To go to Paula Burns' and Jill Shaver's workshop description, click here.
Ramona Becker, Director of Organizational and Staff Development
Ramona Becker is the Organizational and Staff Development Director for Butler Community College. Dr. Becker has been with Butler since 1995 as the Adjunct Faculty Coordinator until 1997, then the Faculty/Staff Development Director until 2006. As an adjunct instructor for the college, she also teaches Political Science online and occasionally Information Technology in the classroom. A devoted lifelong learner, she has earned an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL., an M.S. in Political Science, a B.S. in Political Science, a B.S. in Spanish, and an A.S. in Respiratory Therapy from Wichita State University. Dr. Becker was previously the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection with the Kansas Corporation Commission and was a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Wichita State University in the Political Science Department prior to that. Ms. Becker is an experienced presenter in behavioral and technical areas. She is Past-President of Bel Aire Heights Neighborhood Association and a current board member, on the Executive Board for the Global Learning Center and the Annual Wichita Global Challenge Conference, the Bel Aire Economic Advisory Council and holds membership in various local civic groups and national educational organizations. In addition to her family, she is passionate about a number of things in life including art, government and politics, technology, fitness, music, dancing, alternative energy, general systems theory, travel, and communication. Dr. Becker states, "My greatest life experience was gained in raising eight children - training that continues to assist me in all that I do."
To go to Ramona Becker's workshop description, click here.
Bill Lamb, Vice President of Instruction
Bill Lamb is currently the Vice President of Instruction at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Until 2007, Bill was the Dean of Liberal Arts and Distance Learning at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS, where he served in the role of assistant dean, department chair, and writing teacher. He received his Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction at Kansas State University in 1984, and his Master of Arts degree in English literature from Pittsburg State University in 1974. Dr. Lamb has received numerous awards including the JCCC AMS Spotlight Award, the Midwest Regional Award for Encouraging Academic Excellence, Who’s Who in American Education, BSA Award of Merit, and the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Dr. Lamb also has a number of publications and is a frequent presenter at international and regional conferences.
To go to Bill Lamb's workshop description, click here.
Idahlynn Karre, Associate Director of the Chair Academy
Idahlynn Karre has spent her career as a professor, speaker, and leader of educational innovation. She retired after 35 years university teaching, leadership, and staff development to devote her time and energy to professional speaking, writing, and consulting.
National Teacher of the Year (1992) and 2000 recipient of the Paul Elsner International Leadership Award, and 1992 National Speakers Association Outstanding Professor, Dr. Karre has been recognized for excellence in teaching, speaking, and leadership. Dr. Karre (Ph.D., University of Colorado, 1975) currently serves as Associate Director of the Chair Academy. She is editor of the Academy Journal, Leadership, co-editor of the Handbooks for Academy for Leadership Development, author of Leadership Tips and Tools, and facilitator for the Academy’s world-wide leadership training programs. Her video-package and book, Busy, Noisy, and Powerfully Effective: Cooperative Learning in the College Classroom are popular resources for college faculty development initiatives. With over 100 published titles and hundreds of professional presentations, she serves as an international speaker, consultant, and coach for numerous colleges, universities, professional organizations, businesses and corporations.
To go to Idahlynn Karre's workshop description, click here.
Scott Geddis, Director of Athletics, Health Enhancement Faculty
Scott Geddis is currently in his 31st year as a faculty member at Phoenix College in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition to his faculty position, he has served the college for the past 15 years as the Director of Athletics. During his tenure as Director the Phoenix College Department of Athletics has gained national recognition as a leader in assuring academic success among its student athletes. Prior to his position at Phoenix College Scott was a Paramedic Program Educator and Certified Emergency Paramedic.
Scott’s leadership skills and experience have allowed him to serve as President of several professional organizations including, the National Alliance of Two Year College Athletic Administrators, the Arizona Community College Athletics Association, the Western State Football League, the Arizona Emergency Paramedic Association and the Phoenix College Faculty Association. In 2004 Scott was awarded the honor of Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and in 2007 was acknowledged by the National Junior College Athletic Association with it prestigious Loyalty Award.
To go to Scott Geddis' and Elsie Elford's workshop description, click here.
Elsie Elford, Dean of the School of Business
Elsie Elford is currently dean of the School of Business at Grant MacEwan College in Alberta, Canada. She started her career at the college in 1985 and took on many roles, including teaching, chairing and leading a number of initiatives and committees at the college. Some of these roles include Chair of the Educational Leadership Institute (ELI), the Academic Vision Steering Committee, Academic Council and Faculty Roles and Responsibilities. In 2000, students presented her with the Student Champion Award in recognition of exemplary service, support and advocacy for MacEwan students. In 2005 she received the Exemplary Leader Award from the Chair Academy. In her role as dean she works with a dedicated team that is building the framework for new programs including an undergraduate degree in business. Prior to her career at the college Elsie practiced law for ten years. She is also a member of the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association.
To go to Scott Geddis' and Elsie Elford's workshop description, click here.