Introduction

Graduating cum laude with a B.A. in Communication Arts and a minor in Social Science from George Fox College, I dedicated my early career to international service through the US Peace Corps in Fiji (1982-84). I subsequently pursued further education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where I attained an M.A. in Information & Communication Technologies and a Graduate Certificate in Pacific Island Studies. My research journey began with a two-year internship at the esteemed East-West Center, honing my focus on development economics in the Pacific Islands. I transitioned to the Center for Pacific Island Studies as an Instructor, simultaneously completing my Ph.D. in Political Science with an emphasis on alternative futures, technology, and development economics.

My academic tenure at the University of Hawaiʻi spanned 16 years, during which I embraced roles such as a Research Fellow in Japan, a Study Abroad Program Manager in London, and the Undergraduate Chair in the Department of Communication. I was later recruited to join the Communication Department at Central Washington University, where I taught media production for 15 years, 7 of which were as the founding program director for Film Studies. After attaining Emeritus Professor status, I then moved to Zayed University, as a Professor and Assistant Dean for 3 years before returning to the faculty. I taught a range of classes at ZU in media production, media law & ethics, postcolonial world cinema, politics of identity, and development & underdevelopment, among other courses, enriching the curriculum with global perspectives and innovative discourse.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Dean provides academic leadership for CHSS on both the Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses and works to develop and maintain high academic standards. The Dean is also responsible for the development, delivery, and evaluation of curriculum and instruction, strategic planning, faculty recruitment, evaluation of faculty and staff, assignment of teaching and other faculty duties, maintenance of close relationships with professional communities in the UAE, and the development and oversight of media outreach. The Dean determines the college’s budget in consultation with the Associate Dean and the Department Chairs and ensures the college operates within the budget allocations in an efficient, cost-effective manner while developing initiatives for new funding. Most importantly, the Dean works with faculty and students to provide a positive, supportive, and inclusive student-learning environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (ISLANDS ON THE NET: Technology and Development Futures for Pacific Island Microstates), University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Awarded 1993.
• M.A. (The Big Push: A Critical Analysis of Telecommunications Development in the South Pacific Islands) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Awarded 1986.
• Graduate Certificate, Center for Pacific Island Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Awarded 1986.
• B.A. (cum laude) Communication Arts (minors: Biology & Social Science) George Fox College. Awarded 1982.

Previous Positions

• (2023–present) Dean, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Zayed University, UAE.
• (2020–2023) Professor, International Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, UAE.
• (2015–2020) Professor, Media Production & Storytelling, College of Communication & Media Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, UAE.(2015-2018). Assistant Dean (3-year appointment), College of Communication & Media Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, UAE.
• (2015–present) Emeritus Professor of Film Studies, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA, USA.
• (2007–2015) Professor, Film & Video Studies, Department of Communication, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA, USA.
• (2006–2015) Founding Program Director, Film & Video Studies (Interdisciplinary), Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA
• (2000–2007) Associate Professor, Journalism, Department of Communication, Central Washington University,
• Ellensburg, WA. (1999–2000) Associate Professor & Undergraduate Chair, Department of Communication, University of Hawai’i, Manoa, Honolulu, HI.
• (1993–1999) Assistant Professor, Department of Communications, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI.
• (1988, May–1994, August) Instructor, Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI.
• (1986, November–1988, April) Research Intern, East-West Center, Honolulu, HI.
• (1985, May–September) Research Intern, East-West Center, Honolulu, HI.
• (1984–1986) Teaching Assistant, University of Hawai'i, Manoa, Honolulu, HI.
• (1983–1984) Lecturer, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji.

Memberships

• Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (the "Television Academy")
• International Association of Media & Communication Research (IAMCR)
• International Academic Forum (IAFOR)
• International Documentary Association (IDA)
• University Film & Video Association (UFVA)

Languages

• English (fluent); Fijian (fluent); Japanese (proficient); French (modest); Spanish (modest); Nez Perce (modest), and working on Arabic (basic)!

Informal Interests

Fly Fishing, Photography, & Mountain climbing.