Biography
Dave is an experienced, award-winning, learner-centered university lecturer with over 45 years of experience in systems analysis, programming, database design, teaching, overall business operations, and managing an information technology department in a medium sized company.
After earning a BS degree in social work, and an AA degree in computer applications from Manchester University (College, at the time), he worked in industry for nearly 30 years, utilizing his computer skills. At the age of 50, he returned to academia and completed a MS degree in Computer Science at Ball State University in 2010. He has been teaching full time at BSU since then. During his time there, he initiated the long-standing tradition of the CS 120 All-section Art Show, conducted a multi-year immersive learning project with local schools and community organizations to help them integrate computer science into their curriculum, conducted a month-long study abroad trip for students to England, Scotland, and Ireland, and regularly presents at various conferences.
In August 2022, he was recognized by Ball State University with the Outstanding Faculty Award which is given in recognition of demonstrated composite excellence in teaching, scholarly or creative productivity, and service by a faculty member who has an academic record at Ball State University of more than five years. This honor also meant that he served as the commencement speaker the following summer.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he serves as an advisor for the Golden Key International Honour Society chapter at BSU, and as a leader in Scouting America.
He enjoys being part of other’s learning and especially likes seeing a "light bulb" turn on when something suddenly "clicks" for a learner. He also finds it very rewarding to mentor young adults as they take on, and learn the meaning of, leadership.
