Bryant & Stratton College - Online Degrees: Faculty


Bachelor Degrees
	BA - General Management
	BS - Criminal Justice
	BS - Financial Services

Associate Degrees
	Accounting
	Administrative Assistant
	Business
	Criminal Justice
	Human Resources Specialist
	IT - Networking
	IT - Security
	Medical Administrative Assistant
	Paralegal Studies


	Faculty
	Admissions Staff
	Financial Aid Staff
	Support Staff

Name:	Karen Chapman
Title:	Dean of Instruction
Degrees:
MBA from Wayland Baptist University BS – Park University

Bio:

I retired from the Air Force after 21 years of active duty service on 1 Nov 07. While on active duty, I earned my MBA with a discipline in HR from Wayland Baptist University and started teaching part time for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and Wayland Baptist University in the traditional classroom environment. I moved to online teaching in Aug 07 and joined the team here at Bryant & Stratton , Orchard Park NY in June 08.

Name:	Cathy Lawson
Title:	Dean of Instructional Administration

Name:	Lori Panaro
Title:	Dean of Instructional Technology
Degrees:
Advanced Graduate Certification in Educational Administration, State University at Buffalo M.S. Ed., D’Youville College B.F.A., Niagara University

Bio:

As an educator, I aspire to motivate my students toward excellence, as well as promoting creativity and critical thinking. I truly believe it is my vocation to create a positive and reflective learning environment.

Name:	Paul Blake
Department:
Information Technology
Degrees:
M.B.A., State University of New York College at Buffalo B.S., State University of New York College at Buffalo

Bio:

I am excited to take my experiences both as a student and as a professional and relate this information to my students by using real life examples to support course material. I find it very rewarding when a connection is made by the students to the course material, and I look forward to teaching many years to come.

Currently, I work as a Sr. Category Management Analyst for a major toy manufacturer.

Name:	Kevin Breen
Degrees:
M.L.S., CUNY Queens College B.A., Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia A.S., Community College of the Air Force

Bio:

Teaching is an art not a science. There are no cookie cutter approaches that will work with all students -- creativity, resourcefulness and humor are essential elements that make a good teacher (along with using a combination of exercises, lectures and discussions). And, while I understand that students today are dealing with a wider range of issues than I experienced in college, I never-the-less continue to demand only the best from them. In return, I make a commitment to my students that I will be available to them both inside and outside of the classroom.

Name:	Tonya Burton
Department:
Business
Degrees:
M.B.A., Hampton University B.S., Florida A&M University

Bio:

I love teaching for Bryant & Stratton College because I have the opportunity to work with a lot of serious minded and professional students. I believe that my work experience in business along with my dedication to creating the best classroom environment through meaningful assignments is very helpful to student success.

Name:	Tamara Butler
Title:	Instructor

Name:	Vance Carpenter
Department:
Information Technology
Degrees:
M.S., George Washington University B.S., Columbia College A.A., Columbia College

Bio:

The right information, in the right place and the right time, every time! This is my foundation for how I teach. Assisting students in digesting facts participate in discussions and research allowing them to compile it all into the information they will need to work in their chosen career.

Name:	Joseph Ceccarelli
Department:
Information Technology
Degrees:
M.S., University of Phoenix B.S., Houghton College

Bio:

I try to inspire my students through my own enthusiasm and by continued encouragement. I instill upon them true work ethics and make them understand that reward is not obtainable without taking a few risks. Trust, commitment, and integrity are just a few of the soft skills I learned and now emphasize in the classroom. Through the process of showing, illustrating, and inspiring, I focus my teaching efforts to help shape my students in becoming an asset for any organization.

Name:	Nicole Chiarella
Title:	Instructor
Degrees:
M.S., Boston University Metropolitan College B.S., SUNY Empire A.A.S., SUNY Empire

Bio:

My teaching philosophy centers on giving my criminal justice students the tools, skills, technologies and knowledge necessary for them to find rewarding careers in the criminal justice field or go on to a higher educational degree in the social sciences. My role in orienting students to the criminal justice field is to keep abreast of the latest innovations and trends in the field.

Name:	Doreen DiCarlo
Department:
Information Technology
Degrees:
M.B.A., LeMoyne College B.P.S., Cazenovia College

Bio:

I encourage my students to share their opinions, experience, and knowledge, thereby connecting and sharing with their classmates, to become lifelong learners like me. I enjoy conversing with my students, interacting each week with them, and watching them learn, grow and perform. I have always wanted to be an educator, and I have always believed I would be good at it. I know I could make a difference in someone’s life—I hope that life will be yours!

I am a full time Instructor for Online.

Name:	Kathy Dilmore
Department:
General Education
Degrees:
M.B.A., Clarkson University B.S., Clarkson University A.S., Tompkins-Cortland Community College

Bio:

Before I discovered how much I enjoy teaching, I worked as a CAD Designer, a Technical Writer, a Process Engineer and I even spent some time doing Financial Analysis for businesses and individuals. I enjoy teaching because I believe that my students are the leaders of the future. I am honored to be a part of arming them with tools they need to become successful in their endeavors. By encouraging students to take responsibility, work in teams, and develop problem solving skills they are on their way to accomplishing great things.

I am also an Adjunct Professor at LeMoyne College and an Aquatics Instructor for the American Red Cross.

Name:	Ellen Divens
Title:	Instructor
Degrees:
A.O.S., Bryant & Stratton College B.S., Roberts Wesleyan College M.S., University of New York College of Buffalo

Bio:

If you believe in Destiny, then I have found mine! As an alumni graduate of Bryant & Stratton, I knew way back while earning my Associates in Information Technology that I wanted to teach here. I wanted to be part of the sense of family that I found here. After working for a major corporation for 25 years, I felt the field of Education calling me to encourage students who were walking the trail that I had taken. Blending my experience as an older student, my corporate knowledge, my technical skill, and my passion for people, gives me a special connection to my students that yields enthusiastic life-long learners.

As the saying goes, “Live like you will die tomorrow; learn like you will live forever!” Education is a journey, c’mon let’s travel together!

Name:	Deborah Franklin
Department:
Information Technology
Degrees:
M.S. Business Education -State University College at Buffalo B.S. Business Education -State University College at Buffalo A.A.S. Secretarial Science -Erie Community College
Teaches:
OFST225 - Legal Office Systems OFST230 - Integrated Office Systems OFST245 - Medical Office Systems SOSC215 - Career Management INFT110 - Information Technology II INFT100 - Information Technology I OFST100 - Keyboarding & Document Processing OFST102 - Document Processing & Transcription OFST200 - Document Production OFST120 - Office Procedures & Technology OFST205 - Desktop Publishing

Bio:

I started with Bryant & Stratton College in 1981 at the Rochester campus and moved to Eastern Hills Campus in 1984. I then moved to the Lackawanna/Southtowns Campus in 1990, and started teaching one class with the Online Division in 1999.

I love teaching and really feel that the courses and curriculum we teach here at Bryant & Stratton College can make a difference in one’s life. Our graduates can take the skills they learn and create fine careers and futures for themselves. Each student has the potential to succeed and be whatever they want to be in the business world. This is what drives me to do the work that I do. I want my students to be successful. “The benefits of education live forever.”

I am also currently an active member of the Buffalo Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. I have been a member and chairperson for the CPS/CAP Committee for the past four years. My goal is to educate and prepare the members of this association to become certified professionals in their field. At the same time, I am able to familiarize my students with the benefits of belonging to a professional organization.

Name:	Joanna Huyck
Department:
General Education
Degrees:
M.A., State University of New York at Albany B.A., College of Saint Rose

Name:	Allan Jackson
Department:
General Education
Degrees:
M.A., University of South Florida

Bio:

My experience as a technical writer and editor, along with training in the corporate word, has helped me tremendously with my online teaching. I love the opportunities it opens not only for me, but for my students as well. It gives us all a chance to reach out beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom, and enables us to enhance our learning in ways that are still being measured.

I have been a Technical Writer for 10 years, a Corporate Trainer for 10 years, and a Technical Editor for 4 years.

Name:	Elizabeth Kropf
Title:	Online Instructor
Degrees:
M.A., Perelandra College

Bio:

I am delighted to be teaching Composition and Research online and Bryant & Stratton. As a graduate of a low-residency program I appreciate the possibilities of distance learning. I have been writing for seventeen years and have several publications and have won two awards offered by the Austin Poetry Society and the Poetry Society of Texas.

Name:	Robin Laukhuf
Department:
Business
Degrees:
M.B.A., Lake Erie College B.B.A., Lake Erie College A.A.S., Lakeland Community College

Bio:

I enjoy teaching and owning my own small business. I hope to instill in my students the importance of continuing their education. Education is the key to advancement.

In addition to teaching full-time at Online, Ms. Laukhuf is the president and owner of Olde Willow Stitchery Threads, Inc. plus she also designs and teaches for trade magazines including "The Cross Stitcher" and "Cross Stitch and Needlework".

Name:	Florence Lennert
Department:
General Education
Degrees:
M.S. Ed., Canisius College B. Ed., State University of New York at Buffalo A.A.S., State University of New York at Buffalo

Bio:

My philosophy on teaching is that all students can achieve academic success. My goal is to guide them (by mentoring, facilitating, and encouraging) to become marketable in both today and tomorrow's workforce.

Currently I work at a school for special education students.

Name:	Robert Maher
Department:
Information Technology
Degrees:
M.A., George Washington University B.S., Old Dominion University

Name:	Patricia McColm
Title:	Instructor
Department:
Allied Health
Degrees:
D.C. Cleveland Chiropractic College M.A. University of Northern Colorado B.A. Colorado State University
Teaches:
AHLT100 - Medical Terminology AHLT111 - Introduction to Health Care AHLT130 - Clinical Procedures AHLT260 - Internship (160 Hours Required) AHLT230 - Medical Laboratory

Bio:

I can easily empathize with many of our students I was a single mother when I earned my Bachelor of Arts, and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees. I remember attending classes during the day, working at night and doing “parenting by phone.” It was difficult, but I did it. I encourage my students to complete their courses of study, too. Education is the key to success!

Since joining Bryant & Stratton team in 2005, I found that I use the word “proud” a lot. I am proud to be a member of this faculty. I am proud of the facility. Most of all, I am proud of our graduates.

Name:	Clyde Middleton
Title:	Instructor
Teaches:
PLEG100 - Introduction to Law, Research, & Ethics PLEG110 - Contract Law PLEG120 - Torts & Civil Litigation PLEG130 - Criminal Law and Procedures PLEG190 - Real Property PLEG260 - Internship/Capstone Experience PLEG210 - Domestic Relations Law PLEG200 - Legal Research II PLEG140 - Law Office Management PLEG150 - WILLS, TRUSTS, & PROBATE PLEG160 - CORPORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS PLEG170 - BANKRUPTCY LAW

Bio:

I believe that an education needs to add at least two talents to the student beyond the pedagogy: The ability to think critically, and comfort working in groups.

I see value in reviewing industry best practices. A time-tested writing is Chickering and Gamson's Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education (American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, March 1987). The Seven Principles provide a useful introduction to my thinking on an active learning-based approach to higher education.

Name:	Mike Murphy
Title:	Instructor
Degrees:
A.S. - Faulkner State Junior College B.S. - Troy State University M.S. - Troy State University

Bio:

My name is Professor Mike Murphy and I am very excited to have an opportunity to work with each you as you pursue your educational and career goals. I will try to share my real world experiences with you and hope to make this learning experience more valuable to you.
I'm forty years old and worked for the Escambia County Sheriff's Office for over 20.5 years. I began my career as a dispatcher and rose through the ranks of correctional officer, deputy sheriff, and investigator to the position of Major/Chief Deputy. I held this position for over 13 years serving two different Sheriff's. After leaving ECSO, I was the Police Chief for the Town of Loxley, Alabama. I'm currently a Crime Information Agent with the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center.
Educationally, I received my A.S. degree from Faulkner State Junior College, B.S. degree from Troy State University, and M.S. degree from Troy State University.
Professionally, I'm a graduate of the Southwest Alabama Police Academy in Bay Minette. I have been fortunate, in my career, to graduate from two other prestigious law enforcement executive management academies. In 1998, I graduated from the eleven-week FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Less than 1% of law enforcement officers nationwide get invited to attend. Also, in 2002, I graduated from the ten-week Northwestern University Center for Public Safety's School of Police Staff and Command. Upon doing so, I became only the fourth person from the State of Alabama to accomplish this honor.

Name:	Erin Nitka
Department:
General Education
Degrees:
M.A., Marquette University B.A., St. Norbert College

Bio:

Written communication is the key to success across all disciplines and work environment. I want to provide students with practical and useful skills that they will need to succeed in the workplace. By embracing online learning, students take on a greater responsibility and commitment for their education making them more valuable to potential employers.

I am currently a Technical Writer for U.S. Bank's Trust department.

Name:	Susan Olney
Department:
General Education
Degrees:
M.B.A., LeMoyne College B.P.S., Cazenovia College

Bio:

My goal is to help students succeed in getting their education and meeting their goals regardless of their learning style. To help each student develop or improve their self-esteem, responsibility, time management skills, organizational skills, problem solving skills and their confidence, especially when facing new challenges by helping every student both scholastically and personally.

Name:	Stephen Opalat
Department:
General Education
Degrees:
M.A., Syracuse University M.A., Florida Atlantic University

Bio:

Teaching online is a team effort between the students and the instructor. I think one of the most important things is to let the students know there is a real person on the other end that is there to help in any way. Constant communication is the key. The instructor must create an atmosphere that gives the students a feeling of being part of a group working toward the same outcomes.

I am a member of the PGA (Teaching Professional) and am also a professional ski instructor.

Name:	Larry Ramsey
Department:
Business
Degrees:
M.B.A., Averett College B.S., Auburn University

Bio:

I enjoy teaching because it gives me the opportunity to share over 30 years of business and life experiences with my students. It is my responsibility, as a teacher, to provide students with a teaching style that makes learning interesting and fun. It is my belief to help students become and stay motivated to learn, help students gain knowledge that will help them be successful in life, and promote high self-esteem.

I have taught part-time at Bryant & Stratton College's Richmond campus for quite some time. I began teaching online last year.

Name:	Cindy Rippe
Department:
Business
Degrees:
M.B.A., Milsaps College B.S., University of Florida A.A., Broward Community College

Bio:

With over 10 years of sales experience, my proven track record marketing for various companies has been exemplified by a distinguished career receiving multiple regional and national sales awards. As an instructor, I am driven by a deep-rooted passion to assist students. When I teach, I utilize my sales skills to help my students visualize how the information I am teaching will contribute to their personal growth and professional success. It is my aspiration to create an interactive and positive learning environment that impacts students while helping them develop to their fullest potential.

In my current position, I am a Special Account Representative for Thomson West.

Name:	Gregory Rosko
Department:
General Education
Degrees:
JD, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law M.B.A., University of Denver B.A., John Carroll University

Bio:

I began teaching because I have always believed in the value of education and its ability to improve the quality of one's life. Here at Online, we offer our students the education that leads to lifetime success in an environment that offers unmatched flexibility.

Currently, I am licensed as an attorney and CPA by the State of Ohio and practice taxation in a global professional services firm.

Name:	Brandy Santella
Title:	Instructor
Degrees:
M.S., State University of New York College at Buffalo B.S., State University of New York College at Buffalo MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) Certified CBP (Certified Business Professional) Leadership Certified Initial New York State Certification in Business and Marketing Education

Bio:

In my classroom, learners are appreciated for their individuality, their contributions, and their perspectives they bring to the learning environment. I will provide learners with a nurturing, caring environment that is non-threatening so learners will feel comfortable sharing their knowledge and experiences. Learner’s experiences will be integrated into the curriculum so that they may gain a better understanding and comprehension of the content. I strive to create assignments which provide students with opportunities to connect what they are learning in the classroom to the workplace.

As a strong proponent of lifelong learning, while I have a thorough knowledge of business and computers, I continue to take advantage of educational opportunities to increase my knowledge base.

Name:	Tracy Sedor
Department:
Business
Degrees:
M.L.R.H.R., Cleveland State University B.A., Bowling Green State University

Bio:

My collegiate teaching career started after almost a decade of corporate Human Resource experience which includes Employee Relations, Compensation and Benefits, Labor Relations, Recruiting and Employee Training. I bring this experience into the classroom so my students have the opportunity to apply course material, beyond their textbooks, to their careers. I look forward to collaborating with all of my students so they can integrate course material into their personal and professional lives.

Name:	G. Timothy Sheldon
Department:
General Education
Degrees:
M.F.A., University of Virginia B.A., University of Virginia

Bio:

I like to structure my teaching for cognitive and affective learning (thinking and feeling). I emphasize the equal application of theory, opinion and personal experience on the discussion thread. I'm constructivist in that I favor student-centered, goal-directed inquiry over externally-directed instruction. The teacher understands that learning involves active construction of meaning by the student and is not something that is passed along through lectures alone.

Name:	Erin Smith
Title:	Instructor
Degrees:
Ph.D. University of London

Bio:

I have a PhD in English from the University of London, and I have been teaching at the college level for five years. I am a professional grant writer and freelance dance critic, and in my spare time I enjoy reading. I currently live in Santa Barbara, CA, but my writing career and advanced graduate work have taken me to many unique locations over the years. I have taught courses in English Composition and Literature, Humanities, Dance, Technical Writing, Critical Thinking, and Advanced Writing and Research.

Name:	Laura Soldani
Title:	Instructor
Department:
Office Technology
Degrees:
Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum Design and Instruction-Adult 2007- University of Phoenix BS-Human Resources Management 1992 - Bellevue University

Bio:

My work experience includes 11 Years in the United States Air Force and 15 Years at Bryant & Stratton College. My hobbies are Bag piping and European History. The curious, open-minded students that Bryant & Stratton College attracts are wonderful, fun people who I love to work with. I’ll never get over the excitement of watching our adult learners discover new things – experiencing that “aha!” moment with our learners is a high that never gets old.

Name:	Michael Stankowski
Department:
Business
Degrees:
M.B.A., University of Phoenix B.A., Canisius College

Bio:

With over 15 years of experience in Accounting, Management, and Human Resources, I love sharing expertise in my field, and offering advice to the students where I can. I enjoy mentoring students and helping them grow as they pursue their degrees at Bryant & Stratton. My goal is to lead by example and my involvement and enthusiasm will inspire the students to come to class.

Currently employed as the Controller for Tonawanda Coke Corporation, and Erie Coke Corporation.

Name:	Kathleen Tarrant
Title:	Instructor
Degrees:
M.A., Skidmore College B.S., Babson College

Bio:

After more than 30 years in a variety of management positions, including co-owner of a small manufacturing company, I am thrilled to be able to bring my experiences to the classroom through teaching. I feel a successful business education is an important combination of a strong academic foundation coupled with “real world” experiences. In addition to online teaching, I also teach Theories of e-Commerce, Employee/Labor Relations, and Employee Training & Development on the Albany campus.

Name:	Janet Thompson
Department:
General Education
Degrees:
M.A.C.T.M., Cleveland State University B.A., Cleveland State University

Bio:

I have high expectations of my students. I expect my students to meet deadlines and to excel at the material. In short, I expect the best from my students. I require them to be respectful of their fellow classmates and of me.

I am a former Staff Assistant for deans, attorneys, and directors.

Name:	Steven M. Traubert
Title:	Instructor
Degrees:
BA from University of Notre Dame JD from West Virginia University College of Law

Bio:

In my experience as an instructor I have found that I can learn as much from the students as I hope they learn from the classes I teach. I find that the level of dedication and effort of students who are in school because they want to be exceeds that of many traditional students who are not as invested in the process. I firmly believe that what a student takes from their education relates directly to what they are willing and able to put into it

Name:	Jill Travers
Title:	Instructor
Degrees:
B.S., University of South Dakota M.A., SUNY Brockport

Bio:

I started teaching in the classroom for Bryant & Stratton in 1999 in Rochester, NY; and I learned, right away, it was my calling. My personal enthusiasm for learning, combined with my energy and "glass half full" philosophy are carried into my curriculum. I take pride in my fun, yet professional, approach to preparing students for the workplace. While it is my job to "teach," I also learn something new from each of my students; and for that I am grateful.

Name:	Debra Tyson
Department:
Business
Degrees:
M.B.A., Averett University B.S., Virginia Commonwealth University

Bio:

Teaching is a dream come true for me. It allows me to combine my 20 years of work experience in management, human resources, and accounting with my love for people and my commitment to life-long learning. I strive to spread the excitement and knowledge of my field to students so they can benefit from the information we share. I gain great satisfaction from watching my students learn, develop, and succeed in life.

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