Education
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Doctor of Education: Curriculum and Instruction, Liberty University, 2018
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Master of Arts in Education: School Librarianship, Azusa Pacific University, 2007
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Master of Arts in Education: Teaching, Learning, and Technology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 2002
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Bachelor of Science: Liberal Studies, San Diego Christian College, 1997
Experience
I have worked with all ages and subject areas across a variety of learning environments in public, private, urban, and rural educational systems. I began my career in the K-12 field of education and spent 17 years serving as a state-certified elementary level classroom teacher (grades 3 and 5), secondary level library media specialist, and district administrator of technology, library services, and curriculum. In 2014 I moved to higher education and spent 8.5 serving as a faculty member and program coordinator of two online graduate education programs in school library media - the first in California and the second in Georgia. In January 2023 I returned to the library as the director of Anderson University's Thrift Library.
About Me
I am originally from California, where I lived in several different parts of the state before moving to the southeastern U.S. in 2018. I lived in west Georgia for two years before moving to Anderson in 2020. Reading, singing, hiking, cycling, and kayaking are among my favorite hobbies. I also enjoy traveling, attending concerts and air shows, and exploring the great outdoors with my husband. Fun fact: I met my husband John - an Anderson native - online when I was living in California, and we dated long distance for several years before getting married in July 2021. We are members of Concord Baptist Church where I serve in the Music and Worship Arts ministry.
On a professional level, I really enjoy engaging with the research process. My research interests include information and media literacies and library leadership.
I am thrilled to be working at AU and serving as the director of Thrift Library. You can learn more about my vision for the library via this AU article: Thrift Library Enters Academic Year with New Director, Enhancements for AU Community.
Publications
Presentations
Professional Service (Current Commitments)
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Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL): Education Committee, Education and Behavioral Sciences Section (EBSS)
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Journal of Media Literacy Education (JMLE): Editorial Board
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Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries (PASCAL): Board of Directors
Awards and Recognitions
- University of West Georgia's Winner and Institutional Nominee for the University System of Georgia Regents' Teaching Excellence Award for Department or Program, 2022
- Outstanding Program Award, University of West Georgia College of Education, 2022
- American Association of School Librarians Research Grant, 2022
- "District Leadership and Teaching Multiple Literacies: An Interview with Melanie Lewis Croft," School Library Connection, November/December 2021
- "Notable Dissertations 2019," American Libraries, 2019
- School Library Journal/Cengage New Leader, 2010
- Good Ideas! Award, California School Library Association, 2008
- Award for Excellence in Mathematics Education, Los Angeles City Teachers' Mathematics Association, 2005