Faculty

Dr. Cathy Anderson

One of my greatest rewards is to see students make the connection between what they are learning and how it will improve their work, the lives, and their careers. Creativity and imagination are the best motivators for inspired learning.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathylandersonphd/

Debbie Angel

As an instructor for the ITAM Department, I look forward to sharing my applied experience and knowledge with our students and preparing them to build successful, fulfilling careers of their own.

To be successful in your classes, check CWU email and Canvas inbox daily. Set your Canvas notifications to receive Announcements, Canvas Conversations, and Assignment Submission Comments. Read all Assignment Instructions carefully. Every week, read the content in each Canvas module. Work on assignments early. Ask your instructor when you have questions or need some help.

Dr. Peter Anthony

My favorite class to teach is ADMG 545 - Research & Statistical Analysis (This class allows students the opportunity to start thinking about how to conduct research and how to apply the research along with qualitative and/or quantitative interviewing/data collection and analysis of data to explore/examine a problem/focus to study. Students will be able to learn how to conduct a study so when they are ready to actually conduct a study, they will be ready to add to published articles and share information with others.

Enjoy the quality learning at CWU! Remember that you have multiple responsibilities (Family, Work, School, and Yourself) - trying to be 100% perfect in all responsibilities is normally unrealistic. Be fair and realistic with your time management and take care of everything the best you can, but leave time for fun and relaxation, too. Everything is important with life balance. Most importantly....Have fun while learning!

Dr. Peter Anthony's CV

Ellen Bjorge

Good communication - it will make or break you in school and life. Build channels of communication between yourself, your professors, the administrative staff on campus, and your peers. Each time you do, remember that you can set the tone, direction, and quality of that communication by how you approach the discussion.

You have enormous power in determining the quality of your education. If you bring a curious mind, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and the willingness to examine new ideas, all of these traits will generate opportunities and open flood gates of information.

True learning is not a passive activity. We have to work for knowledge. So show up early, stay late, ask the good/tough/complex questions of others and yourself, explore ideas outside the curriculum, engage in healthy constructive debate, examine your preconceptions, and every day try to be a little better than you were the day before.

Above all, take a breath. College can be overwhelming, life even more so. The best gift we can give ourselves is the luxury of a pause and some deep breaths. Nine times out of ten we'll find some clarity on the other side.

Dr. Julie Bonner

Success has many facets and shades - but essential elements are like the things you learn on the playground at a young age. See some things always stay the same - success can come down to the types of friendships you build, how you connect with people that can help you along your journey, and being open to what life experience is trying to teach you. Stay open, stay curious, and stay yourself.

Dr. Lori Braunstein

Advice? I could write pages, but I won't! Always try your best - but always prepare to do your best. Complete and study the readings, read and study the feedback your professor gives you, and apply that feedback to later assignments. And if your professor provides a grading rubric, study it. That's what we grade on!

Many of you are not just going to school - you are juggling family, career, and life-balance issues. Know that at times, your family, career, or life-balance will need to take precedence over your schoolwork. Accept that and continue doing the best you can. No one can maintain all the various aspects of their life at the perfection level!

Mr. James Brown

Enjoy the time you have in college. Get involved in clubs, and truly enjoy the college experience. Start making goals; both short term and long term. If you don’t have goals you can never meet them so start now. Also start making a list of things you wish to accomplish while in college and make goals to complete those lists. Take the time to think about your future career and where you hope to be after college and start planning for it now. Use your summers to travel to places that you have never been and most of all stay on target. There will be times where graduation seems so far away but before you know it, graduation day will be here and then you will then begin the next phase of your life. Most of all, never stop learning. Technology is constantly changing and if you wish to stay competitive in today's workplace you must keep learning. If you don't stay current with the changing times you will be left in the dust by those who are.

J. Eduardo Campos

Board member, CEO advisor, and seasoned strategist, with 25+ years of experience in executive roles at PwC, Embraer, Microsoft, and other global corporations. Founder, President, and Managing Partner at Embedded-Knowledge, Inc, a management consulting firm specializing in using Systemic Design to enable clients to achieve self-sufficiency.

Previously, 13 years at Microsoft, first consulting and advising on cybersecurity, including managing the Trustworthy Computing’s Security and Privacy Initiative, then leading innovative cloud computing and business development projects with governments in four continents.

Currently, Chair of the Dean’s Council at the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Washington. Vice President at ISACA Puget Sound Chapter (www.isaca.org).

Lecturer at the Master of Business Analytics at Kaplan Business School, Australia, teaching Innovation and Creativity, Data Security and Ethics, and Social Media Analytics. Regular lecturer at New York University (NYU), University of Washington (UW), and FAEL Brazil (course writer and lecturer).

ForbesBooks author of From Problem Solving to Solution Design: Turning Ideas into Actions, which offers fresh ideas, approaches, and case studies to share best practices gleaned from years of working in intercultural corporate environments.

Several top-notch professional certifications, including security, privacy, and systems audit (CISSP, CISA, CISM, CPP, CIPT). Executive Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Washington, 2015 class. BS degrees in Computer Science and Military Sciences. 14-year Brazilian Army veteran; retired as a Captain.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-eduardocampos/

Dr. David A. Douglas

One of my favorite classes to teach is ADMG 201, Intro to Business. This class captures many aspects of the business world that students enjoy learning about. Along with ITAM majors, other majors also take the class which makes it even better.

I encourage students to network while at CWU. I want them to find ways to create relationships across campus and in the community to enhance their time while in the area. I love supporting students to help them achieve their goals.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eburgdavid/

John Durham

Work hard; your efforts will be rewarded accordingly

Find what motivates you

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Eric Fleischman

My two favorite classes to teach are:
1) ITAM 351 -- Introduction to Computer Networks. Reason: This is the single most important skill set for all Information Technology (IT) careers.
2) ITAM 436 -- Attack and Defend (Introduction to Penetration Testing (i.e., Ethical Hacking)). Reason: Extensive hands-on lab course teaching essential IT career skills. The primary focus of IT 436 is the Introduction to Penetration Testing. I teach it as a heavily lab-oriented, hands-on class. I particularly like teaching this class because my secondary goals are to teach how to effectively debug and solve problems as well as how to do well tasks that you don't know how to do at all. The sky is the limit for the careers of those students who learn these essential career-making skills.

Each person is a unique and precious creation. This is why it is so important that you not compare yourself with other people because you are the only you that exists. It is also important that you be true to yourself by pursuing your own personal interests and passions. Most students don't know themselves well enough to know what those interests and passions are. I encourage such students to benefit from CWU Career Services which provides tools for student self-discovery, It also assists students in effective resume writing and job interviewing skills as well as providing insights into available jobs and internships.

Please use your university experience to prepare for a subsequent working career in a subject that excites you. You are the only you that exists so please be true to yourself and your own intrinsic interests and values.

If in doubt, take all of the math and science classes that you can. A person well-versed in mathematics can pursue a wide variety of career alternatives. If you are interested in STEM, then prefer majors that have the word "engineer" in their title.

Mr. Fleischman's Resume

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fleischman-73425469/

Dr. Liz Fountain

My favorite class is whichever class I'm teaching at the moment! I love the joy of learning alongside amazing students who bring themselves to their work in beautiful, interesting, challenging ways.

My favorite quote is from British singer/songwriter/master slide guitarist Chris Rea: "Every day, good luck comes in the strangest of ways." Gratitude and kindness are tools we can use to care for ourselves, those we love, and our entire communities.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-fountain-70b536167/

Brandi Harrington, M.Ed

The course I enjoy teaching the most is RMT 340: Principles of Selling. This course has many personal and professional applications. The skills learned from this class follow students throughout their lives.

The best advice that I can give students: communicate. Faculty desire to support students. The best way faculty can support you is by hearing your concerns, needs, and victories.

Mrs. Harrington's Resume

Dr. Robert A. Lupton

All our classes are exciting, relevant, and forward-thinking. I especially enjoy teaching ADMG201 Introduction to Business, ADMG 410 Comparative Global Studies in ITAM, IT 248 Web Fundamentals, RMT 330 Principles of Retailing, RMT 335 Retail Information Technology, RMT 340 Principles of Selling, RMT 350 Omni Channel Retailing, and RMT 467 Retail Management.

Find your passion and use education to dream big!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-lupton-97baa961

My motto: stay curious, never stop learning, and be prepared for the major changes in your professional life. Currently, I am finalizing my Ph.D. in Information Systems with a focus on better utilization of big data and open innovations in government. I bring over a decade of industry experience in visionary roles as Digital Strategy & Customer Insights professional, working at the forefront of technological innovations with worldwide known brands and start-ups in software & location-based services areas. My educational interests include user experience and innovation, analytics, cyber security, and privacy. My ultimate passion is to create the best learning experience for the current and future generations to come.

Amy Perry

When taking an online course, it is important to stay connected to the instructor though email and/or other communication forums. If you are unsure of what your assignment is, always ask questions. Having clarification is better than assuming you know what is expected by the instructor.

Dr. Laura Portolese

In my teaching, I focus on a learner centered model which consists of case studies, discussion, activities, and group work. My classroom is extremely active (both onsite and online). I have been known to bring play-dough to classes to demonstrate challenging Administrative Management concepts. To find out how play-dough and Administrative Management can relate . . . you will just have to sign up for one of my classes! I keep the lectures to a minimum because my primary focus is on helping students realize their potential through asking questions and getting you to express your ideas. Rarely will you need that extra coffee before attending my classes! Online, I strive to be responsive, caring, and interactive. In my online classes, you will never feel like a "number;" instead you will feel engaged and mentored as you learn challenging concepts in a fast-paced online classroom.

Dr. Susan Rivera

Currently, my favorite courses to teach are ADMG 285, Sustainable Decision Making and ADMG 445, Applied IT Sustainability. I love to see students learn how to apply systems thinking, quantitative reasoning and logical persuasive skills to solve our growing sustainability problems. The best compliment I receive is when students thank me for giving them the tools they need to improve sustainability in the workplace and their own lives. With the success of these two sustainability classes, I’m excited to expand ITAM’s IT sustainability offerings. Stay tuned as the Department gears up to offer new learning opportunities in this emerging field.

Mastering the communication pathways between diverse groups is what sets a technologist apart from an exceptional technology professional with leadership potential.

Taking the time to understand the entire system, anticipate possible impacts, and adjust as situations change are all skills employers are looking for; they are also skills that are necessary to achieving sustainable practices long term.

I am dedicated to bringing my education and professional experience into the classroom in multiple modalities, including synchronous, asynchronous, online, and in-person. I enjoy watching students succeed in coursework and complete their educational goals using ITAM’s applied technology and management philosophy. I hope my students learn skills that enable them to succeed for years after graduation.

“What you’re doing now, or have done in the past, need not determine what you can do next and in the future”
~Ken Robinson

"We build too many walls and not enough bridges."
~Isaac Newton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-rivera-b545b35

Mr. Dan Smelser

I especially enjoy teaching Introductory classes. I like to observe students who may not have been exposed to information presented in these classes. The way they come to life and listen to what is presented is nothing short of amazing.

Never give up on yourself. You are the only person you need to impress. Listen to others whenever possible. You may be surprised with what they have to offer.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-smelser-m-s-90173321/

Dr. Hideki Takei

Dr. Takei is an associate professor who has taught various classes in administrative management, retail management, and research methods. In addition to his teaching, he has been an active scholar who has published articles and presented at professional conferences. Currently, he is the graduate program coordinator of the ITAM graduate program.

Outside of his teaching and scholastic activities, Dr. Takei has been an active community member. He has been a volunteer of Hospice Friends of Ellensburg. Currently, he is serving the organization as the Vice President of the board.

“Do something now; your future self will thank you for later.”

Dr. Lori Thompson

This is the basic foundation of my teaching philosophy: Martin Luther King’s famous quote, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education”.

My job is to provide direction and tools to help students ask the right questions to move to a higher level of learning. My hope through my teaching is to provide more hands-on learning opportunities and to help college students successfully make the transition from college into the workplace.

Dr. Robert Trumpy

My advice to students; When you don't quite understand something - ask.
Practice your APA writing skills.

Dr. Fen Wang

My favorite classes to teach are ADMG 374 - Project Management and IT 468 - Projects in Database.

“I hear it and I forget it, I see it and I remember it, I do it and I learn it.” –– Old Chinese Proverb

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fen-wang-31a8b718/

Dr. Fen Wang's CV

Deborah Wells

I relish the idea of teaching students about the different aspects of ITAM from a diverse lens. I have been able to teach at the college level while I was assigned to the Air Force Reserve Officer Training program at Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA. Not only did I get to teach cadets the Air Force way of life, I was able to become an adjunct instructor for Wilkes University in their Technology Department. I taught the “Basics of Computing” and simply loved being in front of these students! Now that I am back being either “in front” of CWU students or at least behind the computer teaching on-line, I really feel in my element. I am a people person who loves to get to know as many people from all different walks of life. Not to mention, I love to teach!

Dr. Nathan White

My dad was a WWII marine, who made four beach landings in the Pacific. He shared with me two leadership principles that marines live by:

1. Your men always eat first
2. Never ask your men to do something that you wouldn’t do.

I’ve adapted this advice to my professional life and added one principle of my own:

1. Take care of your folks. You, as the leader, don’t always need the best computer, the fanciest phone, etc. First, make sure your folks have the tools necessary to do their job. Also, give them face time with the boss. They need tools to do their job and exposure to management in order to progress in their careers.
2. Inconvenience yourself. If your folks work weekends, you should show up. It doesn’t have to be every weekend for the whole shift, but show up. Let them know that you care.
3. Give your folks goals—and make sure you show them how they can achieve those goals. You need to point the direction, but you don’t have to pave the road. Leave that to them.

Remember as a leader, you are only as successful as the folks who work for you.

Mr. Luke Williams

I enjoy teaching many ITAM classes, but focus specifically on the Intro to Business and Principles of Selling classes, along with Customer Relationship Management. CRM is my main focus area, having spent many years in industry working in customer-facing roles. I particularly enjoy teaching and mentoring in our FlexIT & FlexIT Pro Programs, which incorporate individual one-on-one faculty/student mentoring and self-paced learning modalities.

"All hard work brings a profit..." - Proverbs 14:23
I tell students to do their very best and not to worry so much about the results. When consistent and continuous effort is applied, the results will almost always take care of themselves.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeswilliams/

Luke Williams' CV

Dr. Laura Williamson

Favorite classes to teach: Project management (PM) and leadership! Part of being a project manager is about leading the team to complete the objectives of the project. This includes setting a clear vision and mission so the team can clearly understand what this project is about. This will provide direction and improve commitment. They will be better able to understand what this project is about and how it will benefit the organization. All of which involve exceptional PM and leadership skills!

Let me tell you what one of my doctoral professors said to me when I was concerned about how I was doing. He said, "Laura, what do they call someone who gets a B in their doctoral program?" I said, "What?" He said, "Doctor."
He went on to tell me that, "No one will ever ask you how you did, they only want to know that you did it. So just do the best that you can!" You know, he was right, no one has ever asked me how I did. I always tell my students to just do your best and keep moving forward...you can do this!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurawilliamson/

Kellie Wutzke

I have over 15 years of experience in the field of operations research working for various US government agencies. I began my career at the US Army Corps of Engineers while attending Whitman College, where I obtained a BA in Applied Mathematics and a BA in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology. I went on to work for the US Army HQ at the Pentagon, General Services Administration, and finally settled at a private firm where I currently am an Associate Director with clients at the Federal Aviation Administration. I am a project manager, overseeing data initiatives for Technical Operations, and I help manage my company's data analysts and engineers. I am also the Region 5 director for the International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA), a volunteer, elected position.

I obtained an MS in Information Technology and Administrative Management - Data Analytics from CWU in 2018. I'm looking forward to sharing my experience and knowledge with other working professionals. For fun, I enjoy taking French classes as well as sailing, camping, and hiking.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-wutzke-ccea-a633b154/