A Q&A with Christine Malone, Academic Program Director

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: I have a Bachelor of Science in Professional Management from Henry Cogswell College, a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Washington, and an MBA from Northcentral University. I am currently working on my EdD here at CityU.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I collect industrial antiques, so I like to go through the local salvage yards to see what I can find.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: I teach courses in the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program. I am also tenured faculty in the Health Sciences program at Everett Community College.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I fell into teaching quite by accident. I was working as a consultant and was contracted to write several healthcare courses for Everett Community College back in 2004. When they found themselves unable to find a qualified instructor, they asked me if I would teach the courses. I thought I would dislike teaching but instead found that teaching is where my heart lies.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: CityU has a rigorous process for course design. This allows us to provide the best possible courses and assessments to students so that they reach learning objectives.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: I did not get my first college degree until the age of 41. It’s never too late to get your degree.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
A: My fondest memories are of the group I work with in the School of Management. They are a dedicated, fun-loving bunch and I look forward to working with them every day.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: I would tell students that there are numerous jobs in the healthcare field and that the BSHA degree could be used to work in a clinical as well as an administrative setting. There are many options open to students and healthcare is an exciting and fast-growing field.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: Students like to have frequent communication from instructors, especially in an online class. I have taken this feedback to heart and communicate often with my students.

A Q&A with Faisal Aboul-Enein, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: I have a Doctorate in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health and Health Care Management from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I enjoy traveling with my family, swimming and spending time with family.

Q: What classes do you teach?

• Health Policy
• Healthcare Economics
• Healthcare Finance

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: I enjoy mentoring and coaching learners and teaching is my way of giving back my 20 plus years of experience in health care. I have served a variety of roles from nurse to administrative clinical director of ER services.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: The program values the expertise I bring.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?

A: Learning should be relevant to the changing landscape of health care, and I never lost a student willing to work hard.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?

A: A fond memory is the key one on one relationships I have fostered over the years with a few students who frequently talk with me about career goals.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: You will learn a great deal from me about healthcare policy and other related matter, be ready to be questioned and move to uncomfortable spaces to critically think.

A Q&A with Rene Antonisse, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: My bachelor’s degree in community health is from Mankato State University in Minnesota, which is now Minnesota State University, Mankato. My graduate degree is from Golden Gate University in San Francisco that I began while stationed oversee at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and finished while on our next assignment in Texas.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: Fun is spending time with my family, conducting genealogical research, cooking, or watching old movies with Doris Day, Bob Hope, and/or Katherine Hepburn.

Q: What classes do you teach?

A: Here at CityU, I currently teach courses in Healthcare Administration programs. I am also faculty at other institutions teaching healthcare administration, public health, and HIT/HIM courses.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: Earning my graduate degree as an adult learning, and in a distance-learning program, piqued my interest in this modality as it was very self-directive which I appreciated. So I began to look into this option as a career change and 10 years later, I have not looked back. In addition, as a military spouse (now retired), my professional career was very diverse based on our assignment location, which I can bring to students to offer a broad perspective to many of the topics and challenges of the healthcare administrator.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: The healthcare administration classes have professional relevance and academic rigor, which is certainly a benefit to the students in the healthcare administration programs. I also appreciate the faculty support provided by the Program Director as well as the policies set forth by CityU which underscore students will receive a high-quality education.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?

A: When I graduated from my undergraduate degree, the physician I was working with told me that I had given myself the “gift of an education.” I convey this to students that an education is challenging but with hard work and dedication, they too will earn that gift.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?

A: Every class is distinct with a wide range of students and backgrounds, which I enjoy. I’m always excited to start a new class and login everyday to see what has transpired.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: As a former Director of Quality, I am an advocate that the healthcare industry is one that leaves little room for error in the mission to provide high quality care to our patients. In my classes, I encourage this foundation as administrators through critical thinking, diversity in ideas, evidence based decision-making, and high quality work.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?

A: I am active in my courses through the discussions while providing frequent feedback and guidance to students which most have appreciated.

A Q&A with Dan Berman, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: I have a Doctorate in Business Administration from Northcentral University.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I am an avid college and professional sports fan.

Q: What classes do you teach?

A: Health Policy, Healthcare Economics, Healthcare Finance

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: I have over 30 years of healthcare executive leadership experience and wanted to give back to new professionals.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: How Christine Malone values my expertise.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?

A: Learning should be fun and if you make it fun the good grades come.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: You will learn a great deal from me about healthcare leadership.

A Q&A with Barbara Hayes, Associate Faculty

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: Spend time with family and friends; watch football and NASCAR racing; read and watch TV.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Several classes within the Healthcare Administration degree program.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I thought I would enjoy sharing my knowledge with others and it would be a good way to also continue learning.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: At CityU I can teach classes within my work knowledge and skills. And teaching online courses offers flexibility in the structure. My program director is also knowledgeable and helpful.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: That I know it is difficult to work full time and go to school. I worked full time and completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
A: I completed my bachelor’s at CityU back in the late 1980s. At that time, I went to school in the evenings and weekends. I met lots of interesting class members and had interesting teachers. I often wonder what some of them are doing now.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: I strive to make my classes interesting and pertinent to what’s happening currently in healthcare. I stress communication so that if a student has an issue with completing an assignment, they need to email me with questions or issues ahead of time.

A Q&A with Gail Schessler, Associate Faculty

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: Doctorate in Health Administration (all but dissertation) from the University of Phoenix. I am currently enrolled in a doctorate of nursing practice at Capella University.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: Reading, wine tasting, shopping.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Various courses in the Healthcare Administration program.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: Teaching has always been a goal of mine as I progressed through my own educational adventures.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: I enjoy the diversity of educational and employment background that students share.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: Education is hard work, but worth it. It’s so rewarding when you accomplish your goal that you will encourage others to pursue their dream of attaining their education or furthering their education.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: I offer a very relaxed learning environment. I love to relate the topics for discussion with stories to help correlate the discussion theme. Humor is always in play.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: That all students are very different. One method of teaching does not fit all students. Teaching requires adjustments to meet students’ needs without compromising standards.

A Q&A with Jaime Shuster, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: I have a master’s in experimental psychology from Cleveland State University and a master’s in public health from Kent State University. I will finish with my doctorate in public health from Kent State University in December 2017.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I love to read, write, cook, do home improvement projects and cross stitch.

Q: What classes do you teach?

• HL310 Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare Administration
• HL420 Healthcare Planning and Evaluation
• HL400 Quality Assurance Management

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: It was purely accidental actually. I was asked to cover a class for a friend who was presenting at a conference and I literally fell in love with it. I had my own class the next term and have been teaching ever since.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: I love being able to bring new insight from practical experience into various courses throughout the program. The courses are well designed and offer the opportunity for some individuality when discussing the various course topics.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?

A: Treat everyone as an equal and respectfully. You don’t know what struggles they are dealing with each day just to complete the course work towards their dreams of attaining a degree.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?

A: I’ve had a fabulous group of students so far and look forward to seeing where their dreams and goals take them.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: Read through everything associated with the course including the description, rubrics and deadlines. I’m available to chat about the course via several methods. Since this is distance learning, I can’t see your face to tell if you are confused about a concept, reach out to me. I’m available for consultation on topics that intrigue and puzzle you! I’m pretty easy going since I’ve been in your shows as a student as well.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?

A: I’ve learned the specific types of constructive feedback that certain students require and how to apply that information to make their learning process easier and their progress in the class better.

A Q&A with Mouhamadou Sow, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: I completed a doctoral of Business Administration(DBA)-Information System from Walden University, an MBA in Leadership from Amberton University, and a Bachelor degree in Accounting from University of Texas.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I like to watch basketball, go to movies and spend time with family and friends.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: I teach courses in the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in the Healthcare Administration programs at CityU. I also teach forensic accounting and auditing, and quantitative research method classes at other universities.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I have always enjoyed tutoring and did this throughout my life. I like helping people learn and want to help make a difference in education.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: CityU has a supportive administration, a diverse student body, and is a community of learners. I enjoy working with and challenging students.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: : I emphasize the importance of time management that can be applied in diverse settings. This include planning, and prioritizing.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
A: To see the quality of work and active engagement by my students has been rewarding.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: CityU has a great program for working adults to learn through online discussions and provide flexibility to complete assignments relevant to their majors.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: The importance of giving prompt and useful feedback on assignments, timely grading, and emails always seems to be well received by my students.

A Q&A with LaToya Trowers-Bell, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: I have a doctorate degree in educational leadership and management from Capella University.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: Try out new recipes.

Q: What classes do you teach?

A: Classes in the Health Services Management discipline.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: I love being able to prepare future leaders for exciting careers in healthcare management.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: Diverse student population.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?

A: Any experience that you learn in the classroom or on your current job can be used in the future even if you think it does not relate now.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?

A: Meeting new students.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: Be prepared to learn new things and have fun in the process.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?

A: All feedback is important, learn from it and adjust as necessary.

A Q&A with Angela Wells, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: I have an earned Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana State University of Shreveport and an MBA from Ashford University School of Business.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: For fun, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. Whether we are making dinner and watching movies, traveling, or attending the Dallas Cowboys games, as long as I am amongst great company with good conversation, I am happy.

Q: What classes do you teach?

Various Healthcare courses:

• HL 300 Foundation of Healthcare Leadership
• HL 310 Legal & Ethical Issues in Healthcare Administration
• HL 330Healthcare Informatics
• HL 440 Healthcare Evaluations and Planning
• HL 530 Foundations of Health Care Administration
• HL 550 Health Care Policy Economics

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: I started teaching to help the students achieve their goals and ensure that future employers can feel confident that completion of any of City U courses signifies a certain level of readiness.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: I enjoy teaching at CityU because I love inspiring students to reach their goals, not only academically but personally.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?

A: One of my fondest memories of City U was participating in the spring graduation 2017. There was no greater satisfaction than watching our students walk across the stage and receiving their healthcare degree. I feel extremely blessed to have been involved in their academic career from start to finish.