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Business Faculty Profiles

Undergraduate

At University of Phoenix, our business and management faculty members have more than advanced degrees. They have substantial, real-world experience in the fields they teach.

In fact, our more than 7,600 faculty members in the College of Undergraduate Business and Management have worked in organizations of all types and sizes. As they share their insight and expertise, they enrich your education and provide learning with a practical edge. Read about several of our undergraduate-level faculty members below.



I was inspired to join the faculty at University of Phoenix by a number of things—the structure of the teaching environment, as well as the University's professionalism and mission. University of Phoenix provides a doable, proficient education system for working students and military professionals. The University’s method of providing education to thousands is highly commendable and appreciated.

In fact, several students in my management courses have written me letters thanking me for the newly discovered knowledge I was able to provide in class. They described in detail how the classes benefited them professionally and personally. It really made me appreciate my role as a faculty member at University of Phoenix.

Alfredo Cooke, College of Undergraduate Business and Management

As a Marine, Alfredo Cooke attained the rank of gunnery sergeant and led an infantry platoon in combat. Now retired from the military, he leads a force of police officers as police captain. Cooke has taught subjects including management, organizational behavior and critical thinking at University of Phoenix since 2001.



I was inspired to become a faculty member at University of Phoenix partially by the positive experiences I had while I was a student at the University. Many of my teachers were enthusiastic and professional and really appeared to enjoy sharing their experience in class. As time went by, I felt that I also wanted to share my own experience and continue to learn from interaction with students.

My goal as a faculty member is to help students grow into creative, innovative individuals who will add value to the organizations they are associated with. I'm delighted to be part of University of Phoenix, a progressive university that understands the needs of working adults and strives in a variety of ways to meet those needs.

Susan Ferebee, PhD, College of Undergraduate Business and Management

Dr. Susan Ferebee has worked as a programmer, new product development manager, senior analyst, forecasting manager and senior project manager. A University of Phoenix faculty member for more than eight years, she teaches critical thinking, e-commerce, project management and other subjects.



My goal is to help those who are working while earning a degree. I worked my way through school since 10th grade. I clearly remember getting a work permit and working as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. As I continued through my undergraduate studies and graduate school, I always needed a job to support myself. I also had family commitments, extra-curricular commitments and tried to sustain some kind of social life. Working students have so much to juggle. I can honestly tell my students that I have been there and that the rewards of higher education can outweigh the challenges.

I remember one student who called me in a panic. He put in a request for a position with his company but felt that he was not totally qualified for it. To his surprise, he was called in for a panel interview with only a few days notice. I agreed to meet with him and proceeded to grill him with the toughest questions I could think of. He left our meeting confident that he could take on any interview. Although he did not get the position, the panel told him they were impressed with his interview skills. He sent me an email months later stating that he was selected for another position with his company and was thrilled.

I encourage my students to keep in touch and I get emails and phone calls with updates or questions about human resources. Helping students become productive members of the business community is the part of being a faculty member at University of Phoenix that I enjoy most.

Paul Lessick, College of Undergraduate Business and Management

Paul Lessick has an established background as a human resources director and has been a presenter at a national human resources conference. He has taught human resources management courses at University of Phoenix since 2003.



At University of Phoenix, our students are working professionals who bring a great deal of experience and practical knowledge to the classroom. My goal is to help them to underpin their experience with appropriate theoretical background, and in the process, help them become better employees and managers. The best part about teaching at University of Phoenix is the "aha" moments. When we talk in class about various concepts or laws, students often cite examples from their work experiences. It's great to see them make the connection.



Jennifer Post, College of Undergraduate Business and Management

Jennifer Post has more than 20 years of experience as a human resources professional and has worked in a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, engineering, retail and manufacturing. She has taught subjects including human resources, management, organizational behavior, and communication at University for Phoenix for 10 years.



I love teaching. It is so interesting and exciting when a new class starts. It's like meeting a new set of friends for the first time. The experiences and memories created during the following weeks are very rewarding for me. Where I live, I run into former students all the time. The moment we meet, they tell about how they are doing now and how much they appreciate the time and effort I spent during their class. It makes it all worth the effort. They thank me and walk away with overall fond memories of their University of Phoenix experience. I walk away feeling pretty good myself. So it's a win-win for everyone.

My goal is to make a positive and lasting impression on students that will continue to propel them forward in their personal educational endeavors. I admire our students for pursuing their degrees and want to be a part of their learning journey.

Armando Sanchezcastellanos, College of Undergraduate Business and Management

Armando Sanchezcastellanos served in the military for 12 years and also has worked for major automotive corporations, where he held various management positions. He has 20 years of teaching experience, including more than six at University of Phoenix. Sanchezcastellanos primarily teaches algebra and statistics, but also is qualified to teach project management and operational management.


Graduate

At University of Phoenix, our business and management faculty members have more than advanced degrees. They have substantial, real-world experience in the fields they teach.

In fact, our more than 6,500 faculty members in the College of Graduate Business and Management have worked in organizations of all types and sizes. As they share their insight and expertise, they enrich your education and provide learning with a practical edge. Read about several of our graduate-level faculty members below.



For the past 30 years, I have been part of the academic world and the corporate world. I have a passion for sharing the knowledge I have accumulated during that time. My goal as a faculty member is to make a difference in the life of at least one fellow human being.

Students frequently tell me that they really learn a lot from the courses I facilitate, and that is very rewarding. Being a faculty member at University of Phoenix is an ongoing inspiration. And, it is an opportunity for me to remain at the cutting edge of technology.

Zamir Deen, PhD, College of Graduate Business and Management

Dr. Zamir Deen has an extensive background as a senior information technology consultant. The recipient of numerous professional awards, he has 25 years of teaching experience. This includes three years at University of Phoenix, where he facilitates courses in technology management, computer networking, information systems, project management, research and more.



Teaching at University of Phoenix provides me with a channel to help others accomplish their educational goals. As a faculty member, my goal is to help people develop and execute strategies.

I facilitate courses online and on campus. Recently, I have taught numerous courses across a myriad of business-related subjects. At the graduate level, these include Organizational Leadership and Change, Organizational Ethics, and Strategy Formulation and Implementation. I receive frequent notes from my students telling me how the knowledge they have gained during my courses has been helpful. That is very rewarding.

Dennis Kripp, PhD, College of Graduate Business and Management

Dennis Kripp, who holds a doctorate in organizational development, is a former marketing executive with a Fortune 50 corporation and current owner of a strategic consulting business. He is an active researcher of subjects including practitioner-scholar modeling and the conversion of theory to practice in organizations. Kripp, who has published several articles and case studies, has received awards for his research. He has taught more than six years at University of Phoenix, including courses at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level.



My goal as a faculty member is to have each and every student leave my class with a new perspective on the importance of organizational behavior in every setting—from work to home. I want students to see the relevance of this topic in their everyday lives and how it can impact overall happiness and productivity at work.

I also hope my students can take what they've learned and apply it to future classes. This includes topics we discuss, as well as writing and discussion skills. When students can apply new knowledge to their other classes, they not only make their own educational experience better, but also the experiences of their classmates.

I truly enjoy meeting the many students I've had in class. Each one brings a unique experience to the classroom. I've also met some great faculty members and administrators at University of Phoenix. Sharing experiences with them has not only been an interesting learning experience, but also has resulted in some fantastic working relationships and friendships.

Kristen Schretzenmayer, DBA, College of Graduate Business and Management

Kristen Schretzenmayer holds master's and doctoral degrees in business administration, with particular emphasis on human resource management and international business at the graduate level and organizational behavior at the doctoral level. She served as human resources manager for a corporation prior to advancing to her current position as its vice president of operations. Dr. Schretzenmayer facilitates courses in organizational behavior at University of Phoenix, where she has taught for more than five years.


 
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