Community

As a faculty member, my goal is to educate students so they can be their best. I want to help them achieve their career goals. What particularly motivates me is when students email or thank me personally for going the extra mile to help them. I am honored when students ask me to write a letter on their behalf for acceptance into law school or a doctoral program. I am pleased that I can provide students with a positive experience and I’m proud to be part of University of Phoenix’s excellent reputation.

Patrick Cote, College of Health and Human Services

Two years after I graduated from University of Phoenix with my master's in counseling, I had the opportunity to join the University's faculty. I was already a credentialed teacher and was looking for a way to teach adults and help them along the same track I had been on. My goal as a faculty member is to be part of a program which prepares students to join me in the professional world with good communication skills, enthusiasm and a deep-seated desire to fulfill their personal goals. I communicate real-world experiences to my students so they come to the profession with their eyes open and maintain their commitment to the world of human services. My instruction is aimed at inspiring their professional confidence.

Hearing about students' successes after graduation is especially gratifying. I love graduation, for the pure joy of accomplishment and pride. But it's what I see students do afterward that makes me glad I was part of the process that enabled them to reach their goals.

Catherine Butler, MFT, College of Health and Human Services

Each position I've held during my career has built upon my previous position, culminating in broad expertise in community and public health. My goal as a faculty member at University of Phoenix is to integrate my wide variety of professional experiences into my facilitation of courses. This has proven to be very valuable in teaching community health nursing, health policy, health care infrastructure and other courses. My experiences can help demonstrate to students how theory is applied to practice.

Recently, one of my students requested a letter of recommendation after she graduated and was pursuing additional education opportunities. She is bilingual with English as a second language. She told me I had helped her so much with her writing skills that she gained confidence in her command of the language. Student successes such as this make me appreciate the opportunity to teach at University of Phoenix even more.

Judith Candelaria, MSN, RN, College of Health and Human Services