Education

Master of Public Administration, Valdosta State University, July 31, 2005. 

B.S. in Philosophy, with minor in International Studies.  Valdosta State University, December 2000.

Japanese Language Certificate, International Studies.  Kansai Gaidai University, Japan.  Spring 1999.

Professional Employment

Graduate Assistant and Webmaster, University Honors Program, Valdosta State University, October 2004 – Present.

• Prepare the HONORA Newsletter each Semester for Honors Program students, faculty and staff (website/electronic-based and hard copy brochure/flyer-based);

• Create, CSS-design and maintain the University Honors Program Website: http://www.valdosta.edu/honors (information system development, support and management);

• Attend academic committee and organizational meetings with Faculty and Honors Program Director;

• Assist in Honors Program Research and Development;

• Respond and communicate with prospective and current Honors Program Student requests and needs via WWW Submission Forms;

• Update monthly announcements, reports and news via the newsletter & website;

• Research the retention and attrition rate of VSU Honors Program Students entering and exiting the program and track their progress and experiences as it relates to their completion of the Honors program;

• Review, analyze and update student information and databases;

• Collaborate with Honors faculty, staff and students to web design personal homepages, class syllabi and assignment webpages, HSA & other Honors Program community websites;

• Perform miscellaneous duties as required;

Graduate Admissions Tutor, Graduate School, Valdosta State University, Summer – Fall, 2005.

• Provided peer tutoring to individual or small groups of undergraduate or graduate students who require additional help in taking the admissions tests:  GRE, GMAT, and MAT. 

• Submitted data entry of application material into the BANNER system.

• Filed application materials and graduate student information.

• Generated/sent follow-up letters for applicants, advisors, coordinators, department heads, et al.

• Tele-counseled to applied and prospective students.

• Assisted in the management of direct mailings/orientation projects.

• Assisted Graduate Coordinators in policy planning and research.

ESL Teacher, English Language Institute, International Programs, Valdosta State University, 2002 – 2004. 

• Served as a teacher of ESL by teaching ESL courses in the ELI.

• Developed and revised ELI curriculum by making changes to course requirements and objectives, selecting and ordering books and other educational materials, and implemented curriculum changes based on research and ideas gleaned from professional conferences.

• Supported the ELI and served as a resource to other teachers by developing and overseeing supplemental programs, including teacher-training seminars and special interest classes, overseeing staff development, conducting teacher evaluations, organizing component meetings, distributing information about upcoming conferences and other professional development activities, ordering teacher resource materials, conducting new teacher orientation sessions, conducting in-service workshops, and supervising new teachers, graduate teaching assistants, and practicum students.

• Supported the ELI by administering and evaluating placement tests and final tests for ELI, maintaining student records, advising ELI students, providing tutoring as needed, participating in pre-semester activities such as preparing materials and activities for new student orientation, and assisting new students upon arrival.

• Remained competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by the ELI Program Administrator.

• Helped to ensure the success of the ELI by performing all other duties as assigned.

Professional Experience

2005 – Present
Instructor, Learning in Retirement (Continuing Education), Valdosta State University.  Teaching Japanese Language and Culture classes to individuals 50 years of age and above, providing a unique opportunity for cultural growth, lifelong learning and recreation.  Classes included:  Introduction to Oriental Culture, Chanoyu -Japanese Tea Ceremony, Japanese Flower Arrangement & Gardening, Beginning Japanese & Chinese Language, Beginning Chinese Calligraphy, Japanese Cooking – Sushi, Kimono Dress, Origami  - Paper Folding Fun, An Illustrated Introduction to Japan, Patterns of Japanese Culture & Behavior, and Japanese Gardening.  Descriptions of the classes are available at:  http://www.valdosta.edu/conted/Programs/lir/LIRhealth_misc.htm#japanese%20garden

2004 – Present
Vice President for Publicity, Grants Administrator & China/Taiwan Director, Valdosta Asian Cultural Association.  Develop, plan and assist in the publicity, fundraising, presentation and co-directing of this annual 6-project Asian Cultural Experience Program, involving over 2,000 volunteers, presenters and participants from all over the world, inviting elementary, middle and high schools over 19 counties in South Georgia to attend, performing over 100 artistic and cultural shows per year, and serving an audience of over 100,000 in the South Georgia community yearly.  Program website available at http://bellsouthpwp.net/g/a/gahuang/

2002 – Present
Active Alumni & Member, Japan Exchange Teaching Program, JETAA.  Volunteer throughout the year to help the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta and Japanese Embassy in a variety of activities, from participating in social events to career workshops, to assisting the local consulate with recruiting efforts for the JET Program.  Participation includes attending bi-monthly meetings, a bonenkai or shin nen kai, a career workshop every fall, Q & A Sessions, conducting JET Program Interviews, Program promotion on Georgia college campuses and other higher educational institutions, assisting in the planning of monthly social events ranging from Third Thursday evenings to picnics and cultural events, participating in social and networking activities and assisting the local Consulate of Japan in JET Program the promotion of Japanese culture in the region. http://www.japanatlanta.org

1996 – Present
Webmaster, VSU Honors Program Website, Valdosta State University Honors Program.  Created, edited, and maintained over 2,500 webpages for this university department, developed a website maintenance guide and user’s handbook for the administration, programming and editing of the web portal, and trained staff in managing all internet, network, and server-related content regarding the electronic dissemination of Honors Program documents in HTML, CGI, PERL, PHP, JAVA, et al. http://www.valdosta.edu/honors

Research Interests

Computer Language & Creativity in Artificial Intelligence

Orientalism & Cultural Discourse in Sociolinguistics

Wabi Sabi:  Japanese Concepts of Beauty & Art

Global or “Soft Leadership” and International E-commerce Business

Student, Staff & Faculty Satisfaction with Higher Education Programs

Learner-Centered Issues in Language Acquisition & Language Education

Professional Memberships, Service & Affiliations

2005 – Present
Cornerstone International Youth Camp, Roundtable Discussion Leader & Lecturer.

2005 – Present
Asia-Pacific American Council of Georgia, Liaison for the South Georgia chapter.

2004 – 2005
Valdosta State University Graduate School, Strategic Plan Steering Committee.

2004 – Present
Georgia Association of Teachers of Japanese, Advisor & Tutor, Learning Resources Committee.

2003 – 2004
National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, Business Advisory Committee Member.

2002 – 2004
Society of International Students, International Programs, Valdosta State University, Staff Advisory Board.

2002 – 2004
Christian College Group, New Covenant Church, Outreach Advisor & Scribe.

2002 – Present
Japan America Society of Georgia.  JETAA-SE member.

2002 – Present
Japan External Trade Organization.  Liaison for the Atlanta chapter.

2000 – 2003
Organization of Chinese Americans, Vice President of Education for the Atlanta chapter.

1999 – Present
Valdosta Asian Cultural Association, Board of Director & Area Country Director.

1997 – Present
National Immigration Forum, Educational Advisor.

1994 – 1997 
Student Government Association, Valdosta State University, Allocations Committee, Off-campus Senator.

1994 – 1997 
VSU Debate Team, Valdosta State University, Junior Varsity Policy Debater, Vice-President.

1994 – 1997 
VSU Honors Program, Valdosta State University, Honors Student Association, Reporter.

1994
National Marrow Donor Program, Donor.  

1980 – Present
Valdosta Chamber of Commerce, Business & Community Agent for Parent’s Businesses & Investments

Honors & Awards

Alumni Award recipient, Valdosta State University, 2004-2005

Volunteer Instructor Award, March 2004, LIR, Certificate in Teaching Excellence.

Marco Polo & China Garden USA: Best of South Georgia Restaurant Distinction (2000-2005).  Valdosta Daily Times.

Student Development Grant.  Research in U.S. Public Policy with regard to Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1969 & Affirmative Action. (1997-1999)  Research in U.S. Public Policy with regard to increasing security in ASEAN (1996).  Valdosta State University.

Odum Scholarship recipient (1996 – 2000).  Valdosta State University.

HOPE Grant & Scholarship recipient (1996 – 2005).  B.A. in Philosophy - Valdosta State University, Diploma in Environmental Horticulture - Valdosta Technical College.

MPA Papers, Publications and Presentations

“My MPA E-Portfolio”  Summer 2005.  WebCT & Online (Forthcoming Website)

“Winning Grants for VACA”  A grassroots mission to promote cultural diversity, to further international awareness & appreciation of Asian culture, and to enrich the community and  lives of South Georgia.  Grant proposals to private and public institutions including the Georgia Humanities Council, Georgia Council of Arts, and the Southern Arts Federation.  2004-2005.  Valdosta Asian Cultural Association.  (Grantwriting) 

“Operational Handbook of VACA”  The compiling, re-writing and editing of the Director and Program Handbook.  2005.  Valdosta Asian Cultural Association.  (Editing)

“Job Satisfaction & Organizational Commitment”  Chapter 9, Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Paul Spector.  Industrial & Organizational Psychology, PSY 5800.   Dr. Jerry Merwin.  Spring 2005.  (Presentation)

“A Organizational Analysis of the VSU Honors Program & Job Analysis of its Director:  Dr. Byron Brown”.  PSY 5800.  Dr. Jerry Merwin.  Spring 2005.  (Presentation & Paper)

“The Scroggins Independent School District Educational Improvement Project” October 18, 2004.  Take-Home Exam.  Quantitative Methods, PADM 7060.  Dr. Jerry Merwin.  Fall 2004.  (Paper)

“A Policy Analysis & Recommendation Project on Teenage Driver Auto Accident Rates”  November 1, 2004.  Exam 1.  Policy Analysis, PADM 7090.  Dr. Jerry Merwin.  Fall 2004.  (Paper)

“Identifying Alternative Policies for Campus Parking”  November 16, 2004.  Group Project.  Policy Analysis, PADM 7090.  Dr. Jerry Merwin.  Fall 2004.  (Paper)

“Trash-Talk:  Solid-Waste Collection Analysis”  A PROBLEM OF CHOICE:  THROWING AWAY “GARBAGE” ALTERNATIVES & CHOOSING THE BEST METHOD.  December 7, 2004.  Group Project.  Policy Analysis, PADM 7090.  Dr. Jerry Merwin.  Fall 2004.  (Paper & Presentation)

“Purchasing Policy:  Operating Handbook”  December 1, 2004.  The creation and editing of the Marco Polo Restaurant Operating Handbook.  East & West Investments.  (Editing)

“Standardization – They Talk Alike, They Walk Alike”  Chapter 6, Powering Up: How Public Managers Can Take Control of Information Technology (Governing Management Series), Barrett & Greene.  Information Technology, PADM 7110.  Dr. Carol Glen.  Spring 2005.  (Presentation & Voting Website)

“Point, Click & Vote:  the Internet Voting Project in the United States.”  An Analysis of the Potentials & Pitfalls of E-voting.  February 15, 2004.  Final Paper.  Information Technology, PADM 7110.  Dr. Carol Glen.  Spring 2005.  (Paper & Voting Website)

“Case Study Response:  Jefferson County School System”  How To Purchase a Computer System & Implement It Well.  February 7, 2004.  Managing Information Technology, Martin.  Case Study Paper.  Information Technology, PADM 7110.  Dr. Carol Glen.  Spring 2005.  (Paper & Case Study)

“Special Education Budgeting Analysis:  Lowndes County vs. Valdosta City”  A Case Study & Powerpoint Presentation.  June 6, 2004.  Governmental Budgeting & Finance, PADM 7140.  Mrs. Kathy Brunot.  Summer 2004.  (Paper & Presentation)

“Governmental Liens:  A Lien Machine”  Concept Paper.  May 24, 2004.  Governmental Budgeting & Finance, PADM 7140.  Mrs. Kathy Brunot.  Summer 2004.  (Paper)

“Discussion Summaries of Governing Articles” Discussion Summaries.  June 1, 2004.  Governmental Budgeting & Finance, PADM 7140.  Mrs. Kathy Brunot.  Summer 2004.  (Summaries)

“The Cyborg’s Prioritization of Terms” A Group Exercise.  September 14, 2004.  Organizational Theory/Behavior, PADM 7170.  Dr. Lee Allen.  Fall, 2004.  (Group Paper)

“Man, Technology, & Society:  The Emergence of our Social Future” A Critique of Nolan J. Argyle’s Framework of Man & Society.  Term Paper Assignment #1.  September 1, 2004.  Organizational Theory/Behavior, PADM 7170.  Dr. Lee Allen.  Fall, 2004.  (Paper)

“Out of the Caves of Steel & Into the Caves of Coral” Finding Lige Bailey.  Term Paper Assignment #2.  September 16, 2004.  Organizational Theory/Behavior, PADM 7170.  Dr. Lee Allen.  Fall, 2004.  (Paper)

“Tipping in America”  An Analysis of the Minimum Wage Guidelines for “Tipped Employees”.  Term Paper.  July 20, 2004.  Labor Law, PADM 7180.  Dr. Lee Allen.  Summer, 2004.  (Paper)

“Case Briefing & Pursuasion from the Labor Point of View”  11 Case Briefing Assignments.  Class Exercises.  July 11, 2004.  Labor Law, PADM 7180.  Dr. Lee Allen.  Summer, 2004.  (Briefing Presentation & Mock Trial)

“Labor & Management Songs & Songs List” Critical Songs of the 80s & 90s, and Pro-Management Songs by Christian Artists.  CD.  June 2, 2004.  Labor Law, PADM 7180.  Dr. Lee Allen.  Summer, 2004.  (Music Compilation)

“Peer Reviewing and Editing of Jeffrey Amos’s Final Paper”  Editing A Colleague’s Case Study Paper for Dr. Allen’s Class.  January 20, 2005.  PADM 7900.  Dr. Lee Allen.  Spring 2005.  (Editing)

“Assignment 2:  Value of Life Calculations”  Timing is Everything.  Exercise #2.  March 22, 2005.  Special Issues in Health and Health Care Policy, PADM 7190.  Dr. Lee Allen.  Spring 2005.  (Assignment)

Dr. Byron Brown, Honors Program Director, (bbrown@valdosta.edu), 229-249-4894 (Supervisor)

Dr. Tracy Harrington, Director of International Programs, (tharrin@valdosta.edu) 229-333-7410 (Supervisor)

Dr. Michael Eaves, Director for VSU Debate (meaves@valdosta.edu) 229-259-5116 (Debate Advisor)

Dr. Lee M. Allen, MPA and Political Science Professor, (lallen@valdosta.edu) 229-293-6058 (5 classes in MPA)