Age: 30s. Birthplace: Worcester, MA. Profession: Higher education. Organization: MA Community College System. Title: Adjunct Professor. Significant other: Alexis Diane McCarthy (my wife). Alma mater: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (Doctorate); Fitchburg State University (MBA).
Current project: Developing a curriculum for an Introduction to Economics course that integrates a learning module for emerging topic of interests. Latest accomplishment: Received strong survey feedback from my students after my first year of teaching. Latest contribution to others: I participate in local golf charity tournaments throughout the year. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Leaving my role as a consultant in the pharmaceutical industry to pursue a doctoral degree. Hobbies: Skiing, hiking, fishing, fine woodworking/carpentry, PC building, golfing, ballroom dancing birdwatching. Recently viewed and recommended: America: The Story of Us (History Channel mini-series). Recent unique acquisition: Restored an antique piece of furniture, originally purchased by my great grandparents.
Moral compass: Trust your gut. How do you define a perfect friendship? Built on loyalty, curiosity, and growth. What is your greatest fear? Wasting potential. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Yard sales, bookstores, auctions. What is at the top of your bucket list? Fishing trip to Alaska. How do you relieve stress? Walking in nature or spending time in my workshop. What is your go-to workout? Hiking, skiing, lifting weights. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Mountains and deep snow.
What was your first paying job? City lifeguard. What was your favorite college course? Organizational Behavior. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Matchbox Cars. What book have you repeatedly read? The Effective Executive, by Peter Drucker; The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Family photos. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My older siblings. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
More applied, skills-based teaching in higher ed.
What change would you like to see in the world? Economic prosperity for Millennials, Gen-Z, and Gen-Alpha. What message do you want to send out into the world? Life goes by fast, so spend it with people you enjoy. What widely held belief do you reject? College is the only path to employment. What mega-trend most concerns you? Data privacy erosion.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? By Design. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Cillian Murphy. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Cowboy. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My cowboy boots. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Eating food at my parents’ home with my wife, dog and siblings. What advice would you give your younger self? Take the golf lessons. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? Traveling to San Diego, California, with my wife after our wedding.
Personal motto: Be prepared. Favorite quote: “Haste makes waste” (Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1753).
