I believe in higher education for the common good, and I believe in the value that professors bring to society. Because of these beliefs, I joined and have remained a proud member of the American Association of University Professors.

• I am the vice-president of our local university chapter, and maintain it’s website. The focus of our local chapter has been in two areas (1) improving the working conditions of faculty, especially lecturers and part time instructors, (2) educating our colleagues on the importance of academic freedom and shared governance.
• I also serve on the state executive committee (The Virginia Conference of AAUP). In this position, I have seen how various institutions in the state of Virginia are responding to changes in the sociopolitical environment. Through these experiences, I have learned how to be a better advocate. I have seen how goals are articulated and coalitions are built.