My first foray into academia was at TCU where I served as the director of the Acting Program. I was still acting professionally but wanted to try my hand at teaching. And I loved it – well, at least the time in the classroom. Yes, I learned A LOT at TCU and stayed for 5 years. Moreover, Dallas/Ft. Worth was very good to me. I worked at Stage West, Casa Manana, both Fort Worth and Dallas Shakespeare Festivals and Dallas Theatre Center. It was a time of growth and experiential learning. When I stepped away from TCU, I wasn't sure what I was going to do next but, as luck would have it, I was hired to teach on Semester at Sea. So, as the millennium came to a close, I sailed around the world teaching acting and theatre. An unforgettable experience! Christopher Newport University in Virginia hired me to teach acting and soon after I became Chair of the newly formed Theatre Department. The years at CNU were, perhaps, the best of years of my academic career. CNU built a world-class venue, the Ferguson Center, and I flourished artistically while helping to grow and expand the theatre program. After 7+ years of leading that program, the University asked me to assume the role of Dean. I accepted and...”yes” I wore a suit and tie for a number of years. I went on to serve more than 12 years as an academic dean at four separate institutions: four years as Dean, College of Arts & Humanities at Christopher Newport University; four years as Dean, School of Arts & Sciences at Southern Connecticut State University; two years as Dean, College of Arts, Communications & Design at Long Island University; and two years as Dean/Artistic Director of the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University. During my years of service at these institutions I facilitated advances in curricula, creative activities, retention, student learning/success, and academic planning. I'm proud of the time I spent at each of these institutions...and I'm equally pleased that I have now moved away from education and on to the next phase of my life & career.