| Self introduction |
I first came to Japan and Obihiro in 1983 to work for a small English conversation school, but joined Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in October 2008.
I did my undergraduate studies at Pacific Lutheran University, where I majored in history and political science. After graduation I spent a couple of years working seasonal jobs and traveling in Europe and Asia. These travels exposed me briefly to many different peoples and cultures, but I decided I wanted to live in a country for at least a year to experience everyday life more fully. I initially came to Obihiro (the sister-city of my hometown) on a two-year contract, but ended up staying three. In those three years I became more interested in Japanese history and culture. It was then that I decided to return to the United States to get a Masters in Japanese Studies at the University of Michigan. After completing my studies in Michigan my wife and I made the decision to live in Japan, but not in a big city like Tokyo or Osaka, so I returned to the language school where I had taught before. I stayed there for over 20 years, teaching and working as the manager of the adult education program.
At the university I teach English I, II & V Communication to undergraduates, English Communication for Science I in the Graduate School and Practical English I & II in the Bekka program. The goal for all my classes is to make them interesting and challenging, so that when you finish you have a feeling of accomplishment. I also hope that you are able to use English more easily as a communication tool.
Of course, I have many hobbies that keep me busy throughout the year. I enjoy playing tennis, camping, gardening and doing weekend carpentry projects. |
obihiro.ac.jp 
