Home- College of Education Faculty Oral Histories
- Dr. Connie Hines and Dr. Jeff Kromrey
College of Education Faculty Oral Histories
Dr. Connie Hines and Dr. Jeff Kromrey
JK: I think it still is required for all the undergraduates, I believe unless I’m mistaken about that. But that course has changed a lot over the years. When I was a graduate student in the department, I taught one section of that while Lou Carey was writing her book and I was using her draft chapters as a text for the course. Since then, it has become very heavy with a technology emphasis. Even the face to face course meetings have a lot of web based materials that students work through, so in that sense it’s very nicely laid out and planned and consistent across sections of the course. It’s gotten quite systematized, which is not surprising with Dr. Carey, she’s so systematic about things. Yes, I’d say that course has changed a lot over the years. The students, I don’t think, have changed. Some students still, in general, don’t care for that topic and they still try to put it off until the very end, which is probably not the best strategy to use. When I taught that at one time 20 years ago that’s the way things were.
LB: What do you think are the things that stand out about the College of Education in your experience there? You mentioned earlier some of the individuals, but what about programs?
CH: Well, I know when I came to the College one of the things that really impressed me was the fact there was so many faculty, regular faculty members, who taught courses. Undergraduate students were in contact with regular faculty members not adjuncts. I thought that there was a sense of vision and a drive in the College. I thought at the time the SCATT program did a lot to help energize and consolidate things in much of the College. The tremendous work that was done in schools by faculty who were completely dedicated to work at schools was impressive. The energy level for a number of years, I think, was one of the hallmarks for our College. I think we have evolved over time as the university has changed, as we have become more engaged in research with an emphasis now on being a Research I university. Tenure and promotion guidelines are much more stringent now, for example. I think that the faculty members who are coming to our College feel a great pressure regarding tenure and promotion and for meeting current criteria. I sense somewhat of a difference in terms of focus.
LB: If I recall at one point you were working with SCATT doing some research.
CH: Yes.
LB: Was that when you first came?
CH: When I first came I was half time in the SCATT Program and half time in the department. Of course, that was two full time jobs. Yes, because I remember a couple of semesters I actually taught two sections of the Measurement course. That was my half time job in the department and then the other half was with SCATT. I was involved in terms of research and forming a foundation for that program. Joyce Swartzman, with her energy, really kept me busy.
JK: I think I agree with Connie that we don’t have specific programs that stand out as being exemplary, but this is wonderful. We do have across the College the recognition of involvement in research largely involving the schools. That’s kind of college-wide. You can look within any of our programs and say, “Yes. I know these faculty members are doing x, y, and z and this is really good stuff.” I think the Anchin Center has a lot of potential. I think since Bill Katzenmeyer retired, and there hasn’t been a full-time director it hasn’t had a chance to realize its potential, but I see that being a real stand out aspect of the College of Education in the future.
CH: I would say though when I think of the stand out programs I think of the School Psychology Program. I think the School Psychology Program really a stands out right now in our College, it’s known nationally. I know when I go on NCATE site visits and so on and you say that I’m from the University of South Florida people would talk about our School Psychology Program. I think in terms of standout programs I would say School Psychology as well as our program, if I dare to say that.
LB: Don’t be modest.
CH: I also remember though in terms of outstanding programs and this is not because you are the interviewer, but I remember the Adapted Physical Education Program you and Steve Klesius developed with the use of technology to prepare teachers to work with children with disabilities. The Stavros Center is another center that has really over the years stood out. I know they recently received some type of recognition and they continue to stand out as a center. One of the unique things about the College I think was the centers and the institutes. The potential as Jeff said that those centers have to really contribute to our College is great. I’m not sure that we have ever gotten to the point where all those centers have really come together and made the contributions that they could make to the College. I think they have a lot to offer and you know with the appropriate vision and leadership we probably could get all of those things coming together.
LB: On a personal basis, don’t be too modest about this question. What do you feel most proud of in terms your personal achievements, professionally as a member of the College of Education faculty? It’s obviously the outstanding students that you produced. You could name a few of those I’m sure.
CH: Well, I haven’t produced him, but I have worked a lot with Jeff. I mean we have been working together for a number of years.
JK: I think I was a graduate assistant when you first joined.