David R. Arendale

Greetings! At the University of Minnestoa-Twin Cities I serve as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning within the College of Education and Human Development. In addition to teaching history courses, I investigate the history of postsecondary college access, developmental education, and academic interventions that support improved student achievement and persistence. Other roles for me at the University include supporting the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Program. Employing bright students at the University, the PAL Program provides peer facilitated study review sessions in academically challenging courses. I also work with other institutions in Minnesota supporting their efforts to improve academic achievement for their students.

I formerly served at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in several capacities including Senior Research Fellow for the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, National Project Director of Supplemental Instruction, and Interim Director for the Center for Academic Development. I served as President of the National Association for Development Education from 1996 to 1997. In 2000 I was recognized by the American Council of Developmental Education Associations for induction as a Founding Fellow of the profession.

I enjoy working in a profession that makes a difference for improving the academic achievement and success of students. The slogan at the rop right hand corner of the computer screen, "equipping others for service" refers to my mission statement. One of my primary tasks as a college teacher is to prepare the students that I have the opportunity to work with to be well prpeared for a lifetine of service to community and country. The second dimension of the slogan provides motivation for my research, presenting, and writing. We don't need to "reinvent the wheel" regarding best educational practices. We need to effectively communicate what already exists to others. Use of the Internet, publications, presentations, and workshops are all means for communicating the best practices that others have already created.

I welcome your thoughts and comments about my work and would enjoy the opportunity to collaborate.

Take care,

David.

Printer-friendly Version