FACULTY PROFILE
"I earned my Ed.D degree from Olivet Nazarene University with a concentration in Ethical Leadership. I have extensive management experience in various industries in operations, manufacturing, material management, distribution, warehousing and transportation. My research study explored Midwest small- and medium-sized manufacturing and their ability to compete in the global economy. I also earned my MBA with a specialization in Leadership, as well as a BA with a concentration in Operations Management; both at Governors State University, respectively. Another academic achievement I'm proud of, is that I hold a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Purdue University and is APICS – CPIM certified (The Operations Management
Association).
I joined the CBPA in August 2014 as a University Lecturer. I teach Operations Management, Quality Management, as well as Business Ethics at both undergraduate and graduate levels. I enjoy teaching so much! I am energized with our GSU students who are looking for assignments that will enrich their education. My goal is to provide the tools and techniques for their success. In addition to working full time, I started my teaching career back in 2007. I do remember the first time walking into a classroom and found myself “at home.” My teaching philosophy for our students begins with just that, allowing our students to feel “at home.” My classroom approach is an opportunity to “raise the bar” for our students. When building activities and assignments, I provide my students thought provoking projects that require a higher level of learning.
I enjoy researching small and medium sized companies and their new global competitive marketplace. My goal is to use my research to help the men and women, families and communities of Midwest manufacturing towns that have been transformed due the global economy. The various generations of families that have been forever changed due to the new marketplace will one day return with a greater knowledge base to produce goods and services that will be considered superior to our international partners. It is my vision of the Midwest manufacturer who will one day rise to the competition and ultimately win. In order to achieve this goal, we must remain in a leading position with education and training for our students so they are prepared to face the challenge of this new marketplace.
I also enjoy collaborating with my students. The enthusiasm my students show during our classroom discussions when topics lead to further learning energize me too! I love sharing experiences with them and enjoy learning about theirs. I also enjoy helping small and medium sized companies and helping them succeed with my research.
In addition to my teaching experience I am also involved with the Small Business Center at GSU and our Continuing Education department to provide training to our small businesses and community members. I also volunteer with PADS in the South Suburbs. My outside interests include cooking, gardening and theatre."
- Tricia Kerns, Ed.D.
Curriculum Vitae