“I think I have been a teacher forever! Well, almost. And I still love it!”

After earning her elementary education teaching license, Sr. JoAnn taught in K – 8 schools in Columbus, Zanesville, and Steubenville, mostly in grades 7 and 8. After finishing her graduate studies at Dayton University in Educational Administration/principal licensure, she enjoyed working as a principal. Each experience taught her more about the complexities of teaching and leading, and she enjoyed all of her experiences in K – 12 schools.

Sr. JoAnn returned to Ohio Dominican (she is an alumna) in 1988, and after completing her Ph.D. at Ohio State, she made ODU her home. She taught foundation courses and methods courses in undergraduate Education and previously had the opportunity to Chair the Division of Education. She now directs and teaches in ODU’s Graduate Education programs where she has once again been able to grow in her understanding of what it means to teach and lead. 

If you visit campus, you might think Sr. JoAnn’s hobby is spending time in her office, so she can be near faculty and students. But her real hobbies include reading, cooking, and gardening. Most of all, she loves growing flowers. Her personal favorite – The Calla Lily!