Academic Services to the University 

THESIS COMMITTEES: 

2009	Member, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Erin D. Sullivan, “The Evolution of American Sign Language and its Effects on Filipino Sign Language.”
2009	Member, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Amanda González-Moreno, “Should We Use Plastic around Babies? Oral Histories.”
2009	Member of Honors Thesis Committee in Philosophy and Religion for Jamie Brummitt, “The Development of the Pauline Satan Through the Jewish Apocalyptic Afterlife.”
2009	Member, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Laura Gentry, “The Rock, Iron Mind and Golden Boy: Three Boxing Heroes and the Influence They’ve Had.”
2008	Chair of Honors Thesis Committee in Philosophy and Religion for Mary von Aue, “Rabi‘a al-‘Adawī.”
2008	Member, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Abby B. Jordan, “The Fruition of Female Sexuality, One Living Room at a Time.”
2008	Member of Honors Thesis Committee in Philosophy and Religion for Laura Frank, “Jung and Gnosticism.”
2007	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Lisa Moye, “Nightlight Savings Time: The Making of”
2006	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Martha Poole, “Journey’s End: The Thousand-Year Journey of One English Family to America”
2006	Member, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Chandler Madray, “The Expansion of a River Town”
2006	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Joanie D. Martin, “The Fight and Flight of Publishing”
2006	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Kay Warren, “A Yen for Exploring Japan”
2006	Member, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Star Vaught, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith”
2006	Member, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Lisa M. Tripp, “Her Fateful Passage: The Mystery of the Mary Celeste”
2005	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Harold (Hunter) Thompson, “A Journey of Steps: Walking the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool for Prayer and Meditation to Improve One’s Conscious Contact with God”
2005	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Robert Barnes III, “An Analysis of Marcus Garvey Literature: A Paradigm for Understanding the Changing Perspectives of Garvey.”
2005	Member, Master of Education Portfolio Committee for Christopher Garner
2005	Member, Honors Thesis Committee in Religion for Lauren Goodman, “World War II Through the Eyes of a Child: An Ethics of Representation.”
2004	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for W. Sam Perry, “The All Too Human Traveler”
2004	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Chasity Herring, “Interpreting the Americanization of Buddhism and Hinduism”
2004	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Mitzi Pulliam, “Heeding the Call: Protestant Missionary Work in Mexico, Past and Present”
2004	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for David Vanderbilt, “The Military Chapel as a Model for Spiritual Formation Within the Protestant Worship Community”
2004	Member, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Stephanie Kerr, “Politics on The Simpsons: A Look at Comic Pop Culture”
2004	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project for Joan McKillop, “The History of the Paisley Shawl”
2004	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project for Carlon Robbins, “Darth Vader as a Mythological Symbol for Technology and Its Effects on Humanity”
2004	Chair, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project for Tom Wells, “Exporting the North Carolina Furniture Industry: A Documentary on the Industry's Past, Present, and Future”
2004	Member of Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Shana Sek, “The Legalization of Marijuana”
2004	Member of Honors Thesis Committee in Religion for Deborah Edward, “Roles of Women in the Development of Early Christianity: An Historical Feminist Perspective.”
2004	Member of Honors Thesis Committee in Psychology for Maureen T. Aro, “The Impact of Class-Specific Reinforcement Versus Varied Reinforcement on Conditional Discrimination Acquisition and Equivalence Performances in Children.”
2003	Member of Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Final Project Committee for Todd Thomas’s. “This Machine Kills Fascists: A Century of Woody Guthrie.”
2003	Member of Honors Thesis Committee in Anthropology for Jessica Chaffin, “Adaptation in the Ancient Near East: A Look at the Relationship between Religion, Society, and the Environment.”
2002	Member of Thesis committee for Amy Henke’s Honors Thesis in Psychology. “Neuropsychological Assessment of Memory: Utilizing the Autobiographical Memory Interview and the Spatial Memory Task as Tools of Assessment.”
2002	Member of Honors Thesis Committee in History for Joshua Mullen, “A Long Road to Conflict: An Examination of the Causes of the Gulf War (1990-91).”
2000	Outside Representative for Scott Huntley’s Master’s thesis defense in History. 1999 Outside Representative for Stephanie Cuison’s Master’s thesis defense in English.

UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE COMMITTEES AND POSITIONS: 

2010	Panelist for Center for Teaching Excellence: Assessment Workshop, April 21, 2010.
2010	Campus Representative Evaluator, Boren Scholarship.
2009–2010	Chair, University Calendar Committee.
2009–	University Faculty Hearings Panel.
2009–	College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee.
2009–	University Mentor (for two new faculty members).
2009–	Faculty Advisor for UNCW Association of Secular Humanists.
2008–2009	Calendar Committee.
2008–2009	Campus Conduct Board.
2008	Faculty Resident Director Search Committee for The Study Abroad Program at the University of Wales Swansea, Spring 2010.
2008	International Studies Major Committee.
2007	3 Fulbright Interviewing Committees (twice as chair).
2007	Freshman Convocation: Small Group Meeting–Faculty Speaker.
2005	Chair, Campus Evaluation Committee, for Matthew Parnell’s Fulbright Program Application.
2005–2007	Senate Information Technology Committee.
2004–2005	Faculty Resident Director for The Study Abroad Program at the University of Wales Swansea, Spring 2005.
2003–2006	Graduate Liberal Studies Advisory Council.
2002–2006	University Curriculum Committee.
2000–2003	Academic Standards Committee.
1999–2000	Initiator and co-organizer of lecture by Imam Warith Deen Mohammed at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
1998	Summer Research Initiative Selection Committee.
1997	Faculty Advisor for “Students Stop Sweatshops” at Cornell University.
1994–1995	Faculty Advisor for the Muslim Students Association of Middlebury College.

DEPARTMENT COMMITTEES AND POSITIONS: 

2010–	Program Coordinator, Emphasis in Religion.
2010	Chair, Post-Tenure Review Committee.
2009–2010	Search Committee for tenure-track position in East Asian Religions.
2009	Peer Evaluation of Teaching, Classroom Visitation for Dr. Young.
2008–2010	Evaluation Committee.
2008–2009	Curriculum Committee: Learning Outcomes Assessment (Member for plan and policy issues only).
2008–2009	Chair, Ad-hoc Committee on PAR Online and Hybrid Course Committee.
2008–2009	Search Committee for tenure-track position in Asian Religions.
2008	Peer Evaluation of Teaching, Classroom Visitation for Dr. Fiordalis.
2008	Search Committee for one-year position in Asian Religions.
2007	Peer Evaluation of Teaching, Classroom Visitation for Dr. Jeff Durham.
2007–2008	Curriculum Committee.
2007	Peer Evaluation of Teaching, Classroom Visitation for Dr. Teddy Burgh.
2006–2007	Search Committee for tenure-track position in Asian Religions.
2006–2007	Annual Peer Review Committee.
2005–2007	Faculty Advisor for PAR Society.
2005–2006	Scholarship Committee.
2004–2005	Peer Evaluation of Teaching, Classroom Visitation for Dr. Diana Pasulka.
2004–2006	Technology, Travel and Trust Committee.
2003–2004	Peer Evaluation of Teaching, Classroom Visitation for Drs. Diana Pasulka, Teddy Burgh, Michael Shaffer, and George Zervos.
2003–2004	Chair, Annual Peer Review Committee.
2004	Chair, Travel Funds Policy Committee.
2002–2003	Transfer Student Advisor.
2002–2004	Chair, Technology Committee.
2002–2007	Departmental Webmaster.
2001–2002	Search Committee for tenure-track position in Women and Religion.
2001	Chair of Search Committee for one-year position in Women and Religion.
1999–2002	Faculty Advisor for PAR Society.
1999–2002	Editor of the Department of Philosophy and Religion Newsletter.
1998–1999	Annual Peer Review Committee.
1998–2001	Computer Liaison.

Service to the Profession

Community Service: Presentations, Interviews, etc. 

• “Islam,” Chapel Men’s Group, Holden Beach, April 17, 2010. “Expressions of Islam,” St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, January 24 and February 7, 2010. 
• Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Sibling Rivalries,” Winding River Plantation–UNCW Partnership, Wilmington, September 29, 2009. 
• “Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Sibling Rivalries,” Porter’s Neck Community–UNCW Partnership, Wilmington, September 2, 2009. 
• “Islam, Christianity and Judaism: Similarities and Difference,” Adult Scholars Leadership Alumni, Wilmington, April 23, 2009. 
• “Sunnis and Shi`is in Pakistan,” Three Cups of Tea Symposium, Oak Island NC, February 28, 2009. 
• “Islam and America,” UNCW and the Landfall Partnership, Wilmington, September 30, 2008. 
• “The Roots of Sectarianism in Iraq,” Retired Physicians Section, New Hanover - Pender County Medical Society, Wilmington, June 24, 2008. 
• “Islam Today,” Wrightsville Beach Methodist Men's Dinner Meeting, Wilmington March 18, 2008. 
• “Islam: Beliefs and Practices,” Lutheran Church of Reconciliation, Wilmington, January 16, 2008. 
• “Approaches to Discussions of the Existence of the Divine, and Are Such Discussions Necessary for the Development of a Rational, Humanistic Society,” Humanists & Freethinkers of Cape Fear, Wilmington October 14, 2007. 
• “The Rise of al-Qaeda,” Air Force Association: Cape Fear Chapter, Wilmington, September 6, 2007. 
• “Islam and Christianity; Sectarian Groups in Iraq; Islamic Extremism,” First Christian Church, Wilmington, January 31, February 7, and February 14, 2007. 
• “Middle East Forum,” Cape Fear Community College—The Learning Network, Wilmington, October 25, 2006. 
• “Belief Forum,” Cape Fear Community College—The Learning Network, Wilmington, November 2, 2005. 
• “Islam and the teachings of the Qur’an,” Southport Presbyterian Church, Southport NC, October 23 and 30, 2005. 
• “Religious and Ethnic Diversity in Iraq: Kurds, Sunnīs, and Shī`īs,” Senior Men’s Club of Wilmington, Wilmington, October 17, 2005. 
• “An Introduction to the Major Beliefs and Practices of Islam,” UNCW Adult Scholars Leadership Alumni, Wilmington, June 23, 2005. 
• “The Bible and the Qur’ān: Similarities and Differences,” St. Andrew’s Covenant Church, Wilmington, November 14, 2004. 
• Interview of Karen Armstrong, “The Battle for God,” UNCW-TV, October 25, 2004. 
• Interview for Amanda Green’s “Muslims find Ramadan inspiration in the Prophet’s life,” Star News, October 16, 2004, 1D-2D. 
• “Wahhābī, Sunnī, and Shī`ī Islam,” Senior Men’s Club of Wilmington, Wilmington, September 24, 2004. 
• “Anti-Semitism Today,” St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Wilmington, April 13, 2004. 
• “Al-Qā’ida, Jihad and Islam,” Wilmington Civitan Club, Wilmington, November 26, 2003. 
• Panelist for “2002 Leadership Wilmington—Diversity Community Session,” Greater Wilmington Chamber Foundation, Wilmington, October 3, 2002. 
• “Relationship of Islam to Christianity and Judaism,” Unitarian Coastal Fellowship, Morehead City NC, September 22, 2002. 
• “Heart of Terrorism,” Kennedy Home Educational Center, sponsored by the Greater Kinston Community Development Corporation, Kinston NC, May 30, 2002. 
• “Islam and the West,” Trinity United Methodist Church, Southport NC, April 17, 2002. 
• “Islam: Basic Beliefs and Practices,” St. Andrew’s Covenant Church, Wilmington, April 10, 2002. 
• “An Islamic View of Ethics and Morality,” St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Wilmington, February 20, 2002. 
• “Islam, Jihad, and Islamic Extremism,” New Hanover County Northeast Regional Library, Wilmington, January 24, 2002. 
• “Study Circle on Terrorism,” Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship Church, Wilmington, January 22, 2002. 
• “Two Versions of the 10 Commandments,” Interview on The Evening News on WWAY-TV, Wilmington, January 14, 2002. 
• “Islam and the Causes of Resentment against the West,” Wrightsville United Methodist Church, Wilmington, December 2, 2001. 
• “Teaching Tolerance: Islam,” Cape Fear Academy, Wilmington, November 28, 2001. 
• “Islam, Islamic Extremism, and Understanding the Roots of Animosity against the US,” Church of the Servant, Wilmington, November 28, 2001. 
• “Islam vs. Islamic Extremism: Understanding the Causes of Terrorist Attacks on the US,” Sampson Community College, Clinton NC, November 27, 2001. 
• “Some Causes of Hostility in the Middle East towards America,” First Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, November 14, 2001. 
• “Roots of Animosity between the West and the Muslim World,” St. Andrew’s on the Sound Episcopal Church, Wilmington, November 11, 2001. 
• “Help Heal Our World through Education: Forum on World Trade Center Attacks,” Seniors Center, Wilmington, November 9, 2001. 
• “The Islamic Worldview(s),” Winterpark Baptist Church, Wilmington, November 7, 2001. 
• “The Beliefs and Practices of Islam,” St. Andrew’s on the Sound Episcopal Church, Wilmington, November 4, 2001. 
• “Islam,” St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Southport NC, October 21, 2001. 
• “Extremism in Islam,” Interview on The Evening News on WWAY-TV, Wilmington, October 3, 2001. 
• Panelist for “America in Crisis: Questions and Answers,” Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington, October 2, 2001. 
• Panelist for “U.S. Addresses a New and Formidable Enemy,” The Learning Network (UNCW-TV), Wilmington, September 24, 2001. 
• “Understanding Islam and Muslims,” St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Wilmington, September 23, 2001. 
• “Islam and Islamic Extremism in the Wake of the WTC Attacks,” Radio Interview on 980AM WAVE, Wilmington, September 17, 2001. 
• Panelist for “2001 Leadership Wilmington—Diversity Community Session,” Greater Wilmington Chamber Foundation, Wilmington, September 13, 2001. 
• “Islam: 5 Pillars and 5 Principles,” St. James Episcopal Church, Wilmington, May 7, 2000. 
• “God, Eternity, and the Daily Walk in Islam,” Lenten Talk: Our Neighbors’ Religion, St. Andrew’s on the Sound Episcopal Church, Wilmington, April 12, 2000. 
• “The Beliefs and Practices of Islam,” Christian Education Program, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Wilmington, February 6, 2000. 
• “Warith Deen Mohammed,” Interview on Good Morning Carolina on WWAY-TV, Wilmington, February 1, 2000. 
• “Warith Deen Mohammed and the Nation of Islam,” Interview for article “Islamic Speaker Opens Black History Month Celebration,” Morning Star, Wilmington, February 1, 2000. 
• “The Rise of Rabbinic Judaism,” Christian Education Program, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Wilmington, January 30, 2000. 
• “Islam,” Bradley Creek Elementary School, Wilmington, January 20, 1998 amd March 23, 1999. 
• “Worlds of Islam,” Chautauqua Institution, NY, April 30 to May 1, 1997.