Biography - Robert B Needles

INSTRUCTOR BIO
After graduating high school in Indiana it was gospel that most individuals would go the Steel Mill and seek their fortune and fame. Why not? Good pay, steady job, and great benefits. So off to slave labor I went. After a few years working at the Mill I had an epiphany, the work was not challenging or interesting. I needed a challenge to advance and grow. This type of job did not provide the opportunity.
Read on, the story does become engaging and inspirational.

Went to work at Hammond Group where I was a laborer, truck driver, furnace operator, machinist, and did maintenance tasks as well. Then the thought of advancing my education became a focal point. Working in a factory provided a living, but not a long-term vision or goal toward a professional career. So while working full-time I started to attend Purdue University and ascertain my goal of becoming a College graduate. I tried and quit. Then I tried again and dropped out. After 2 unsuccessful attempts at this College thing, I realized becoming a College educated person was going to take some dedication, focus, and perseverance. Starting and finishing College was slowly becoming an obsession with me. I had an inner passion to learn and a desire to become someone besides a factory worker. So the story does have an encouraging ending, I finally committed to my passion and finished my B.S (took 8 years) and MBA (3 years) and started my Ph.D. Hey, this learning thing is quite fun!!!

So what is the point of this long drawn out mundane dialogue? If I can rise from the ashes of a dead end career without much hope of achieving my goals and dreams, I know all of your can achieve your educational dreams and goals. Education is the vehicle for success. Once you accomplish your higher educational goals there will be additional doors that will open up for you in terms of potential careers, personal growth, marketability, chance for advancement, and understanding complex interpersonal relationships. Do not discount the value and recognition of a College educated individual.


EDUCATION
Capella University/Ph.D Candidate/Organizational Management/Expected 2012
Indiana University/MBA
Purdue University/B.S. School of Management


CERTIFICATIONS
Certified by Central Michigan University, University of Phoenix and American Public University to teach online and on ground classes
Certified by the University of Phoenix to facilitate 20 different classes
Certified by the University of Phoenix to administer the peer review assessment to each Professor in the classroom
Approved to teach Microsoft Office, Time Management and Problem Student Workshops through the University of Phoenix
Attended and passed 12 continuing education workshops offered by the University of Phoenix with a focus on: Problem Students, Giving Effective Feedback and Using Effective Online Tone
Completed 25 online continuing education workshops offered by the Government with a concentration on: Diversity, Leadership, Change Management and Conflict
Certified by Golf Works in Golf Club Construction and Custom Fitting



CAREER
8 years teaching online and on ground business classes (Kaplan College, University of Phoenix and Central Michigan University)
12 years working Production and Operations (Hammond Group)
4 years as a Real Estate Agent (McColly)
2 years Selling Life Insurance (Primerica)
2 years as a Financial Advisor (Primerica)
20 years experience in Hospitality working as a server, manager, and bartender (United Center, Silver Lake Country Club and various other establishments)
12 years experience owning and operating a small business (Noodles Golf Repair)
Currently employed with the Federal Government inside the Social Security Administration (Indiana)

HOBBIES
Avid Golfer
Gym Rat
Continuous life-long learner
Love to read self-help written by Steven Covey
Love to read books on Effective Leadership
Enjoy reading all types of Psychology books
Fixing and constructing Golf Clubs
Visiting my vacation house in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina


BELIEFS

Bloom’s Taxonomy
Honest Effort Equals Honest Grade
Learn from the interaction and thoughts from your fellow learners
Embrace the diversity of everyone’s ideas, thoughts, and perspectives
Stay dedicated, focused, and committed to your educational goals
I think everyone has a passion to learn, the need for achievement, the need for recognition, the need for advancement, the need to be challenged, the need to be developed, and the need to be encouraged (Maslow and Herzberg theories)
Education is the vehicle for success

REMEMBER: MANY OF US ARE ONLY LIMITED BY OUR LACK OF IMAGINATON, DRIVE, AMBITION, AND SELF-AWARENESS. ALL OF YOU CAN BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE.