SLU Online

I have a PhD in philosophy from St. Louis University and I graduated in 1996 with an emphasis in moral philosophy I’ve been teaching ethics and moral philosophy for more than three decades. I also have a Masters of Arts degree in humanities from Western Kentucky University and I am particularly interested in the intersection of ethics with other areas such as science, literature, and theology. And I’ve been back at Saint Louis University since January of 2011.

What kind of writing do you do and why those particular areas?

Given my professional training, most of my writing is in the area of ethics or moral philosophy. In general, I’ve written a good deal on the intersection of science and  ethics (especially aspects of evolutionary psychology and neuroscience, and more recently the virtues and vices as depicted in various literary and theological contexts. The virtues I’m most interested in are love, hope, humility, and practical wisdom. Early in my career, I started out thinking about basic moral norms of behavior. For example, why is it important to tell the truth, to not harm others, to be a faithful person, to practice compassion, and to be a person of integrity. My first book was on natural law ethics and engaged these issues but at the end of my research on this volume, it led me to thinking about those qualities of character of that we admire and those that we find repulsive. Those good qualities of character we call virtues and those bad qualities of character we call vices. So, for the past 10 years I have found that language about virtues and devices is a more helpful way of thinking about ethics.

What is your most recent book about?

My most recent book is titled “The Virtues: A Very Short Introduction”. It was published  this year in the Very Short Introduction series with Oxford University Press. It is co-authored with my collaborator, Kevin Timpe, who also holds a PhD in philosophy from Saint Louis University. This shorter book came about as a result of thinking about how to condense the much longer edited volume he and I produced (also with Oxford University Press) titled “Virtues and their Vices” published back in 2014. This volume covered most of the major virtues (love, wisdom, humility, hope, justice, self-control, etc.) as well as may of the vices (e.g., pride, injustice, greed, envy, lust, and sloth). So this new volume is a brief version of that more scholarly volume and aimed at the non-expert.

How does this help you think about working with Saint Louis University School for Professional Studies students?

No matter what your position in life – either professionally or personally – you need to have qualities of character that enable you to be a person of integrity. Parents need patience for their children. Adult children need compassion for their parents who suffer from dementia. Subordinates at work need justice. Administrators need respect. We need the virtues in every aspect of our lives and one of the things we try to do with this volume is to show how the virtues cut across every facet of our lives.

The School for Professional Studies (SPS) will be celebrating Nontraditional Student Week November 8-12, 2021, honoring and recognizing students who have made great sacrifices to accomplish their educational goals in a nontraditional way.

Nontraditional Student Week, or #NonTradWeek for social media, was created to celebrate the successes many people have made to tirelessly achieve their dreams and accomplishments, often times in the midst of working full-time jobs and juggling family responsibilities.

“We are very proud of our students and the sacrifices they make to achieve their educational goals,” says Troy Hargrove, Associate Dean at SPS. “To be able to celebrate their success stories as part of nontraditional student week gives us the opportunity to share their incredible accomplishments, achievements and goals with the wider University, and allows students to reflect on their educational journey.”

SPS will continue to celebrate the special week via its social media platform.

“Our staff had the great idea to celebrate our past and current students on our Facebook and Twitter profiles,” said Justin Smith, Student Engagement Manager. “Giving these individuals a platform on digital media helps our audience recognize that nontraditional students have incredible motivation and passion to complete their education, and that’s worth recognizing.”

The week will involve special contests for current students with giveaways such as SLU T-shirts, and sweaters all being featured on SLU Online’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Social media will also feature current students, faculty and staff.

What: Nontraditional Student Week

When: November 8-12, 2021

Where: SLU Online Facebook and Twitter pages

For more information, please contact:

Justin M. Smith, Student Engagement Manager

Email: [email protected]; Phone: 314-977-2334

What is your background and your journey to becoming the program director of SLU's Information Systems?

I have over 20 years of combined experience in the Information Technology Industry and Higher Education.  I have worked with diverse engineering teams across the globe in many technologies, including network, wireless, cybersecurity, cloud computing, virtualization, information systems, GIS, and telecommunications. My journey included several positions in the IT industry demonstrating leadership roles directing complex projects in the second-largest US telecommunication provider. After 20 years of IT industry experience, I was blessed with a new career opportunity in Higher Education as a program director of the Master of Information Systems at SLU School of Professional Studies (SPS). As the program director, the core responsibilities are administration, teaching, scholarship, service, and professional activities. Among these responsibilities, teaching was not a new skill. During my 20 years of experience, I have been a mentor, tutor, trainer, technical writer, presenter, and lead of many junior engineers. At SLU, I teach undergrad and graduate courses for the Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Information Systems programs at SPS and a grad course for the MBA program at SLU Business School.

What energizes you about teaching and working with adult students?

I enjoy inspiring adult students to learn, think, and excel by doing. Adult students look for topics that have current relevance and impact on their job or personal life. Therefore, I employ a transformative teaching approach in my courses using open-source enterprise software application tools in high demand in the IT industry.  Students developed their critical thinking by reflecting on real-world problems in case scenarios, simulations, and role-playing exercises. Teaching the latest cutting-edge technologies allows students to succeed in any IT job.

Why should students consider a degree in Information Systems?

Digitalization, Globalization, and Technology are changing the way we do business. Employers are in need of IS enterprise leaders. Graduates of SLU's Master Information Systems Program will be prepared for advanced leadership roles by applying their analytical skills to determine organization needs, implement, manage, and improve systematic processes into agile information system applications, and drive business innovation by levering Information Technology.

What do you enjoy most about working at Saint Louis University?

I love to work at Saint Louis University because of their mission to pursue truth for the greater glory of God and service of others. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to work with a very supportive, helpful, and understanding team. The most rewarding part of my work is interacting with our students to see them grow and blossom during their careers.

Do you have any up-coming projects, research, or publications you are working on?

I serve on the Diversity Committee at SPS and Women's Commission at SLU. I will be serving as a judge for 2021 Arch Grants startup competition, a Global Startup Competition model, during the summer. I recently presented a publication in the 2021 Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Central Plains Region's Conference. I will continue researching my areas of interest Information Systems, Cloud Computing, GIS, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Architecture, and Cybersecurity.

Alumni Spotlight - Sharie McTyer

“Show up and show out”, says Saint Louis University School for Professional Studies alum, Sharie McTyer.

McTyer, a 2018 Organizational Studies graduate and Customer Services Lead with BJC, always finds a way to bring up her degree to anyone who will listen. 

“Over the six years it took me to earn my degree, I had my share of incidents which had me questioning if I should give up.” From taking on a second job, to depending on public transportation to being a member of the Air Force Reserves, Sharie learned how to persevere and balance the demands put upon her.

While her schedule may have been overwhelming, she refused to let any obstacles hinder her completion. “My degree is like a power up in a video game. In Super Mario Brothers, Mario would walk through the game, but when he came across that star, he was able to speed through to the next level a little faster. My degree is that star - getting me to the next level a bit faster.”

Getting to that next level has become a reality for McTyer. Upon earning her undergraduate degree, she moved into a leadership position that was created for her based on her skill set, knowledge, and traits. Sharie shared, “Taking what I learned from my courses at SLU and turning it into action is what gained the attention of leadership.”

In addition to Sharie’s employer taking notice, SLU’s School for Professional Studies has as well, and has asked her to speak at this year’s pre-commencement ceremony. “SLU does not just drop you off at the graduation station, they genuinely care about your success, so I encourage you to research, and utilize all which you have earned. Remember your journey, appreciate it, and by all means, brag about it.”

Student Spotlight - Rich Cheney

“The hardest thing for me to do was to decide to go back to school,” recalls soon-to-be School for Professional Studies graduate, Rich Cheney.

In 2002, Cheney, a patient accounting lead at BJC, overheard colleagues talking about Saint Louis University and the tuition benefits available to BJC employees. He thought it sounded like a fantastic way to get degree from a university he had only dreamed of.

“Those first 30 credit hours were a big commitment. There were points where I thought I couldn’t do it, or I didn’t want to. From setbacks with family to excuses for delaying, it ended up taking me 11 years to complete. Thankfully, I had a tremendous support system in place - including friends and my academic coach, Justin Smith - they were always there to listen.”

Cheney is using the knowledge and experience he gained in his Organizational Studies degree program daily. The leadership classes, specifically, improved his processes at work and pushed him to think differently - to think outside of the normal. Moreover, his fantastic instructors, such as Drs. Etling and Boyd, made sure Rich stayed engaged through their passion and dedication.

Certainly, Cheney’s dedication over the years is paying off - he will complete his undergraduate degree in May. As an adult student who has balanced the demands of school, work, and family, Cheney encourages others thinking about embarking on an educational journey to take a class. “You don’t have to commit to anything. See how you feel with it – you need to work out your life.”

ST. LOUIS, MO – BeLeaf Medical is a proud partner of Saint Louis University’s School for Professional Studies (SPS) in the development of the University’s Cannabis Science and Operations certificate. Established in 2020, the program is designed to educate students in all aspects of the cannabis industry and understanding of the pharmacological properties of cannabis.

In 2018, Missourians voted to legalize cannabis for medical use. Since then, medical cannabis manufacturing and dispensary licenses have been awarded across the state, including 70 in the St. Louis area.

“Legalized cannabis is poised to be a $150 billion industry by 2025,” said Tracy Chapman, Ph.D., dean of SLU’s School for Professional Studies. “In addition to Missouri, thousands of jobs are being created across the country, resulting in an emerging need for educated employees to support and sustain this rapidly growing industry.”

SLU’s certificate program is the first of its kind in the state and is taught by industry professionals as well as experienced SLU faculty. The program addresses all aspects of the medical cannabis industry, including cultivation, manufacturing, dispensing, plant science, compliance and operations. In just eight months, the program has enrolled approximately 300 students from 35 states and Puerto Rico and is continuing to grow. The inaugural cohort of students will graduate this summer.

“Partnering with a highly respected University like SLU provides quality education and preparation of employees, those seeking to start a career and those seeking to advance their career in the industry. There are numerous career opportunities in the cannabis space, and demand for talent increases every day, both at the state and national level. A certificate from an exceptional educational institution such as SLU provides great benefit to cannabis owners across the county,” said Mitch Meyers, CEO of BeLeaf Medical. “An educated workforce for this new, expanding industry is very important to startup and growing businesses. We sat down with Dean Chapman and her team in 2019 to discuss this plan, share our expertise and we have been involved with curriculum and planning ever since.”

About BeLeaf Medical

BeLeaf Medical Company is a leader in the medical cannabis industry in the state of Missouri. With our years of experience in several states, we are able to deliver the best cannabis flower and manufactured products to market. We have curated the highest quality genetics of popular flower strains. Our cultivation facilities utilize high-tech proven methods to grow the highest quality medical cultivars. BeLeaf Medical products are specifically formulated with medical conditions in mind. To ensure a consistent high-quality product we employ strict Good Manufacturing Practices. BeLeaf Medical Dispensaries offer a wide variety of products and a knowledgeable staff to help customers find the best solutions.

About the School for Professional Studies at Saint Louis University

Did you know that School for Professional Studies staff have been teaching courses across Saint Louis University’s campus for more than 20 years? From University 101 to Computer Information Systems to Introduction to Public Speaking, SPS staff are passionate about connecting with online and in-person learners through multiple disciplines.

We asked SPS staff to share insights on a variety of topics including how teaching at SLU is unique, what they enjoy most about teaching, and how they were able to pivot instruction in response to COVID-19 this past year. Here’s what they had to say:

What is unique about teaching at SLU?

“SLU allows you to take a holistic approach to teaching. You are not only feeding the minds of students, but also feeding their souls and helping them reflect on who they are as they grow into adulthood.”

“Although no institution is perfect, I truly believe SLU does their best to uphold their mission in a variety of ways and work hard for inclusion and equality for all. I like that not everyone fits one mold and we have students, faculty, and staff of all different faiths/religions, cultures, backgrounds and beliefs; and that it's not just OK, but celebrated.”

“Classes that I have taught are student centered and meant to make sure students start off on the best path possible.”

What do you enjoy most about teaching at SLU?

“I love engaging the minds of others and motivating students to think beyond the scope of their own thoughts. I enjoy how diverse my classes are. I have traditional students, students who have grandkids, students who have more than one degree and students who have so much valuable work experience. I always learn something new from my students each session. I also appreciate the fact that SLU works to make education as accessible as possible by offering courses in many formats (online, in-seat, etc) which helps students earn their degree in a way that works best for them.”

“I teach a different demographic than I serve at SPS so it is great to get another perspective”.

SLU and SPS really care for their students. While the focus is on teaching, they also focus on helping our students succeed.”

What challenges or opportunities did you encounter in the classroom this past year? “The biggest challenge this fall has been trying to figure out how to cultivate group discussions for learning from and about others. I've had to think outside the box and be creative. I learned that technology is my best friend and students appreciate honesty.”

“Being flexible and compassionate is key and can make a huge difference to someone who is struggling.”

SPS is proud to spotlight staff who have impacted students in and out of the classroom through inclusion, diversity, success and education of the whole person.

Welcome to your 2020 School for Professional Studies Precommencement Ceremony!

​As previously announced, planning for a rescheduled University commencement ceremony is still underway.  The University leadership is carefully considering advice from graduates as well as from public health officials as part of this planning process. As the planning for an in-person ceremony and celebration continues, recognition of your accomplishments during the traditional graduation time frame is important.  Therefore, a virtual precommencement ceremony was created for you by the School for Professional Studies. This virtual ceremony includes recognition of each graduate, reading of your name and degree/certificate. All family and friends are invited to view the ceremony.

                    Share Your Graduation Celebrations with Us!                                                #SLUSPS2020

We invite you to share your graduation day celebrations with our SPS social media accounts:  Linked In, Twitter and Facebook

The SPS faculty and staff, as well as your fellow graduates, would love to see how you celebrated graduation day.  Please post your photos and tag them with #SLUSPS2020.

                                            “Honor the Day”

Don’t forget to “Honor the Day” with your fellow SLU graduates on Saturday, May 16th on what would have been the University commencement celebration. SLU will post new videos, stories, games, shoutouts and ways to share your photos of your favorite SLU memories via SLU social media and digital platforms.  You can also use SLU’s Honor the Day Stickers for your social media posts.

We look forward to the day when we can celebrate your accomplishments in person, but until then, stay safe and healthy.  

The world will be a better place with our new graduates, educated in the Jesuit tradition, serving our community to bring forth a more just, humane world. 

(SPS Student, Jen Schelle (right) and daughter).

This month’s Student Spotlight goes to Jen Schelle, current Computer Information Systems student and Data Coordinator in Development Services at SLU.  Jen also serves as the current Student Government Association Senator.  As a successful student and staff member, we wanted to know how she chose the School for Professional Studies, what that has meant for her current career and what the future could hold after SPS:

Why did you choose to pursue your degree in Computer Information Systems?

I worked in the field of IT for many years and always eschewed a return to college because I was too busy and did not believe I could juggle the time required to earn a degree. 

Due to employment trends, many IT jobs were outsourced overseas, and I was forced to change my career path to make ends meet for three young children. I accepted a position with a Fortune 500 beverage company and worked in an administrative position for seven years. I disliked the work and missed the IT field. Due to corporate downsizing, I was laid off and I tried to return to IT - a field I loved and missed.  I discovered I had become obsolete and had fallen behind technology. 

My search for a job became disheartening. One evening, on my way home I noticed a billboard for an online school for busy adults. I remember reciting the website over and over the entire commute so that I didn't forget. I discovered that I could continue to work and earn a bachelor’s degree, something I had wanted to do for so long but did not believe was possible. 

I chose Computer Information Systems because it is the career that I loved and lost. Because of the fast pace of technology – I learned something new almost every day. It was the field that has held my fascination since the day I repaired my father's IBM DesktopPro-386.

How has SPS assisted in your success during your time in the program?

My academic coach, the instructors and our wonderful deans have been exhaustive resources during my four years as an SPS student. The SPS deans have been very helpful towards providing ideas as well as listening to my own ideas. I have been fortunate to enjoy the ‘college experience’ by serving as the Student Government Senator and working on campus every day.  I find that attending Billiken athletic events, Homecoming and other SLU events has not prevented me from enjoying the ‘college life’ that SLU offers all students and alumni. Being an online student has not dampened my experience at all.

Looking back at  the last four years, I have noticed a change in myself, in the way I approach issues, and how I react to my environment. SPS has helped me believe that I have a higher purpose and greater future and I am very excited to begin living it and share it with others. 

How do you plan on applying your degree after graduation?

This weekend, thousands of students, alumni, staff, faculty, family and friends will gather at Saint Louis University’s campus for Homecoming Weekend 2019. The homecoming festivities will begin on Friday, September 27 and will go until Sunday, September 29.

As excited as we are to host such a great weekend, we also want all of our out-of-state students and alumni to feel just as much a part of this weekend’s festivities. We’ve come up with a list of ways to enjoy homecoming from afar:

1) Make sure to check our Facebook and Twitter pages all weekend for photos and updates of what’s going on. Don’t forget to check out SLU’s official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for photos and updates as well.

2) Visit the Billiken Athletics website for stats and scores of the volleyball and soccer games, as well as links to the live-streams. Friday, September 27 5:00 PM - Women’s Volleyball vs. Dayton 7:30 PM - Billiken Madness Saturday, September 28 7:30 PM - Men’s Soccer vs. Rhode Island Sunday, September 29 1:00 PM - Women’s Soccer vs. Dayton

3) Share your photos with us in your SLU gear for a chance to be re-posted on our social media. Make sure to tag us and to use the hashtag #SLUOnline.

4) Participate in our #SLUOnline Homecoming giveaway. We will be giving away SLU’s official 2019 Homecoming and Family Weekend t-shirt to one lucky winner. All you have to do is follow the rules of this particular Twitter and/or Facebook post to enter. Winner will be announced on Monday, September 30th.

Congratulations! You’re more than halfway through the Fall 1 term. We know how challenging it can be to stay motivated and productive in the middle of a term, but keep going because you’re almost there!

It’s not easy having a full-time job and a family to take care of and STILL finding time to devote to school work. We realize that our students’ study habits, work schedules, and all-around educational experiences are going to be different from many other students in college. So, yesterday we asked our students to share with us their best study tricks, and we loved their answers! Check out what they had to say:

1.  “I like to study while my kids are asleep either early in the morning or after they’ve gone to bed. Keeps distractions to a minimum.” - Ssire J., SPS student.

2. “ I like to dedicate specific times to study or do homework. I will actually schedule it on my calendar.” -LaDonna U., SPS student.

3. “My study trick is to read aloud instead of just reading to myself. For me, reading out loud allows for me to read it, and then secondly, hear it. “ - Ryan B., SPS student.

4. “Download the Canvas app, get the notifications, and easily stay up on everyone’s discussion comments and the course work.” -Glenn C., SPS student.

All of these study tricks totally encompass what it means to be not just an online student, but an online student who might have a family, a full-time job, and a crazy, busy schedule. It’s all about balance and learning what works best for you.

Other study tricks and tips can include finding a classmate to go over study materials with, making flash cards (quizlet is a great online resource), and making sure to leave yourself enough time to study so that you won’t have to cram. There is no better feeling than being prepared for a big exam! 

At the School for Professional Studies, we offer 13 Undergraduate Degree Programs. One of our newest programs includes Emergency Management, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management is a 120-credit hour degree program. In this program, students will learn how to administer aid and assistance to others, as well as how to keep their local and national communities safe in the face of disasters, through relative course work and on-site observation. Our program will encourage students to gain first-hand knowledge of the work being done in their communities by local chapters of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, fire and police departments, etc. 

Emergency Management focuses on all sectors recognized by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Several learning outcomes from this degree program include:

1. Comprehend emergency management and homeland security principles that impact local, national, and global communities

2. Evaluate methods used to develop policies for emergency management and homeland security

3. Apply the fundamental principles of emergency management across its core phases of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery

For students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, they can expect that career opportunities may include: emergency manager, risk manager, disaster communications, business continuity, homeland security professional, search and rescue, firefighting, law enforcement, and much more.

The SPS Emergency Management program will allow students to complete a majority of the requirements for their International Association of Emergency Managers Certification, which employers may require upon hire. 

As the new school year approaches, students are once again excited to get one step closer to earning their degree. At the School for Professional Studies (SPS), most of our students are working adults who have their own families, full-time careers, and other responsibilities. The online nature of SPS allows these students to earn their degree at their own pace.

Meet SPS student, Tim Major. Tim has been pursuing his degree at SPS for the past 13 years. 

When Tim first started taking classes at SPS, most of them were offered on campus, which he enjoyed. As SPS made the transition from on-campus classes to online classes, Tim was concerned it wouldn’t be the best fit for him. In addition to making that transition, he experienced some financial burdens along the way. He also took a step back from his education to concentrate on his family while his daughters were going through high school and college. 

“I was at a point where I was about to give up on my education, but Sharon Spicer (Academic Coach at SPS) listened to me and encouraged me. She let me express myself and my frustration and she was there to be a comfort to me. From that point on, I was determined to complete what I had started.”

In addition to the phenomenal support he received from his academic coach, Tim also acquired valuable experience from the courses he’s taken to apply at his job at Edward Jones. “I’m starting to implement what I’ve learned in my degree program at my job. As a result, the head of our department has witnessed my growth.”

Not only is Tim hoping to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies this December, but he will also become the first person in his family to have every member of his immediate family earn a college degree.