Deb has a varied background both educationally and professionally. After earning a doctorate, Deb taught Technical Writing and Computer Applications at Western Michigan and Grambling State Universities. Deb returned to education as a student to earn a second Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and opened a private Psychotherapy and Mediation practice in Washington state. After closing the practice in 2002, Deb was employed as a Senior Staff Counselor at the University of Vermont (UVM) working with both undergraduate and graduate students. While at UVM, Deb graduated from the Vermont State Fire Academy and joined the Essex Junction Fire Department as a Firefighter/First Responder. Deb left counseling and Vermont to try the public sector as a Communication Director in Georgia, but higher education started calling again. Deb joined ²ÊÃñ±¦µä’s CEAS Academic Advising Team in 2012.
What do you most like to do to unwind?
I’m the drummer for Old’s Cool Rock (OCR), a rock ‘n roll / Motown band and for Category 5, a jazz quartet. OCR plays about 40 gigs a year and Cat 5 is new. Both bands practiced weekly, prior to the Covid situation. I’m really looking forward to getting back to gigging and practicing. And, OCR plays at the ChBE Department graduation ceremony every year. I really missed playing for the graduates this year!!
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
When I turned 45, I decided to start trying something I’d never done before for every birthday. That year I participated in a stand-up comedy open mic night in Atlanta. At the time, I didn’t realize it was a competition. There were 21 comics and much to my surprise, I won! The prize was $50 and an opening spot for a pro show the following week. I did stand-up for a few years after that. It was really fun!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
There are no small parts. I was in community theatre for a number of years and that’s a saying in theatre. I apply that to every area of my life. I try to do my best with most everything, as someone is depending upon it. Actually, one other best advice I was given was in 7th grade by Miss Hibbert, my gym teacher. She taught us all to treat everyone with respect, as we’re all trying to do our best. She was a great teacher and coach!
What has been your favorite work or personal project so far?
I have two favorite personal projects. Graduating from the Vermont Fire Academy and acting with an ensemble in a full-length movie. I was a firefighter in VT and that was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! The movie was about a gang of biker chicks - it took 14 days to film in the mountains of VT. That was a blast!
My coworkers can always count on me to... be there and pitch in. I love my life here at ²ÊÃñ±¦µä and the team I work with is amazing! I wouldn’t change a thing about my spot in life right now, except being back on campus!