PHILOSOPHY
I identify myself an Asian American male from a privileged, urban household who seek to advocate for racial and social justice reform within marginalized communities. I desire to transform national, local- and state-wide higher education systems, policies, and procedures through data-informed research. I believe in equity-oriented strategies and practices which are necessary to equip and empower diverse learners in U.S. higher education.
teaching
Higher education provides an opportunity to experience the richest expressions of both heart, mind, and soul. The environments of colleges and universities are capable of communicating the most profound thoughts and deepest emotions, granting access to the essence of what makes us human. As a teacher-scholar and scholar-practitioner in higher education, I believe that it is essential for students to be given an opportunity to experience this profession, regardless of their socioeconomic status, background, and/or other factors of the past. Priority must be given to not only preserving and encouraging students' educational development but also maintaining a consistent level of excellence and truth within education programs at all levels. Furthermore, I believe that education must always serve as a means to an end, the end being enriching and empowering others to succeed in life. I have had a wonderful privilege to pursue my doctoral degree at Indiana University Bloomington, and I hope to utilize my knowledge and research experience gained to impact students' lives at Lee University.
diversity statement
As a higher education administrator and scholar, I believe that we must embrace diversity, equity, and the inclusion of all students in higher education. As our world becomes more globalized and interconnected, I believe that teacher-scholars and advanced practitioners must have an obligation and commitment to help our students understand their cognitive meaning-making and social construction in life. Today, our students are changing daily to fit certain types of roles, norms, and environments. Despite the fact that Millennials and Gen Z often do not reflect upon their attitudes, dispositions, or emotions in college, I believe that we as higher education and student affairs professionals must seek ways to combat this narrative or status quo by challenging individuals during their four critical years in college. Practitioners must provide growth-enhancing conditions that empower diverse students to develop a sense of self and purpose that is trusting and autonomous to which they can enter the “emerging adulthood” life (i.e., post-generation college students). Understanding the person's intersectionality is a long-term process that requires concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Furthermore, I believe that helping students establish their own purpose, service, and leadership often involves deep reflection upon one’s upbring as well as putting their self within a social and historical context. In short, my goal as a teacher-scholar and scholar-practitioner is to help the academy recognize the value of the whole person concept in a more holistic and less linear matter.
vision
As I meet new students through my work at Indiana University Bloomington, I often hear a variation of students’ desire to change the world after college: “I want to be a doctor (like Dr. George Huntington) and to combat Huntington’s disease.” “I want to be a nurse (like Margaret Sanger) and to provide access to birth control in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Although these are beautiful goals students should develop while in college, I believe that undergraduate students must spend more time trying to be like Dr. Huntington or Mrs. Sanger instead of wanting to do like Dr. Huntington or Mrs. Sanger.
Ever since freshman year, I have always believed that colleges and universities can change each student in both small and significant ways. My prior educational experiences, while at the University of California at Irvine and Boston College, have contributed to the shaping of my understanding on the importance of social justice and inclusion in American higher education. Unfortunately, due to the on-going tension between marketization and academization in higher education, I believe that many colleges and universities have now become an engine of inequality, often skewed into unrealistic goals and frequently misinterpreted as a singular act or event. What is more reluctant, however, is the stigma of mediocrity and sub-par expectations that higher education has created for marginalized working-class and needy families.
Instead of accepting the Darwinian exercise of the "survival of the fittest," I believe that many colleges and universities have overlooked the importance of holding students accountable for their learning and their success, particularly those in developing nations. Further, I believe that higher education providers in third world countries (e.g., Cambodia, Ecuador, Ghana) have failed to prepare students to compete for the global knowledge-based economy. I believe that leaders of higher education must establish innovative policies and programs that would improve the life chances of young people in marginalized communities. Reality dictates that these differences will never be entirely accommodated and that perfect equality is difficult, if not impossible. However, I believe that raising the bar of expectation within college learning while providing the means to clear that bar, is not out of the question but an entirely reasonable goal.
Professor Nicholas Wolterstorff of Yale University once stated: “Higher education institutions must not just teach about justice – though we must; I mean we must teach for justice. The graduates whom we seek to produce must be one who practices justice” (p. 24). Thus, I believe that if I want to enact change in the field of higher education and student affairs, I must be equipped; I must grow; I must learn how to change it. The difference that I might incur with this perspective is minute, or perhaps microscopic, likely to go entirely unnoticed. However, I believe that the change I might bear to a student who realizes his/her full potential in college is something I feel is worth investing as an educator or scholar.
This I believe – is good enough to say that I want to be a change in the world. To change the world requires knowledge, skills, and dedication, which is why my former school motto of Boston College is Ever to Excel.
Teaching evaluations
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Fall 2020 - Lee University
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EDUC 701: Leadership Theory and Practice: Critical Issues in Educational Leadership and Higher Education, Helen DeVos College of Education
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Spring 2019 - Indiana University Bloomington
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AAST 300: Asian Americans and Social Change, Asian American Studies Program, Department of American Studies, College of Arts & Sciences
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Testimonials
"Mr. Chan is able to demonstrate to the class what is needed in college. He is also a fun person and very enjoyable. He loves the things he does. He is really passionate about the things he teaches."
"He is very friendly and outgoing and really interested in you as a person. He has a planned schedule of what to do during the discussion time, and is willing to mix it up or do something else if the students feel the time would be better used doing something else."
"I like how he wanted to create a connection for everyone by doing icebreakers every day."
"Mr. Chan is extremely personable and tries hard to make class interesting, in contrast with some of the lectures. He is also very intelligent and well spoken and I hoped that discussion would be a bit longer so that the students could get to know him more. He is very engaging as well and keeps the student's attention."
"He was good at sending out emails and responding to them. It was very easy to communicate with him. He knew the course material well, knew all of the students, and was friendly."
"Fair grader, made the class exciting by playing games while incorporating information."
"He was helpful and communicates well with students."
"Was always talkative and asked how I was doing - actually cared what the answers was."
"Very friendly, explains information really well."
"You are so upbeat and positive."
"Easily accessible and responsive to questions."
"I love running into you on campus. You have such a great attitude and outlook on life."
"Very enthusiastic and friendly to students."
"Very nice person. Great Guy!"
"Roy! You're always so full of life. I love being around with you."
"You are funny and silly."
"You're the man, Roy!"
"You are such a kind person and always have a warm smile on your face."
"He's funny!"
"I really enjoy Roy's initiation and optimism."
"You are so outgoing! That is awesome!"
"I like your positive attitude in life...it is very refreshing!"
"Roy...you are amazing, keep up the good work."
"Roy! I like your website!!"
"Roy's dedication to the study of ideas and the ideals of liberal arts forms an excellent foundation for whatever he plans to do in the future. He obviously has the talent and determination to make a success of whatever the future holds for you. Roy and his family should be very proud of the academic record he has completed here at UC Irvine." ~ Dr. Judy Shoemaker, Director of Division of Undergraduate Education Assessment and Research Studies