As dean of the Division of Education and Human Services, Dr. Joseph Gillespie is an expert at multitasking. His many duties at Neumann University include managing everyday administrative tasks, tackling leadership responsibilities, hiring new staff members, and following up on accreditation standards. He even takes on teaching one graduate course per semester.
Wearing so many hats may be too much for some people, but Gillespie says he enjoys it. Influencing young people to achieve their educational goals has been a goal of his for many years.
Having started his teaching career in 1976 and then tackling a master’s degree, Gillespie says he was encouraged by one of his graduate school professors to pursue a career in higher education. He began teaching at the college level and earned his doctorate degree in education from Widener University before moving into an administrative position at Neumann.
“I had worked in education in a variety of fields,” Gillespie says. “I always had a strong interest in it.”
That interest has continued to grow along with his career. A father of 10 children and grandfather to 18, Gillespie says it’s important for him to influence future teachers in a positive way. And he’s not the only Gillespie to do so; several of his children are also teachers, as is his wife, Tricia.
“Kids are great,” he said – referring to his grandchildren as well as college students. “I want all students to have great learning opportunities.”