Michael Jeffress
Supported Employment Specialist
Phone: 18696693488
Sector: Civil Rights and Social Action
Member Since, June 7, 2024Open To Work
About Me
Michael Jeffress (he, him, his) is a Professor and School Counselor (i.e., medical education learning specialist) at Medical University of the Americas. He is a teacher, scholar, and disability rights advocate. Dr. Jeffress has been a full-time professor since 2010. He is active in disability research and advocacy and has a broad research profile. He has published in the areas of the adapted sport of power soccer, media framing of disability, critical disability studies pedagogy, and rhetoric. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Jeffress spent over 15 years in retail management and non-profit executive leadership. He does executive coaching, consulting, and organizational trainings for improving communication skills, leadership training and development, and cultural diversity (DEI). He is married to his soulmate Priscilla, who works as an online therapist. They have three children and six grandchildren. Michael’s hobbies include beachcombing, playing drums, woodworking, and reading.
Education
-
Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning (2017 - 2018) The University of the West Indies
Completed four courses in instructional design, pedagogy, and asssessment
-
Ph.D., Communication Studies (2006 - 2013) Regent University
3.77 g. p. a., Doctoral Research Assistant, Doctoral Teaching Assistant
-
M.Div. (2000 - 2003) B. M. A. Theological Seminary
4.0 g. p. a.
-
M. A., Theology (1996 - 2003) Harding School of Theology
3.54 g. p. a., M. A. Academic Award for tip performing student in cohort
-
B. A., and B.Min (1992 - 1996) Harding University
3.49 g. p. a., Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Elected by peers to give commencement address
Work & Experience
-
Chesapeake Services Systems (2008 - 2010 ) Supported Employment Specialist
*Provided job skills assessment and training for clients with disabilities referred by Vocational Rehabilitation Services for a tri-county area; *Community outreach networking to develop business relations for job placement opportunities for clients; *Provided OJT and support for first 6-8 weeks of employment
-
Medical University of the Americas (2022 - Present ) Professor and School Counselor
*Lecture on communication topics within Clinical Skills courses; *Lecture on study skills in pre-med course *Provide enhanced academic advising to all students; *Perform wellness coaching; *Organize wellness events; *Teach workshops on study skills and wellness topics; *Conduct academic advising with assigned advisees; *Mentor students on final semester research projects; *Research Day Committee *Community Engagement Task Force (co-chair
-
Tennessee State University (2019 - 2022 ) Associate Professor of Communication Studies
*Taught classes in Comm. Studies; *Conducted and published research; *Advised and mentored students
-
The University of the West Indies (2017 - 2019 ) Lecturer in Communication Studies
*Undergraduate Program Coordinator; *Postgraduate and Faculty Seminar Coordinator; *Taught courses in Comm. Studies ; *Supervised graduate students; *Managed teaching assistants; *Conducted and published research; *College Academic Advising Committee; *New Faculty Welcoming Committee
-
Park University (2014 - Present ) Online Adjunct Faculty
*Teach courses in Comm. Studies and World Religions; *Serve as a Faculty Mentor; *Two years as a Peer Review of Online Teaching Fellow; *One year as an online course developer
-
Nicholls astate University (2010 - 2017 ) Assistant Professor of Speech
*Taught courses in Comm. Studies ; *Taught in International Honors Abroad Program; *Advised and mentored students; *Developed and coached in an intramural adapted sports program; *Greek service club advisor for Office of Disability Services; *Served on numerous committees (Faculty Senate, President’s Cabinet, University Council, Committee on Committees, Faculty Welfare, Distance Learning, Student Media, Committee on Transgender & Identity Issues); *Elected Faculty Senate President; *Taught in program for students with developmental disabilities; *Volunteered with theater program; *Volunteered with debate program; *Conducted and published research
-
Churches of Christ (1992 - 2006 ) Non-Profit Executive Leadership
*Senior pastor of diverse congregations in Arkamsas, Texas, and Virginia; *Recruited, trained, and managed full-time, part-time, and volunteer staff; *Created and delivered weekly oral and multimedia presentations; *Budget planning and management; *Strategic planning; *Event planning and management; *Fundraising; *Project management; *Leadership development; *Counseling *Adult and youth education ; *Mentoring *Community service and outreach; *Web and social media management *Public Relations amd Marketing;