Norwich faculty are leading the way in the delivery of relevant educational information through a progressive academic curriculum and the creativity and accomplishments of its instructors. They are passionate about both teaching and education, and bring the latest developments in their professional activities and research right into the classroom. Each instructor is chosen specifically for his or her unique insight into the curriculum of particular seminars.
All School of Graduate Studies faculty receive comprehensive training in the online learning environment. They recognize their responsibility to bring experience and expertise to bear in the classroom, to facilitate vibrant and engaging discussion of the subject matter, and to support students in all of their learning activities.
Linda Lucas, PhD
I bring a somewhat eclectic background to this position. My academic credentials include an MS and PhD from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a focus on adult learning, developmental psychology and curriculum development. My dissertation,
The Role of Courage in Transformative Learning, won the Hosler Award for Outstanding Dissertation in 1994. I have taught in traditional and non-traditional formats at the baccalaureate and graduate level for many years - courses in adult learning, educational philosophy, research methods, course design, education futures, and the impact of technology on human and organizational behavior. Over the years, I have held positions as faculty, program director, academic dean, and chief academic officer. Needless to say, these positions have offered countless opportunities to test out theory in real-world settings!
It occurred to me a number of years ago that I am a lifelong learner. My current areas of interest include cognitive neuroscience, teaching and learning in online and hybrid environments, creating and sustaining change in higher education, ethics and courage in educational administration, and continuous improvement in higher education. My work has always been motivated in a fundamental way by respect for learners and respect for the learning process. I believe that we are all teachers and learners, and my philosophy of teaching and learning rests on a constructivist, active learning foundation in which students are encouraged and supported in their efforts to become self-directed and independent learners.
On a more personal note, I enjoy learning about Vermont wildflowers, traveling nationally and internationally, reading and walking. My husband and I moved here from the Midwest about five years ago and as a relative newcomer to New England I enjoy visiting various historical sites to learn about colonial history. We have a 25-year-old daughter who will be starting law school in the fall.
Paula M. Bigatel, PhD
Paula Bigatel received her BA in Psychology and English at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Subsequently, while teaching English as a Second Language to French-speaking military personnel located on a military base in St. Jean, Quebec, she earned her Teaching English as a Second Language certificate. During her teaching experience at the Language School, she devoted a great deal of time revising the curriculum and developing new teaching materials more suited to the current student audience. Paula has also spent about 19 years in business, acting in various roles from financial management to owner of a small mortgage business. She returned to academia when she started to work for Penn State in their teacher education program. She completed her Masters in Education and PhD at Penn State in the Instructional Systems (Educational Technology) Department. Currently, Paula teaches courses in the Masters in Education program and Technology Certificate program as well as a course in pedagogy for the College of Engineering. In addition, she is a program manager/course developer on a Penn State curriculum development project for the state of Pennsylvania.
Paul Moccia, EdD
Paul Moccia received his BA in Elementary Education at Curry College in Milton, MA, his MEd from Suffolk University, in Boston MA. in Administration and Supervision, a Certificate in Advanced Studies(CAS) in Administration and Planning, from the University of Vermont, and his EdD in Educational Leadership from Nova-Southeastern University in Florida.
Paul was an elementary teacher in South Weymouth Mass, where he taught kindergarten, 3rd and
6th grades. He was also an elementary principal in Littleton, New Hampshire and Norwich, Vermont,
and Middle/High School Principal in Windsor, Vermont.
Paul has served as a Superintendent of Schools for 10 years in Vermont and 8 years in New Hampshire. He is currently the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Barre Supervisory Union in Barre, Vermont, and an instructor in Norwich University's online Master's in Education program.
Paul's instructional style is one of engagement. He strongly believes in frequent dialogue with students, and bringing students' experiences into classroom discussions.
Paul and his family are avid sailors who cruise and race on Lake Winnipesauke in New Hampshire.
They also enjoy skiing the cross-country trails of Vermont, and are big cheer leaders for the New York Yankees.
Maria Puzziferro, PhD
Maria Puzziferro is currently the Executive Director of Instructional Development for Colorado State University-Global Campus, where she oversees program and online course development, faculty affairs, faculty professional development and support, and library services. Prior to this appointment, Maria served as Associate Dean of Virtual College at Florida Community College at Jacksonville and as Associate Director of the Information Technologies Institute at New York University. Maria has extensive experience planning for academic programs, program development, and distance education operations. She has presented and published extensively on best practices for adjunct faculty recruitment, screening, hiring, and management, as well as best practices for student success and support in distance education programs
Maria received a BA from Adelphi University in Political Science; MA in Political Science and MLS from St. John's University and; a PhD in Higher Education from New York University.
Casey Reason, PhD
Dr. Reason earned his PhD from Bowling Green State University where he was a Dan Douglas Scholar. His research agenda has primarily included a focus on innovative leadership and organizational culture. These focal points include scholarly contributions in the areas of transformational and transactional leadership studies. Most recently, he also has examined the impact of the adult learning theory, brain-research, and teacher leadership on traditional and progressive leadership models. Dr. Reason has presented scholarly papers and done presentations recently on these topics at national conferences for the UCEA (University Counsel of Educational Administration), ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), and NASSP (National Association for Secondary School Principals). In 2005 he spent three weeks training teachers and principals throughout New Zealand in a trip sponsored by the New Zealand National Principals Association. Dr. Reason also has experience as the principal of a comprehensive urban high school where he worked with his staff in leading a number of very successful reform efforts. He also has experience serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in a large, suburban district which is in one of the most academically competitive communities in the United States. Dr. Reason has taught in two Norwich University School of Graduate Studies programs: the Master of Education and the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Casey and his wife Lisa are the parents of five-year-old twin sons and live in Sylvania, Ohio.
