{"id":2896,"date":"2016-04-26T09:00:24","date_gmt":"2016-04-26T14:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/coba\/?p=2896"},"modified":"2016-04-05T13:46:42","modified_gmt":"2016-04-05T18:46:42","slug":"spotlight-on-don-pope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/coba\/2016\/04\/26\/spotlight-on-don-pope\/","title":{"rendered":"Spotlight on Don Pope"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is your educational background? <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

B.S. in mathematics from Oklahoma Christian University, Masters of Engineering and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University.<\/p>\n

\"Dr.

Dr. Don Pope<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is your work background?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I worked 20 years in the aircraft industry with Lockheed in Fort Worth and Northrop Grumman\/Vought Aircraft in Dallas.\u00a0 My specific job was in the planning, analysis, simulation modeling and economic justification of technology modernization projects for the factory.
\nWhat do you teach at ACU?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I teach, or have taught the following:\u00a0 statistics, management science, quality management, logistics & supply chain management, operations management, project management, and enterprise resources planning systems (SAP).
\nWhat committees\/other duties do you have at ACU aside from teaching?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I currently serve on the university faculty athletics committee which functions as a bridge between the faculty and the athletics department. In the college, I serve a role working with assessment and accreditation issues.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

What drew you to teaching? Why did you want to work with students?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

After working in the aircraft industry for 20 years, I felt that teaching at a Christian university was an opportunity to utilize and apply my academic training, on-the-job real world lessons learned, and my Christian faith mission.\u00a0 Professors were important in my own life, and I feel that I can play an important role in the lives of students.
\nWhat’s the best part of working with students? <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The best part of working with students is that you can get to know them as people, pray for them, and help shape their values for eternity.<\/p>\n

\"The

The Pope Family<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Have you ever given up any big opportunities to keep working with students? <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I left a great job\/career\/future retirement, but it was worth it.
\nOutside of teaching, what passions and hobbies do you have?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

My hobbies and interests include walking, home renovations (within a limited supply of time and funds), and disc golf.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is a good, early story about your teaching? <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I remember, that first year, making a passing reference to the Vietnam War.\u00a0 (The Vietnam War had been a defining event in my generation\u2019s college years.)\u00a0 When I received a bunch of blank stares at the mention of this seemingly important historical event, I did the mental math about the student\u2019s ages and year of birth, and then realized that I had been talking \u201cancient history\u201d and not \u201ccurrent events\u201d to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I had a role in the implementation of large, complex systems in my company in the aircraft industry.\u00a0 At ACU, I have played a role in the introduction of technology and related course options for business students, including hands-on use of the SAP software.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\t\t