Integrative Studies
Marcus Tanner, Ph.D. - Program Coordinator
My family and I live in Lubbock, TX. I have a 12 year old daughter and a 5 year old son. My wife and I spent 13 years in full-time ministry in West Texas, Arizona, and East Texas before starting a non-profit organization that provides PastorCare to ministry families. As we were starting HealingChoice, we also decided to move to Lubbock where I completed my Doctor of Philosophy degree at Texas Tech University in Human Development and Family Studies. My research interests include; Work and Family, Health and Well-being of Ministry Families, and Work Stress.
I am a recent addition to the University College at Texas Tech University. I am currently developing a new undergraduate program in Integrative Studies. I love teaching and working with students of all ages. Learning is not just an academic venture it should be a lifelong goal. I love researching ministry families, working with them, and with the churches they serve. On most weekends I am traveling and speaking to different groups about my research. As you might can tell, I don't have a lot of spare time, but when I do I like to go hunting, spend time with the family, and read.
View vitae.
Gail Bentley, Ph.D.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as on the Integrative Studies faculty in the University College at Texas Tech. I believe the future of higher education will have to include various elements of on-line learning on many different levels and I am excited that Texas Tech is leading the way in this area. Since I have a strong background in Business and Counseling, as well as Human Development, I feel I have an innate understanding of the value of integrating concepts from various disciplines, thus I am very excited about the opportunity to work in this new program of Integrative Studies. My research interests reflect my diverse background and include parenting issues, marriage education, and substance use.
I have lived and invested in the Lubbock community throughout my adult life as a mother, a business owner, a volunteer, and an educator. Although I grew up in California, I thoroughly enjoy living in West Texas, it has been a wonderful place to raise a family and live a great life. I am also a big fan of Texas Tech and hold a BBA from the College of Business, an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from the College of Education, and a Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Studies from the College of Human Sciences. Guns Up!
Justin Louder, Ed.D.
Justin Louder is the Director for the Texas Tech University Ethics Center and is an Adjunct Instructor for the Integrative Studies Program for University College at Texas Tech University. He came to Texas Tech in 2010 from Angelo State University where he had worked since 2005. Justin earned a B.A. in Communication and Psychology from Angelo State University, a M.A. in Communication from Angelo State University, and his Ed.D. is in Instructional Technology with a minor in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University. His research is on social learning and social exchange in the online learning environment, specifically looking at instructor support, student collaboration and communication, and overall learning in the online classroom. Before going to work in higher education Justin worked as a legislative intern for US Congressman Charles Stenholm and Texas State Senator Robert Duncan. During his master's program Justin developed, produced, and hosted several weekly television shows on a wide range of topics including police chief elections, ceramic art, an award winning show on the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, Goodfellow Air Force Base and the US Department of Defense Fire Training Academy, and Methamphetamine abuse.
Ryan Van Dusen, Ph.D.
Dr. Ryan Van Dusen has worked in higher education since 2002. He has held positions in student activities, residential life, student conduct, and veterans services at Independence (KS) Community College, New Mexico State University, and Texas Tech. He currently is the Assistant Director of Military & Veterans Programs at Texas Tech University. Prior to working in higher education, Dr. Van Dusen served in the U.S. Army from 1998-2002 as a 19K (Armor Crewman) and achieved the rank of Sergeant (E5). He was stationed at Ft. Riley, KS and Camp Casey, South Korea.
Dr. Van Dusen earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Communications Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Van Dusen completed his PhD in Higher Education at Texas Tech University. The title of his dissertation was "A Quantitative Study of Student Veterans' Intent to Persist." Dr. Van Dusen's research interests include veterans in higher education, nontraditional student retention, and leadership in higher education.
Dr. Van Dusen is married and has two daughters. He spends most of his free time with his family. He is a huge fan of the Red Raiders, Pittsburgh Penguins, Texas Rangers, and Houston Texans.
Wind Energy
Andrew Swift, Ph.D.
Dr. Andrew Swift is presently professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Texas Wind Energy Institute at Texas Tech University - focused on wind energy education and workforce development within University College at Texas Tech. His previous academic appointments include director of the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech and dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso. He completed his engineering graduate work obtaining a doctor of science degree at Washington University in St. Louis where he began conducting research in wind turbine systems engineering with a focus on the dynamics and aerodynamics of wind turbine rotors. Dr. Swift has worked in wind energy research and education for over 30 years, has over one hundred published articles and book chapters in the area of wind turbine engineering and renewable energy, and in 1995, he received the American Wind Energy Society Academic Award for continuing contributions to wind energy technology as a teacher, researcher, and author.
Dr. Swift enjoys the winds and big sky of west Texas, and teaching students that electric energy can come from a local and renewable resource. Dr. Swift is originally from Troy, New York, and served as a pilot and instructor in the US Air Force. He is married to Linda Swift and they have two daughters and two grandchildren.
View vitae.
Donald Farris, Ph.D.
Dr. Donald R. Farris is an Instructor and Graduate Coordinator for Wind Energy Programs at Texas Tech University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from Texas Tech University, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from Southern Methodist University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University. His career includes research in air-to-air identification of aircraft at Lockheed, control systems research for solar heated and cooled buildings at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and service as an electrical engineering professor at the University of Evansville.
Dr. Farris believes that wind power can greatly reduce our country's dependence on other countries for energy. Although wind energy may have an indirect impact on most students, he knows its importance can be felt in increased energy independence and less pollution, which makes life better for everyone. Dr. Farris served as an electrical engineering professor at Baylor University for 21 years before coming to Texas Tech, where he enjoys the drier climate and watching old movies.
View vitae.
Rick Walker
Richard Walker is an instructor in Texas Tech University's wind energy program, and is a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master's degree in Business Administration (Finance), both from Texas A&M University. Since coming to Texas Tech University, he has completed coursework and qualifying examinations for a Ph.D. in Wind Science and Engineering, and has developed and taught several of the university's first undergraduate classes in wind energy.
Mr. Walker first became involved with renewable energy when he became the Director of Research and Development for a large electric utility company evaluating the potential use of renewable energy resources for utility-scale electricity generation. He has since pioneered wind development in Fort Davis, Sweetwater, and McCamey, Texas and served as lead developer for the world's largest wind energy project. He is president of Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. and is vice president of RD Energy Group, LLC. In 2003, Mr. Walker was awarded the American Wind Energy Association's award for Outstanding Contribution to the Wind Industry and has served on numerous boards for several energy and resource organizations.
Mr. Walker believes that today's students are justifiably concerned about energy-related issues, and want to be able to have a positive impact on our environment through increased use of wind energy and other renewable energy sources, some of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. Mr. Walker enjoys living in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of west Texas. He and his wife, Connie, have 3 children, and enjoy riding bicycles, water skiing, and snow skiing.
View vitae.
Arquímedes Columbié, Ph.D.
Dr. Arquímedes Ruiz Columbié is currently an instructor of wind energy at Texas Tech University. In 1975, Dr. Columbié, also known as "Archie," graduated from the University of Havana, Cuba, with a licentiate degree in Physics. His previous employment included more than 30 years as a research scientist in Cloud Physics and Weather Modification for the Cuban National Academy of Sciences, and also as an adjunct professor in three Cuban universities. Between 1992 and 1995 he was a political prisoner in Cuba. In 1996 he arrived in this country as a political refugee. Since arriving in the United States, he has worked as a professional meteorologist before completing his graduate work at Texas Tech University in 2008, acquiring a Ph.D. in geosciences. Dr. Columbié combined his background in atmospheric science with his desire to become a college professor into his involvement with wind energy. He knows that wind energy allows people to become aware of the importance of a sustainable progress and the need for an environmentally oriented society. Dr. Columbié's central topics of interest include wind energy, Turbulence in the Boundary Layer, Weather Modification, Climatology, Theoretical Physics, and Cosmology. He enjoys learning about new research through seminars, and being a part of Texas Tech University. He also likes to talk about philosophy, history, politics, literature and arts, and loves classic music, especially The Beatles.
View vitae.
Marina Martinez
Marina Martinez graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor's of business administration degree in international business and marketing. She then received a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in wind energy, business, and education. Ms. Martinez has previously worked for Dell Inc. as a sales consultant, and is currently serving as the deputy director for the National Institute for Renewable Energy. She recently helped to develop the bachelor of science degree in wind energy for Texas Tech University.
Ms. Martinez recommends that university students join student organizations that can help in career networking, especially since there is such great potential for job opportunities within the wind energy industry. She became involved in the field not only for career growth, but the opportunity to make a difference to the environment. When she is not teaching, Ms. Martinez enjoys exercising and watching television.
View vitae.