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David Weiss MS Student | Website | Vita Blog | Network

About Me

I was born and raised in Portland Oregon. I am the oldest of 5 children. I have twin sisters, another sister and my brother is the youngest of the bunch. I was in the dumb reading group in grades 1-3, but in the fourth grade, reading hit home in a big way.  I played football, basketball and baseball in high school, lettering in all three. I served  as a class officer as well. I enjoyed scouting, camping, surfing, tennis and golf. I am an eagle scout, have been to National Camping School twice. Spent two years at Church College of Hawaii (now BYU-H). One year on basketball scholarship, the second year on a leadership scholarship while I lettered in tennis. I spent two years in Switzerland as a missionary for the LDS Church. Returned to marry my high school sweetheart. We both graduated on the same day and 9 days later had our first of 11 children. I have spent most of my working life in business, as a salesman, and in marketing and information technologies, and management, spending time in Europe, China, Taiwan and South America on business related matters.  I decided to pursue this degree because is seems to line up with interests and passions I have that run deeper than business related things alone. I feel this direction will equip me to help others in ways I have always wanted to. I have been a volunteer instructor at two college Institutes of Religion for the LDS Church. I am currently teaching at the USU LDS Institute of Religion  as a volunteer while working on this degree. I see this as an opportunity to use in the classroom what I am learning each week. While I don't yet understand the breadth of this degree, I know of several interests that I have developed over my lifetime. One is problem based learning. Another is what I have come to understand is action learning or constructivism. Another is the use of case studies in teaching. Another favorite topic is servant leadership. My favorite teaching style is one of facilitator rather than lecturer. So far, I feel I am moving into more joy, satisfaction, accomplishment and prosperity by coming to USU than ever before in my life. At the same time, I feel I have more on my plate than I have had in a long time. I will need the help of my friends in the department to pull this off, for sure.