Permit me to introduce myself. My name is Nan Peck. You are welcome to call me "Ms. Peck."

I'd like to tell you something about my background in the communication field.

I've been teaching at NOVA since 1982, first as an adjunct professor and then as a full-time faculty member. I grew up in Illinois and, upon earning my M.S. Degree in Speech Communication, moved to Virginia in order to find a Congressional staff position. I worked for Senator Dave Durenberger in the early 1980's covering health care legislation and developed a profound appreciation for the power of the spoken word in shaping policies and attitudes. As a co-founder of Speech Communication Consultants, I spent a few years conducting seminars and offering workshops with business and government professionals in this metropolitan area. I continue to conduct courses in briefing skills and other areas of communication to professionals in government agencies, businesses, community groups and social service agencies. For many years I was a trainer and speaker in suicide prevention and crisis intervention. I continue to be active in community education and policy issues.

I am committed to ensuring that my instructional practices do not compromise the educational goals of NVCC in providing an excellent atmosphere for scholarship. I trust that you will share with me your thoughts about how my teaching supports your academic goals. I value your feedback.

I have a marvelous family including twelve siblings who provide me with ample stories for my speeches. My husband is Paul Haas. He is a law librarian at the School of Law at George Mason University. We met while coaching volleyball for opposing teams.

I serve as an NVCC representative to the Faculty Senate of Virginia, and as chair of the NVCC Instructional and Student Services Committee. I have served as a co-anchor for NVCC-TV in broadcasting NOVA's commencement ceremonies. These positions give me ample opportunity to use my public speaking skills. I've been working on a special project at the college to develop faculty development opportunites for our professors. This includes running our new faculty orientations, Power Up Your Pedagogy conferences, and other workshops.

Let me tell you now that I have a reputation for demanding high standards from students. I find that most students respond positively to this. Recognizing that I teach undergraduate level courses, my expectations for you will be that you demonstrate scholarship worthy of 100- and 200-level college courses. I do not expect you to be an expert communicator but I do expect that your presentations and contributions in class reflect an application of the principles of good communication.

With deep sincerity I hope that you will enjoy working with me as I facilitate your learning. I believe that our relationship will be as stimulating, challenging, and enjoyable as we make it. Please call me, email me, and visit me as you are able.