A Brief Biography of Your Instructor

My Wife's "Catch of the Day" in Homer, Alaska

Anni (Hello)

My name is Richard W. Elder. I prefer to be called Rick. I have lived with my wife Sandy in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan since 1992. We moved into Brimley from Sault Ste. Marie in the spring of 2000. I have taught at Bay Mills Community College in Brimley, MI since I started here as an adjunct (part-time) instructor in the fall of 1994. I have taught a wide range of courses at the college; such as American History, World Civilization, American Government, Business Math, and Casino Management Courses, to name a few. I have taught  and developed the online versions of ten various classes; eight of which I still teach. 

I have been a community college student myself (back in the early 70's). I earned an Associate's Degree from Mott Community College in Flint, MI. Later in life I returned to college to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Central Michigan University in 1989. In 1993 I earned my Master's Degree in History, also from Central Michigan University.

On the personal side, I enjoy the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the outdoor opportunities that living here allows a person to enjoy. My wife and I love to camp and fish all over the U.P. We start when the snow melts and quit when the snow puts an end to the camping season. We also enjoy watching Junior A hockey across the border in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. For the balance of the year we spend time "getting away" when the schedule allows to places such as Marquette and Escanaba. In the summer we also like traveling to some of the remote corners of North America for fishing. 

Before I began to teach online, I took one of the college's courses, Learning on the Internet, in order to learn what being an Internet student is like. The Internet is an exciting and convenient way to study. Good luck in this course! Remember, wherever you live, if you have questions about this course I am only an e-mail away.

Your Instructor,

Rick Elder