Ellen Duggan

Ellen.Duggan@nichols.edu  

I. Essential Approach

My background is extensive covering several industries, international exposure and positions from individual contributor to director of worldwide marketing research. Since exiting college my career has revolved around various areas in marketing and sales. I have had the privilege to teach the latest techniques to neurosurgeons to developing field marketing and training programs to influencing strategy for corporations through market research.

That said my hope is to share the possibilities of what you can be and how you can learn to develop your style, your strengths and attain your goals. My belief is all things are possible. Learning how to build upon prior success and sharing what has not worked allow a unique adult learning experience.

Overview of positions held:
Marketing
Market research Product Marketing, Program marketing, P  artner Marketing, Field Marketing, Marketing Consultant and Entrepreneur

Sales
Medical Equipment/Surgical, Hardware and Software for High Tech, Manufacturing

Management
Field Marketing, Program and Product Marketing, Market Research

I have more than 25 years in marketing, sales and management positions from entrepreneurial to corporate. My career has lead me to many different countries and cultures challenging me with integration and flexibility. In my courses, sharing experiences with classmates allows us to explore areas we may not consider in our own business acumen.

My courses are offered in different formats, hybrid, online, and full semesters. Helping students select the learning venue best for them is important.

II. Teaching Philosophy/Goals

"Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember.
Involve me and I understand." 
Chinese Proverb

It is important for me to collaborate with my students in their learning experience by providing them support, guidance, and mentor them throughout the learning process. I believe active learning is a process of acquiring knowledge and skills that allow students to take ownership of their learning. However, it is my opinion that the process is best guided by a teacher who creates a non-judgmental, safe, and flexible environment.

In my class my students have the opportunity to interact with the business community, non-profit organizations, various associations, models, simulations, case studies and research. This presents the students with a laboratory to experiment with the concepts and skills they are studying and explore significant new trends in business. I believe offering a variety of experiential learning activities permits the students to become involved and enthusiastic in their learning and think critically while they apply what they have learned.

Each student brings a diverse background and belief to the classroom. My role as a teacher is to adapt those differences into the instruction to meet the student's needs. I create a safe environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and asking challenging questions. I teach with a goal of helping students to grow educationally, personally and professionally. The relationship between teacher and student should continue well after the course and through their professional career. The success of my students and their ability to reach their potential is most important to me.

Also, I teach an ethics based education. Ethics and values are questioned daily in a student's life. To support them in developing their own ethical framework, which is important for their professional skills, I share ethical models and concepts that are applicable to dilemmas they face today and in the future. Students enjoy real business ethical dilemmas where they can garner different perspectives to contemplate while questioning their own.

As a life long learner, I welcome continuous feedback from my students and the professional community in order to improve my teaching, my class projects, and my techniques. In turn, this allows me the opportunity to meet the changing needs of my students and the business culture they will be entering.

I believe my passion for teaching and my genuine concern for my students are evident inside and outside the classroom.

III. Interests
Research in Instructional Technology is my latest interest in hopes of completing my doctorate program within the next year. I am working with several institutions to assess the learning from instructional technology tools within a curriculum.  

When time allows, I play a quick nine, hit a mountain top in the winter, ask for a pull over a wake in the summer, or relax with family and friends.