Learning Enhancement

The Learning Enhancement team assists KCU residents/fellows with the development and strengthening of skills to promote confidence and self-directed learning. Residents/Fellows are encouraged to set goals and work toward accomplishing them through a mixture of individual coaching, identification and utilization of resources, and targeted action planning. Learning specialists work with residents/fellows on any topic related to being successful academically, including study skills, time management, organizational skills and test taking. Residents/Fellows can reach the specialists on the Kansas City or Joplin campuses.

Kansas City

Ray Elliott, BS

[email protected]
816-654-7217

Credentials

Bachelor of science in biology, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Bachelor of science in Chemistry, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Experience

Ray has been working in medical education for more than 30 years, providing medical students with guidance in the pursuit of reaching their goal of becoming a physician. In his early career, he worked in the only board preparation program in the city. He has been employed at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, finally settling at KCU. He has a wealth of knowledge on how to succeed.

Sherbert Harvey, MPH

[email protected]
816-654-7226

Credentials

Master of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Southern University A&M College
Elementary Education Certification (Kansas), Ottawa University
Adult/Basic Education Certification (Missouri), Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Experience

Sherbert’s career began in public health where he served as an Administrative Officer/Health Educator for the City of Kansas City, Missouri Health Department. For nearly 21 years, Sherbert collaborated with Kansas City residents and health professionals on designing, implementing, and evaluating cardiovascular and other chronic disease initiatives. As part of his role as an Administrative Officer, he also provided oversight for the Division of Health Education & Health Communication’s contracts and budgets. After his journey in public health, Sherbert taught fourth grade and adult basic education for approximately two years. In the fall of 2015, he joined Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City where he functioned as a Clinical Trials Research Budgets/Contracts Analyst for the Office of Research Services. Sherbert’s passion is quite simple: to help others achieve their goals. Outside of work, Sherbert enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family and friends.

Leslie Burgess, MA

[email protected]
816-654-7227

Credentials

Master’s in higher education administration, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Experience

Leslie’s career in higher education began fifteen years ago working as a student support assistant and test coordinator in the Counseling and Testing Center at UMKC. Her areas of expertise stem from experiences working in academic advising, research services, international programs, and student affairs. This background helps her provide strong support to students during times of transition while helping them navigate their academic journeys. She finds great fulfillment in student growth and success. When she’s off campus, her preschool daughter and husband keep her busy, enjoying Kansas City and its many cultural and culinary offerings.

Joplin

Robin Douglas

[email protected]
417-208-0789

Credentials:

Master of Science in Education, Missouri State University (Springfield)
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, Missouri Southern State University (Joplin)

Experience:

In 1995, Robin began serving students and faculty in higher education. Her career began at her alma mater where she taught courses in television production, instructional video, documentary, speech and the university experience. She was instrumental in the distribution of television courses, hybrid courses, internet courses, as well as the development of the Credit for Experiential/Prior Learning Office, the Office of Online Course Advisors and the Testing Services Office.

She served on Staff Senate for three years, was a First Year Experience Liaison and was an accepted member of the MSSU Leadership Academy. Robin has a passion for serving and acknowledges that every student has an interesting past, as well as an individual desire for their future. In her spare time, she likes to watch documentaries, keep up to date on current events and root for her beloved St. Louis Cardinals!

Jeannie Gilbert, MS

[email protected]
417.208.0643

Credentials:

Master of Science in Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri
Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Missouri Southern State University
Associate of Arts in General Studies, Crowder College
Adult/Basic Education Career Certification (Missouri), Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Experience:

Jeannie’s career in higher education started 22 years ago, when she began working as an Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) instructor. In that role, she also collaborated with an area university to help develop a health literacy program that integrated into adult education instruction. Additionally, she has presented sessions focused on learning styles and student outcomes at regional conferences.

Her expertise as a learning specialist stems from her work with AEL, academic advising, career and life planning, teaching courses ranging from basic math to college statistics as well as supervising a National College Testing Association-certified high stakes testing center.

Her passion is people. She truly enjoys helping others achieve success academically and personally. When she’s not working, Jeannie enjoys spending time with family and friends, and participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and bike riding. She is also an avid reader.

Caleb Bayless, MEd

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 417.2080720

Credentials:

Master of Science in Education in School Administration, Missouri State University
Bachelor of Arts in International Business with an emphasis in Spanish, William Jewell College
Certified Spanish Educator, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
International Teach English as a Foreign Language Instructor, International TEFL Teacher Training

Experience:

Caleb’s journey commenced in the jungles of Costa Rica, where he ventured into the world of education by teaching English and bridging linguistic divides. Upon returning home, he began his journey in public education, spanning nearly 15 years. His roles as a teacher, coach, and administrator have left an indelible mark on countless individuals.

With an unwavering commitment to mentorship, Caleb has guided and advised a multitude of education professionals, illuminating their paths to success and positively impacting innumerable students. Beyond his transformative work within the education sector, Caleb dedicates himself to raising two remarkable daughters. He continues to improve by actively engaging in global travel that broadens his horizons and writing in various media.