Jay Middle School and Jay High School, Jay, OK
B.S. Chemical Engineering, M.S. Operations Management, EMBA, University of Arkansas; D.D.S., University of Oklahoma
General Dentistry
What did you gain in TSA that helped you in your career?
Overcoming the fear of public speaking.
What advice do you have for current TSA members?
Speaking events—do it! The ability to speak confidently in front of people has improved my career and personal endeavors dramatically. I competed in Extemporaneous Speech, Prepared Speech, and Chapter Team—and served as president of my local chapter for several years; Eastern Region Representative in Oklahoma TSA from 2005 to 2006; and national TSA treasurer from 2006 to 2007. I also competed in Problem Solving and learned to think on the fly and outside the box. Work within the rules given, but do not add any other obstacles or rules just because they may seem appropriate. Doing what every other team is doing, probably is not the best way; the best answers are not always obvious. Your knowledge of a vast amount of different systems can often times lead you down a better path.