W. Thomas Umbel

Note: see position duties related to Online Professor, Nazarene Bible College.

• Designed, constructed, and taught/teach courses/seminars primarily in the fields of history and theology.
• Enhanced student understanding by incorporating real-world examples and multimedia resources into online lectures.
• Managed course administration tasks efficiently, adhering to deadlines while maintaining high-quality content delivery for students.
• Promoted active learning through engaging discussion forums and group activities in the virtual classroom environment.
• Established positive rapport with students, building trust and encouraging open communication within the online community.
• Improved student satisfaction ratings by consistently seeking feedback on course effectiveness and making necessary adjustments accordingly.
• Fostered global perspectives among students by integrating case studies from diverse cultures around the world into lesson plans.
• Participated in ongoing training opportunities to refine teaching skills and stay current with advancements in distance learning technology.
• Streamlined assessment process by developing clear rubrics aligned with course objectives, supporting consistent evaluation across the curriculum.
• Increased student retention rates by offering personalized support and resources to address individual needs.
• Provided students with constructive, encouraging and corrective feedback.
• Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
• Established and maintained inclusive, collegial and collaborative culture within classroom.
• Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
• Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
• Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
• Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.

• Provided spiritual support to individuals in various settings, enhancing their emotional well-being.
• Conducted religious services and ceremonies for diverse persons to deepen their spiritual connections.
• Assisted individuals in crisis to promote emotional healing and resilience.
• Improved community engagement by organizing faith-based events and activities.
• Emphasized compassionate care by visiting patients and families in hospitals.
• Facilitated bereavement support to help individuals navigate loss and recovery.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for holistic patient care, addressing both physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Comforted family members, offered attentive listening and high level of emotional support.
• Provided compassionate pastoral care in emergency departments, addressing the spiritual needs of patients experiencing acute distress or trauma.
• Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and seasonal observances.
• Delivered comforting presence during end-of-life situations, offering prayers and rituals to honor the patient''s beliefs and values.
• Conducted crisis intervention sessions with individuals experiencing severe emotional distress, providing comfort and support during critical times.
• Managed volunteer chaplain program, recruiting and training dedicated individuals to assist in meeting the spiritual needs of patients and families.
• Built strong relationships with local faith-based organizations to create a network of resources for patients and families.
• Mentored new chaplains to enhance their skills and knowledge in providing compassionate spiritual care.
• Advocated for ethical decision-making in clinical settings by participating in medical ethics committees and case consultations.
• Served as a trusted resource on religious traditions, customs, practices across various faiths within the hospital setting.
• Guided individuals through end-of-life decision making, offering comfort and clarity during difficult times.

(Note: see position duties under other Chaplain listing. My service in both locations was similar.

• Designed, constructed, and taught courses primarily in the fields of history, theology, and ministry practics.
• Enhanced student understanding by designing interactive and engaging lectures.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
• Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
• Instructed and evaluated students in classroom in alignment with college mission by incorporating innovative teaching and learning strategies.
• Increased course relevance by incorporating real-world examples and case studies into lesson plans.
• Established and maintained inclusive, collegial and collaborative culture within classroom.
• Maintained regular office hours to provide struggling students with additional course help.
• Provided students with constructive, encouraging and corrective feedback.
• Used different learning modes and types of technology to engage students in achieving learning outcomes.
• Developed innovative teaching methods tailored to diverse learning styles, enhancing student comprehension and success rates.
• Worked with dean to assess and evaluate courses and programs in appropriate discipline.
• Assisted in accreditation processes by gathering necessary documentation, preparing reports, and participating in site visits as needed.
• Expanded program offerings by proposing new courses based on current trends within the field of study.
• Enhanced student engagement and critical thinking skills by implementing interactive learning strategies and technology in classroom.
• Streamlined administrative processes for academic department, resulting in more efficient operation and resource allocation.
• Led curriculum revision efforts to ensure content relevancy and compliance with accreditation standards.
• Contributed to planning appropriate and engaging lessons for both classroom and distance learning applications.
• Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
• Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
• Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
• Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.

• During this period of time, I served as youth pastor, associate pastor, and lead pastor in various congregations of different size and in different contextual settings. Though an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, for seven of these years I served as associate pastor at a United Methodist Church in Baltimore, MD while completing my doctoral program.
• I participated in and contributed to all aspects of pastoral ministry. I gained a wealth of experience in preaching, teaching, worship/seasonal offerings, leadership, casting vision and missional directives, raising funds and establishing budgets, engaging in the communities where I served, contributing to denominational programs, designing innovative and inclusive outreach initiatives, pastoral care, counseling and crisis intervention, recruiting and building volunteers and paid staff, hospital visitation, facilitating small groups, workshops, and retreats, planning cross-cultural trips, and so much more.