 
Professional Studies Readies
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"The School for Professional Studies will benefit greatly from Jamie Comstock's wealth of experience both in higher education and in the corporate world," said Dr. Robert Hasenstab, dean of the School for Professional Studies.
Comstock comes to SLU from the University of West Florida, where, as an associate professor in communication, she served as director of the organizational communication program and leadership minor and certificate program and director of the Center for Leadership Development.
Previously Comstock worked in public affairs and marketing for major corporations such as State Farm Insurance Cos., General Telephone and Central Illinois Public Service. She also was a partner in the firm Resource One Training and Development, which provided organizational development and training services to medium and large organizations in the southeast.
"It is as if everything I have done up to now has prepared me to lead the professional studies credit programs to the next level," Comstock said. "I understand the importance of grounding a professional education within the liberal arts tradition."
Comstock received a number of honors in Florida, including two Florida State University System's "Teaching Incentive Awards" for high quality and productive teaching. Comstock received her bachelor's and master's degrees in communication from Illinois State University and her Ph.D. in 1992 from University of Arizona.
In addition to Comstock's appointment, the School for Professional Studies has moved from DuBourg Hall into new offices at 3322 Olive Blvd., next to the Olive Garage. The building includes six classrooms, two computer classrooms, a student lounge, a conference room and administrative offices.
In other advances for the school, Comstock is leading a strategic planning process for the credit program in collaboration with other University departments. She said the goal of the program is "to become the finest educational program for working adults in the St. Louis metropolitan area." Highlights of the plan include a comprehensive faculty development program, student retention initiatives and expanded honor society activities.
"I know that employers need graduates who have more than just competencies; they also need critical thinkers with self-confidence, strong character and a commitment to serve others," Comstock said.
Programs at the School for Professional Studies attract students on a number of different tracks. One of those is the revised criminal justice organization degree, offered in conjunction with the department of sociology and criminal justice.
"It is vitally important that the department of sociology and criminal justice and the School for Professional Studies continue to interface, collaborating on curriculum and program development in their joint goal of delivering an excellent program to all students," said Dr. Charles E. Marske, department chairman.
Professional studies programs meet a real need in the community, Comstock said. According to the 1999 edition of Digest of Education Statistics, more than 45 percent of undergraduate students are 24 years old or older, and nearly 30 percent are 30 and older. "Our programs make it possible for these older students, who typically are balancing demands at work, at home and in their communities, to earn a first-rate education in a format that fits their lifestyle," Comstock said.
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