Terri Deems

Assistant Professor of Practice

Phone Number: 402.466.4774
Department: Business Administration
Email: terri.deems@doane.edu
Primary Campus: Lincoln
Credentials: BS, MA, PHD

Dr. Terri Deems works with both graduate and undergraduate students within Doane’s College of Business and serves as the chair of the Master’s program in Instructional Design and Technology. Terri joined Doane University in 2019 after many years as a private trainer, coach, and consultant. She earned her Ph.D. in Community and Human Resource Development (1997) and M.A. in Adult and Continuing Education (1992) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Terri’s professional and research interests include organizational and leadership change and development, transformational learning, adult development, spirit and soul at work, and helping people work together with a spirit of creativity, commitment, and community.

Courses

Leadership in Organizations (BUS 415)
Organizational Behavior (BUS 315)
Ethics & Social Responsibility (LDR 603)
Introduction to Design Thinking (IDT 665)
Capstone Project (IDT 690)

Professional Experience
Trainer/Coach/Consultant, WorkLife Design, Ankeny, IA and Lincoln, NE 1997 to 2019
Project Coordinator, Nebraska Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy, Department of Vocational and Adult Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 1992 to 1997

Additional Teaching Experience
Adjunct Instructor, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 2019-2023
Adjunct Instructor, Grand View University, Des Moines, IA 2005-2023
Clinical Faculty Member, Drake University School of Education, Masters in Leadership Development and MBA programs, Des Moines, IA 2003-2018
Adjunct Instructor, Upper Iowa University, Des Moines, IA 1999 to 2018

Professional Accolades
Deems, T. A. (2013). Images of America: Ankeny. Arcadia Publishing.
Co-host, Today’s Learning Workplace weekly podcast and blog (136 shows).
Deems, R. S. & Deems, T. A. (2010). Make job loss work for you: Get over it and get your career back on track. JIST Publishing.
Deems, R. S. & Deems, T. A. (2007). Downsizing with confidence (Manager’s Pocket Guide series). HRD Press.
Lindbeck, R. L. & Deems, T.A. (2007, October 19). Positive influence—10 strategies to maximize your influencing potential. Maximizing Human Potential Conference, ASTD-Central Iowa.

Manuscript reviewer: Thomson/Delmar Learning; Journal of Workplace Learning; Journal of Management, Religion and Spirituality; Academy of Human Resource Development; Academy of Management, Spirituality in Management; Journal of Management Education; Adult Education Quarterly.

How did you become interested in teaching?
I come from a family of educators and care-givers, and from my early days of playing school in my grandfather's basement I've held a big interest in fostering people's development and creating educational environments. Both my father and grandfather served as professors in higher ed and they challenged me to stay curious, to question, think critically, forge new pathways, and add some good to the world. Helping others learn and grow has been a natural outcome of such values, and it's such a privilege to be involved in people's development!

What advice do you have for students?
I tell my students that everything starts with showing up. So start there, both physically and mentally, whether we are online or face-to-face. I have found that the most successful students in my classes engage with the material and peers, exercise curiosity, and continuously test their critical thinking and questioning skills. Please connect with me as your instructor! Call me. Email. Text. Stay an extra minute after class. Reply to my feedback. Remember it is always easier to deal with the gremlins while they are still small.

What is one of your favorite quotes?
“There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance: that principle is contempt prior to investigation." In spite of its misattributed history and its gender-exclusive language, the quote nevertheless invites me to pause, investigate, and keep an open mind; drawing a conclusion too quickly will always serve as a barrier to my growth.