Rae Casey, PhD

I began teaching at George Fox University in 2002. As a life-long learner, I had attended many different colleges and universities during my educational career, but when I came to George Fox I felt I had come home. I found learning in the Christ-centered environment spiritually uplifting and fulfilling, and appreciated the support fellow students and teachers provided. Completing both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at George Fox was the right choice for me.

I enjoy teaching, both in the classroom and online. I believe that the accelerated online degrees we offer complement the experiences that our students bring to the table. And, because students are encouraged to apply the course concepts to their personal and work experiences and then share their insights with others, students learn not only the curriculum, but about themselves as people, managers, leaders and team members.

Students comment that one of the best parts of the experience for them is the bonds they form in the cohort. I believe that the growth of a cohort-learning community provides busy adults the support they need when returning to school. For these reasons and more, I am honored and blessed to be part of the George Fox Digital faculty team.

Academic Background

• PhD in education, University of Idaho (Emphasis: Adult and Organizational Leadership and Learning)
• MA, George Fox University (Major: Management and Organizational Leadership)
• BA, George Fox University (Major: Management and Organizational Leadership)

Expertise and Research Interests

During my time at George Fox I have developed courses for a variety of classroom and online courses, as well as a training program for adjunct teachers. I worked as director of the adult degree programs in the Boise Center from 2008 until the center closed in 2013. My responsibilities in the Boise Center were informed by my experiences in the business world, where I worked for more than two decades prior to coming to George Fox.

My doctoral degree is in education, with an emphasis in leadership and learning. For my doctoral research I chose to study online teaching and learning, specifically focusing on how teachers develop presence with their students in the online environment. My continuing research interests include ways to improve the practice of online teaching through teacher and student preparation and the improved use of technology online. 

Select Research Bibliography

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

Casey, R. & Kroth, M. (2013). Learning to develop presence online: Experienced faculty perspectives. Journal of Adult Education, 42(2), pp. 104 – 110.

Harrop, J., Casey, R., & Shelton, M. (2018). Knowles, Kolb, & Google: Prior learning assessment as a model for 21st century learning. The Journal of Continuing Higher Education.

Conference Presentations

Casey, R. (2010, Sept). Spirituality and adult education [presentation]. Idaho Lifelong Learning Association Conference in McCall, ID.

Casey, R. (2012). Best Practices and Challenges of Teaching in an Online Environment, George Fox University, Newberg, OR.

Casey, R., Harrop, J.., Hutchinson, C., & Shelton, M. (2017). From ad hoc to intentional: One department's online journey [presentation]. Oregon Women in Higher Education Conference, Sun River, ID.

Casey, R. & Strom, B. T. (2008). Hybrid higher education: From theory to practice [presentation]. Midwestern Scholars Conference, Indiana Wesleyan University, Indianapolis, IN.

Harrop, J. & Casey, R. (2021, May). From Integration of faith to demonstration of faith: A matter of heart and mind. 

Harrop, J. & Casey, R. (2019, Nov). More than just basket weaving: The challenge of marketing adult ed to colleagues, administrators [workshop]. CAEL Conference, Plug In: Energize Adult Pathways to Success. Chicago, IL.

Harrop, J. & Casey, R.  (2019, Oct.). Ensuring excellence: Training, mentoring, and affirming adjunct faculty [presentation]. Leadership in Higher Education, St Louis, MO.

Harrop, J., Shelton, M, & Casey, R. (2017). Knowles, Kolb, & Google: Prior learning assessment as a model of 21st century learning [Table Topic Presentation]. CAEL Conference, San Diego, CA.

Harrop, J., Shelton, M. Casey, R., & Hutchinson, C. (2017). Breaking down silos: Technology, teamwork, & transformational learning [presentation]. Magna Teaching with Technology Conference, Baltimore, MD.

Harrop, J., Shelton, M., Hutchinson, C., Casey, R. (2018). Ensuring excellence: Training, mentoring, and affirming adjunct faculty in degree completion programs [workshop]. CAEL International Conference, Cleveland, OH.

Strom, B., Mancini, D., Byrtek, G., Casey, R., & Drake, T. (2012). Theories of continuous improvement in terms of developing organizational effectiveness and efficiency methods/models [Paper Presentation]. International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines (IABPAD), Orlando, FL.

Unpublished Academic Work

 Casey, R. (2013). Developing presence in online undergraduate courses (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Idaho, Idaho.

Casey, R. (2000). Implementing organization change more effectively within information technology at Hewlett Packard: A research proposal.

Primary Teaching Responsibilities

• Project Management
• Management and Organizational Leadership

Outside the Classroom

My husband and I enjoy time together working around our home, where we are grateful to have the room to raise pet chickens, ducks, dogs, fish, and a cat, as well as a few fruit trees and a large garden every year. Our three grown children and their families live close by, which is a blessing. I am actively involved in my church.