Dave Fenner

Job Title:
Program Advisor - PSP Psychology

TIME AT NCU:
5 years (2004-2007, adjunct instructor, Community Counseling Program; member of faculty since 2008)

HOMETOWN:
Born in Vancouver, Washington.  Have lived in Eugene for 25 years.

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE:
(2 verses, actually)…Philippians 4: 6-7:  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

FAVORITE MUSIC:
Sadly, I like '60's folk music.

FAVORITE MOVIE:
"What About Bob?"  I can't help myself.  As a counselor, I find this movie to be a perfect antidote to those times when we overestimate ourselves.

HOW DID YOU ARRIVE AT NCU:
Dr. Paula Belcher, who was the director of the Community Counseling Program, asked me to teach a Substance Abuse Issues course as an adjunct.  I was working for an alcohol/drug treatment agency in Roseburg at the time, commuting daily from Eugene.  Dr. Belcher and I met each other while enrolled in the same graduate counseling program, and discovered we attended the same church (different services!).  After completing that first course, I discovered that I loved teaching adults, and felt very welcomed by the Community Counseling faculty.  Within two years, I could see that God was clearly leading me in a new direction, opening doors at NCU in amazing ways (as he usually does).

FAVORITE CLASS TO TEACH:
The first class I taught here is still my first love - CN 620 Substance Abuse Issues in Counseling.

RESEARCH/SPECIAL PROJECTS:
I will be presenting a 1-hour workshop at the Oregon Counseling Association's annual conference in Portland this fall.  The topic is "Parenting Issues for Adults in Early Recovery," and addresses the unique challenges this population faces in practicing consistent, loving discipline while overcoming guilt and regaining trust.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT STUDENTS AND FACULTY:
That there is much praying going on. 

Having worked 16 years in an agency where prayer wasn't "officially" allowed, I especially appreciate the freedom to pray in staff meetings and with students.

ADVICE FOR INCOMING STUDENTS:
Discover your passion, which will lead you to your purpose, and then work hard.

GREATEST LIFE ACCOMPLISHMENT SO FAR:
Learning to live one day at a time, doing "my part" each day, and leaving the outcome to God.  It is a simple formula, but took me decades to assimilate.

I LIKE MY JOB BECAUSE…
I feel extremely useful doing it, I have a passion for it, and I am certain that, at least for now, God's purpose for me is to be at NCU, doing what I am doing.  In spite of some chaotic days, I have a peace about my work here.