Dennis Lynn finds his joy in the classroom and is an Instructor II in the HDFS program at OSU-Cascades.

He has been with the university since March 2009, teaches courses such as Families and Poverty, Critical Thinking, and Professional Helping Skills, and is the faculty supervisor for practicum and internship students in human services.

What’s something your colleagues probably don’t know about you and might be surprised to learn?

My mother gave singing lessons to Johnny Cash. After just a few lessons, she closed the piano lid and told him that the lessons were over and that he shouldn’t ever let anyone change his style – ever! She died when I was six weeks old, so I never got to know her, but this story of her helping Johnny Cash believe in himself and his unique voice in the world gives me a sweet glimpse into who she was.

Other things that might be surprising include that I served as a hospital chaplain as an intern in my master’s program at Texas Tech. I also spent 10 years as president of a small, private college.

What’s one of your happiest memories?

My wife and I have been married for almost 47 years. We are blessed with two sons, their partners, and three grandchildren. One of my more recent happy highlights was running my first 5K last March in Portland at the age of 68.

What was the turning point in your career and/or life?

In 2009, I was working as a development officer at HIV Alliance in Eugene. I saw an ad about an instructor position opening at OSU-Cascades in Bend and jumped at the chance.

Though I have served in a variety of work settings through the years, my wife has always encouraged me to get back to the classroom where the joy is. With more years behind me than before me, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to spend the final years of my full-time work at OSU.  

Who has had the greatest impact on your life? 

Besides my wife and our family, I have been fortunate to have crossed paths with many teachers, colleagues and friends who have offered encouragement and insight. I remember, with fondness and gratitude, several of my teachers in college who expressed their belief in me and their vision for me as a helper in the world. 

What led you to your career path and your current position?

Specific to teaching in the HDFS program, I was encouraged by a discouraging experience.

As an undergraduate, I was enrolled in a marriage and family class at a small, Midwestern college. The class was boring, uninspired and outdated. The instructor was a nice person, but I thought the course was a missed opportunity with such an important topic.

I just knew that if I was ever given the chance, I would not squander those moments. I would find ways to instruct and inspire students to be their best selves and to have a positive and enduring influence in the world.

What are some of your interests and/or hobbies? 

I enjoy reading, hiking and taking road trips with my wife. I grew up in Kansas City and went to college in Nebraska, so we are big football fans of the Chiefs and the Cornhuskers, and of course, the Beavers.

What has been the biggest challenge in getting where you are today?

The path to where I am right now has certainly had its challenges along the way, but it feels like all that has gone before has helped prepare me for my work at OSU-Cascades. The challenges that arise occasionally now seem to be technology-related, so I am encouraged to be a lifelong learner, although sometimes reluctantly.

What’s the best part about working in the College of Health? 

I am so grateful for my colleagues in the HDFS program and across the campus at OSU-Cascades. Developing a culture of rigorous academics and rigorous kindness is meaningful and joyful work.  

Beyond the faculty and staff, I delight in our students and count it a great privilege to spend time with them and learn from them. They know that I am with them, and I am for them. They know that I love them, respect them and believe in them.