Meet LEI Faculty and Staff

General: My name is Wayman Estes. I am sixty-two years young, married with four children, and I reside in the Six Mile area. I garden and make homemade beer, wine, and champagne. I enjoy working at a two-year college because it provides the one, best chance at leveling the playing field for all students. I plan on retiring in 2010 if Congress cooperates.

I am excited about teaching in a learning community because I am dedicated and committed to student learning and success. The learning community provides the best opportunity for a sense of ownership and belonging. The learning community provides the support and encouragement of a structured and safe learning environment which is so critical to students. This is an opportunity to participate in a new adventure; an adventure based on the studies about how students learn and succeed.

Music: I listen to nearly all music but I prefer classical. I have been known to listen to country and western, rock and rock, and gospel music also.

Movies: I do not get the opportunity to view many current movies. I have some favorites from a long time ago, and Dr. Zhivago heads the list. A close second would be The Bridge on the River Kwai. My favorite recent movie (within 10 years, I think) is Saving Private Ryan.

Television: Again, not much time to watch television. I try and plan my schedule so I can catch the news and weather at 6:00 PM. I also try to watch the Survivor series and House.

Books: I read the Bible, books relating to my discipline, and books dealing with various historical eras. I prefer European history, but I also enjoy American history.

Heroes: My heroes are my parents who are both deceased. My father quit school in the sixth grade to get a job and help support his family because his father died at a young age. My father did not have much "education" but he had a wealth of experience and "common sense." He worked long and hard all of his life to support those for whom he was responsible. My mother passed away at 87 years of age. She had the sweetest, gentlest spirit that, I suppose, could only come from having reared seven children.

Education: I earned an Associate of Arts degree from Weatherford Junior College, a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Science in Education, a Specialist in Community College Teaching, and a Doctor of Education from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Occupation: I am a full time instructor in the Science Department at Tri-County Technical College. I am beginning my sixth year at Tri-County.

Favorite Quote/Saying: "Live like you are going to die tomorrow. Learn like you are going to live forever." (Gandhi)

Message to LEI students: Welcome to Tri-County Technical College. You are part of the evolution of education and Tri-County. You have chosen to participate in a grand experiment based on the results of many studies about how students learn and internalize material. I am thrilled to be a part of this experiment with you. Your success in Biology 100 depends on you and your commitment and dedication to your education. I will do everything I can to assist you, but in the final analysis, it really will come down to how badly do you want it (success) and what price, in time and effort, are you will to invest. Making learning your goal, concentrate on the subject matter, and the grades and GPA will take care of themselves in a very rewarding manner. Much time, work, and funds have been invested in making the LEI available to you. Do well, do not just succeed but rather excel, so that others coming behind you have a pattern and example to follow. I look forward to seeing you in class.