Meet AIU Faculty/Staff
Dr. Eric Oestmann
School of Business
Phone: 1-877-701-3800 ext.15799
Quote: "Education is one of the most valuable assets in life because it is something that can never be taken away from you."
An ancient philosopher, Confucious, once said, "Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may remember. But involve me and I will understand." That concept is manifest in both Dr. Eric Oestmann's educational philosophy and the project-based approach to learning that is taken with degree programs offered through AIU Online. "I have always hung my hat on understanding as the key to effective teaching and learning methods. I tend to utilize a combination of various teaching styles, particularly androgogy, which is an adult learning theory that emphasizes a combination of knowledge gained through life experiences with the application of that knowledge in the real world. Whether through lecture, participation, application, or self-learning, involvement maximizes the potential for students to understand and learn concepts."
Dr. Oestmann's educational philosophy is also founded in the wide array of academic and professional experience that he brings to the courses that he facilitates through AIU Online. He earned a Master's degree in Physical Therapy from the University of South Dakota and earned two doctorate degrees in Healthcare Administration and Management, one from Southwest University in New Orleans in 1999 and one that he earned online through Capella University in 2006. "Research is one of my passions. Earning a second doctorate degree gave me the opportunity to take my first doctoral dissertation, which was "Mutual Expectation Theory of Motivation," and tests that theory over seven years of implementation in community hospitals for my second doctoral dissertation." Dr. Oestmann also holds the following professional certifications:
- National Advisory Panel Member – Healthcare Management & Administration
- Certified Professional in Health Quality (CPHQ)
- Member American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
- ACHE Student Chapter Faculty Advisor
- Six Sigma Black Belt Certified – Motorola/US Air Force
Dr. Oestmann has over 20 years experience in management and leadership positions including the U.S. Air Force, various outpatient healthcare facilities, inpatient hospitals, and private consulting organizations. He has been teaching since 1997 at the associate through doctoral levels and has taught courses online since 2001. He joined AIU Online full-time in 2006 and facilitates several healthcare and research-related courses. He has published 23 texts related to healthcare, education, and management with Charles C. Thomas, VDM Publishing, and East-West Publishing. In addition to his work with AIU Online, Dr. Oestmann manages a consulting company that he founded, OEI Consulting, in which he performs healthcare, education, and dissertation/statistical analysis consulting.
Dr. Oestmann's educational philosophy and professional experience influence his approach to students. "I have always enjoyed education. Change motivates me and there is always something new and interesting to learn and teach in the healthcare profession. In my role as a licensed physical therapist, I educate and teach patients. I am a strong proponent of reaching mutual expectations between students and faculty in order to motivate students. I ask a series of Socratic questions to ascertain what and how to optimally motivate students. I have learned that the more I know, the more I need to know. I have also learned to be patient, remain objective and that everyone learns differently and has different motivations. I provide formative and evaluative feedback on assignments that is designed to help students meet specific criteria. Beyond that, I simply expect students to want to learn and to be respectful of all others. The majority of the students that I work with at AIU Online meets or exceeds my expectations."
Dr. Oestmann and his wife, Dr. Joanna Oestmann, currently reside in Bradenton, FL. When he is not immersed in academia or healthcare consulting, he may be found sinking a line into the ocean or another of his favorite fishing spots, Lake Murray in South Carolina. "I enjoy most outdoor activities, such as bicycling and golfing, but fishing definitely is one of my more serious hobbies. We have travelled as far away as Alaska for fishing trips. My wife likes to read while I fish, but we share many common interests. Joanna also teaches courses online, so education is not only a career for us, it is also our passion. Some folks may complain about having to bring work home with them, but that is not the case in our home. Online education fits in very well with our careers and our lifestyle."
Dr. Oestmann has many words of advice for current or potential AIU Online students, but what stands out is the intrinsic value that he places on higher education. "Anything we do should be geared towards not only improving life for ourselves and our families, but also for improving society as a whole. I believe that higher education is fundamentally important in both respects because it keeps us engaged in life and can help us become more productive and relevant members of society. America is the land of opportunity and higher education opens the door to many opportunities. AIU Online offers a wide variety of degree concentrations and almost anyone can find one that fits their educational interests and/or career goals."
Dr. Oestmann is a good example of the highly professional, knowledgeable, experienced and motivated faculty members at AIU Online that are dedicated to helping students achieve their educational and professional goals.
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