Welcome

Biography

Professor Little taught speech and study skills at Honolulu Community College from 1972 till 2005. Upon retirement, she was awarded the title Professor Emeritus. In July of 2007, she completed 17 years of service on the University of Hawaii Ethics Committee. In January of 2008, she was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus from Osaka Gakuin University, in Osaka, Japan. Currently, she is an Associate Professor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, UHM.

Dr. Little received her B.A. in Speech from the University of Washington, her M.A. in Rhetoric from the University of California at Davis, and her Ed.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Hawaii.

Dr. Little is married to Jim Little, a retired photography teacher at Leeward Community College, well known plumeria farmer and author of Growing Plumeria in Hawaii and Around the World. She has two sons, Brock and Clark. Both have successful marriages and careers. She is a grandmother to Dane and Ally. Her home life is a source of continual enjoyment. As for her ongoing teaching, you may have heard the phrase: "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach." Dr. Little does -- gives speeches -- and enjoys teaching. Recently, she has devoted more time to writing.

Philosophy

When asked to discuss her teaching philosophy, Dr. Little replied:

"I am convinced that I can help every student improve his or her speaking ability. With that improvement will come improved self-confidence. In the future, if my students are asked, 'Who was your speech teacher?' I want to be proud when they say, 'Dr. Little.' Remember, public speaking ability is an acquired skill. It's like riding a bicycle. In the future, when you are called upon to speak, you will still have the skills that you acquired in speech class.