Dennis Munk

In his more than two decades as a member of the Carthage faculty, Professor Dennis Munk has taught a wide range of courses, pursued a number of different research topics, and led educational development for the College.

Courses in the Education Department include Instructional Methods for Special Educators, Educational Psychology, Classroom Engagement, and Graduate Study in Research Methods.

As a member of the Psychological Science Department, Prof. Munk was a member of an innovative, team-taught introductory class and an instructor for Child and Adolescent Development, Psychopathology of Children and Adolescents, Psychology of Teaching and Learning, and Fieldwork.

He is the former director of the Teaching Commons and is a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor for the College. Since being awarded emeritus status in 2022, Prof. Munk continues to enjoy teaching part time and leading MHFA workshops for faculty, staff, and students.

Hear from Prof. Munk: Why psychology and education?

“I was attracted to psychology and special education because they require us to think critically and ask better questions about how to promote successful learning and development of adaptive behavior. Students are curious and motivated to learn how to facilitate successful learning and growth for those with unique challenges, and supporting their learning still gets me excited after decades of teaching.”

• Ed.D. — Special Education, Northern Illinois University
• M.A. — Clinical Psychology, Western Michigan University
• B.S. — Psychology, Grand Valley State University

• Becoming a Mental Health First Aider
• Child and Adolescent Growth and Development

Current research interests include educational practices for learners with neurodiversity and the unique benefits of a multigenerational workplace.

• 2022 Mental Health Advocate Award, Carthage College
• 2018 Making the Difference Award, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Carthage College
• 2015 Quality of Life Enhancement Award, Carthage College

• Petersen, C., Munk, D., & Dalton, D. (2022). Finding Your Calling: A Program for Undergraduate Nursing Students. Journal of Christian Nursing, 4. 244-249
• Brownholland, K., DeSmidt, D.B., Garrigan, D., Hancock, M., Lira, A., Munk, D. (2017). Fostering inclusive excellence for all Carthage College Students. Peer Review, 19, 2.
• Devore, S. & Munk, D. (2015, Summer). “Undergraduate research in teacher education: A rationale for broader engagement.” CUR Quarterly, 35, (4), 12-17. Council on Undergraduate Research: Washington D.C.
• Van Laarhoven, T.,Munk, D. D., Chandler, L. K., Zurita, L. M., & Lynch, K. (2012). “Integrating assistive technology into teacher education programs: Trials, tribulations, and lessons learned.” Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 8, (1), 32-47.
• Munk, D.D., & Dempsey, T. (2010). “Leadership strategies for successful schoolwide inclusion: The STAR approach.” Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing.

• Cameron, L., Munk, D. & Pelnar, H. (2021). Decoding the disciplines: Faculty, students, and institutional perceptions. Presentation at the annual conference of the Midwest Psychological Association. March: Chicago.
• Himelein, M., Munk, D., Rote, A., & Mahoney, M. (2019). Faculty fellows programs: Design to meet your center’s unique needs. Presentation at the Annual Conference of the Professional and Organizational Development (POD) Network, November, Pittsburgh.
• Barnhart, A. S., Cameron, E. L., Munk, D., Robbins, A., & Sylaska, K. (2019, February). The benefits of team — teaching Introduction to Psychological Science. Talk presented at the Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology at the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL.
• Barnhart, A. S., Cameron, E. L., Munk, D., Robbins, A., & Sylaska, K. (2019, February). The benefits of team-teaching Introduction to Psychological Science. Talk presented at the Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology at the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL.
• Bernhagen, L., & Munk, D. (2017). Writing a successful POD Network Grant Proposal. Presentation at the Annual Conference of the Professional and Organizational (POD) Network, October, Montreal.
• Munk, D., Hancock, M., & Baer, G. (2017). Promoting equitable, inclusive, and effective classroom practices through collaborative design. Presentation at the Annual Conference of the Professional and Organizational (POD) Network, October, Montreal.
• Munk, D., Lopez, C., & McMullen, R.C. (2017). Provosts, deans, and program directors: Opportunities for Collaboration. Presentation at the Advancing Undergraduate Research Conference of the Council on Undergraduate Research, June, Flagstaff, AZ.
• Garcia, D., & Munk, D. (2015). Opening a Center: Faculty Engaging the Past, Present, and Future. Presentation at the annual conference of the Professional & Organizational Development (POD) Network. November, San Francisco.
• Munk, D., & Rener, C. (2015). Shaping Effective New Faculty Orientations Amidst Obstacles and Expectations. Presentation at the annual conference of the Professional & Organizational Development (POD) Network. November, San Francisco.
• Munk, D., Ellis, D., Jackson, K., & Longstreet, C.S. (2015). Crafting successful SoTL grant proposals: Suggestions from veteran writers. Presentation at the annual conference of the Professional & Organizational Development (POD) Network. November, San Francisco.
• DeVore, S., Eno, W., & Munk, D. (2015). Undergraduate Research in Pre-Professional Education: A Rationale for Action and Examples from the Field. Presentation at the annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). March, Spokane, WA.
• Manak, J., Young, G., Henry, K., & Munk, D. (March, 2015). Integrating Undergraduate Research into Teacher Education Programs. Presentation at the annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research. March, Spokane, WA.
• Barron, T., Munk, D., Bursuck, W.D. & Jones, A. (2014). General educators’ grading decisions in inclusive classrooms: Implications for professional development. Presentation at the annual conference of the Council for Exceptional Children. April, Philadelphia.