BIOGRAPHY |
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Overview - President of the Learning Resources Network (LERN), the leading association in lifelong learning with more than 4,000 members in 20 countries. - Author of "Teaching Online," now in Second Edition; "How to Teach Adults", 100,000 copies sold, other books, manuals, publications, articles (see Books). - Most frequently interviewed figure on lifelong learning by the nation's media, including the New York Times, Wired.com, NBC Nightly News, and more (see Interviews). - Consultant on lifelong learning, education, and the Internet to universities, associations, government, and others. - More than 200 keynotes, seminars, workshops and presentations in 40 states, Puerto Rico, 6 Canadian provinces, and Russia, Japan, Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, Mexico, and United Arab Emirates. Present Employment President, Learning Resources Network (LERN), an international nonprofit education organization with more than 4,000 members in 20 countries. LERN is the largest association in lifelong learning in the world, and a leading association in online learning. Originally headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, the organization became virtual in 1998 and currently has offices in three states, and 20 staff and consultants in eight states. Reports to the Board of Directors. Work Experience Founder, Milwaukee Free University, 1972-1974, Eastside Community Center, Milwaukee. Career counselor, Department of Labor, OSHA, contract from USDA Graduate School, Washington, DC, 1974-1975. Coordinator, Division of Continuing Education, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, 1976-1978. Outreach Coordinator, University for Man, Manhattan, Kansas, 1978-1981. National Coordinator (1976- 1986) , Executive Director (1986 - 1994), and President (1994- present), Learning Resources Network (LERN). Co-founder with Greg Marsello of Learning Resources Network (LERN), formerly Free University Network (we're not FUN anymore), 1974. Education Masters Degree in Adult Education from The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 1976. Bachelor's of Arts, with honors, from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1971. Attended Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, 1967 - 1969. Received Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives, 1989. Childhood Born April 8, 1949, and raised in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; mother Alice (Torky) Thorkelson Draves. Had sibling rivalry with Robin, Tim, Susan and Ted. Edited first newsletter at age 12 for Boy Scout Troop 12, active in church, camps, President of Fond du Lac Youth Council, President of Fond du Lac Ecumenical Council, named to the Governor's Committee on Children and Youth by Gov. Warren Knowles, attended the White House Conference on the Children and Youth, named Most Valuable Student by the local Elks Club. Graduated 6th out of 600 from Goodrich High School (1967). Called pretty nice for an egghead by date (1975). College Counselor at Camp Anokijig; cub reporter for Fond du Lac Commonwealth Reporter, resigned because did not know whether to call boss dad or Mr. Draves; organized a march against hunger, keynoted by Cong. Wm. Steiger. Organized Spirit Movement 69, a summer ecumenical/community youth project. Puzzled by radio announcer Harvey's remark that he might burn down a bank; questioned City Attorney Buslee's definition of a hippie as someone "carrying a guitar and engaged in so-called protestations against the establishment." First secretary of Stone Manor coop in Madison, made sandwiches for striking teachers, participated in peace activities and March on Washington May 1971. Spent summer in Europe debating with fellow traveler Dave Kuter. Family Currently dating and married (1986-) to the beautiful and talented Julie Coates, the world's oldest baby boomer. Sons Jason Coates (1979- )fixes computers; Sammie Jackson (1982-), fixes cars; and William (Willie) A. Draves V, (1986-), fixes web sites. Forefathers William A. Draves I, (1849 - 1906) founder of Northwestern Malleable Company and Rex Chainbelt, at one time a Fortune 500 company. William A. Draves II, (1896 - 1963) Vice President of Northwestern Malleable Company (retired at age 42), built Bilemda, the family home on Lower Genesee Lake, Oconomowoc, Wisc. William A. Draves III, (1917 - 1998), Managing Editor of the Fond du Lac Reporter, WWII veteran, interviewed Kennedy, Nixon, Humphrey, and other national figures. Famous Cousin Peter Tork of The Monkees. |