Professional background

I am a career higher education administrator and academic leader with extensive experience and success developing academic programs and processes. My experience in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors widens my understanding of organizations and how they successfully function. I have held the key academic titles of associate provost, academic dean for graduate, undergraduate, professional studies and continuing education, as well as program director for sponsored research/development and instructional technology, respectively. I am particularly well-skilled in academic policy creation and enrollment management for both non and for-profit institutions. My accreditation experience includes acting as a regional and programmatic evaluator (MSCHE/CAEP), leading accreditation review teams (MSCHE/CAEP) and applications for regional candidacy (SACS COC), and serving as a consultant to institutions undergoing accreditation. I am pleased and proud to be responsible for the establishment of many partnerships and collaborations with both educational and private entities, gaining valuable experience for students and faculty. I have well-demonstrated experience leading projects and working collaboratively with constituencies. With my colleagues, I have been actively involved in the creation of focused-training and professional development programs. I am an experienced instructor of graduate and undergraduate studies, teaching courses at numerous colleges and universities.

Professional affiliations

• Learning Resources Network (LERN)
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

Education

• Ph.D., Political Science, University of Connecticut, 1984-1990
• M.A., History, Northwestern University
• B.A., History, Binghamton University

Professional background

For more than 26 years, I have served VCU in an administrative capacity beginning in Continuing Education in the School of Education, which shifted to an entrepreneurial unit, SOE Associates, and then the Center for Professional Growth before the office was merged with Continuing Studies and placed under the Office of the Provost as the Office of Continuing and Professional Education. VCU Online merged with the Office of Continuing and Professional Education in 2021, so I now serve the larger unit in all things human resources as well as managing operational processes.

Professional affiliations

• Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE)
• College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR)
• Learning Resources Network (LERN)
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

Education

• B.S. in Business Administration (concentration in management, minor in accounting), Christopher Newport University, 1992

Favorite course of all time

My favorite course of all time is Beginning Obedience Training which I took with my beautiful yellow Labrador retriever, Tanner. It was chaotic fun with a bunch of students who were just happy to be in the presence of the other students!

Professional background

I joined VCU from the Office of Policy, Planning, and Research at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. I began my career at Virginia’s Community Colleges where I served in a support capacity in several departments of the system office before becoming an administrative coordinator in the workforce development unit.

Professional affiliations

• Learning Resources Network (LERN)
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

Education

• B.S. in Mass Communications, VCU

Favorite course of all time

The contemporary American literature electives I took as a student at VCU were some of my favorites. I was introduced to many short stories I wouldn’t have picked up on my own and enjoyed being able to read from a diverse range of voices.

Professional background

Before joining VCU, I served as senior program manager in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond where I was responsible for noncredit personal enrichment and professional development programming. Prior to my work in continuing education, I served as director of the Virginia African American Heritage Program at the Virginia Humanities and director of education at The Valentine.

Professional affiliations

• African American Association of Museums
• Institute Director -  Virginia Approved Institute, International Institute of Municipal Clerks
• Learning Resources Network (LERN), Former Board Member
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)
• Virginia Association of Museums

Education

• B.A., Hampton University
• M.A., Virginia State University
• M.A., College of William and Mary
• Duke University, School of Continuing Studies, Certificate in Nonprofit Management
• Learning Resources Network (LERN), Certified Program Planner

Favorite course of all time

My favorite course of all time was an independent art history course with Dr. Jacqueline Bontemps. She deepened my love for African American art and held me to the highest standard of scholastic excellence.

Professional background

I first joined VCU in 2011 as a student worker for SOE Associates, then the Center for Professional Growth before the office merged with Continuing Studies to become the Office of Continuing and Professional Education in 2014. I served as program assistant prior to becoming the office’s operations coordinator. After VCU Online merged with the Office of Continuing and Professional Education in 2021, my role expanded to support operations for the larger unit.

Professional affiliations

• Learning Resources Network (LERN)
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

Education

• B.S. in Sociology, VCU, 2012
• M.S. in Criminal Justice, VCU, 2014

Favorite course of all time

CRJS 616 Justice Policy and Administration – I enjoyed this class because John Reitzel is an incredible instructor! He created a laid-back environment that made it easier to not only learn from him, but my classmates as well.

Professional background

Since 1996, I have worked in the development and delivery of adult continuing and professional education opportunities for nontraditional learners. A VCU double alum and U.S. Army veteran, I was the JJDPA compliance monitoring specialist for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services prior to joining the VCU family. I am passionate about equity in access to higher education, and alternative pathways to workforce readiness.

Professional affiliations

• Association for Continuing Higher Education
• Learning Resources Network (LERN)
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)
  
  • Past Chair, UPCEA Business and Operations Network
• Virginia Art Education Association
• National Art Education Association

Education

• B.S., VCU, 1995
• M.Ed., VCU, 2011

Favorite course of all time

My favorite course was Bugs, Bones, & Botany — an incredibly engaging, fun, informative and fascinating look at forensic entomology, anthropology, and botany taught by “rock star” instructors from across the country.

Professional background

I have extensive experience in program development and program management in various settings, including higher education. Prior to joining VCU, I directed the Leadership Institute of Union Presbyterian Seminary, administering non-credit continuing education and professional development opportunities for a diverse audience. I have also served as a director of sports and recreation and managed numerous events for both non-profit and for-profit entities.

Professional affiliations

• American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) 
• Learning Resources Network (LERN)
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

Education

• B.S., James Madison University
• M.A.C.E., Union Presbyterian Seminary
• Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology, James Madison University
• Learning Resources Network (LERN), Certified Program Planner

Favorite course of all time

One of my more recent favorite courses was Learning Theories and Practice, which I completed as part of a graduate program. This course helped guide my understanding of diverse learners, particularly adult learners. Studying various theories of learning and development informed my approach to developing learning opportunities that considers the role of the teacher and learner along with the methods used to design and deliver quality instruction applicable to the context and needs of the learner.

Professional background

Starting as office manager of the Center for School and Community Collaboration within the School of Education, I have been with VCU since 1996 and have worked in continuing and professional education for more than 12 years. With many years of experience in higher education and an extensive background in administrative roles going back more than 30 years, I am well-versed in the makings of a successful, well-run office.

Professional affiliations

• Learning Resources Network (LERN)
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

Favorite course of all time

My favorite course would have to be my very first college course at the age of 16. I was a junior in high school and was accepted into a college-level figure drawing course at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. That was my first indication that I was on a level with others in the arts, and was the beginning of a journey of lifelong learning.

Professional background

I have served as a budget and financial officer in higher education since 2006. I also performed library assessment responsibilities at VCU for several years, as well as contributing to that field nationally. Prior to entering higher education, I worked in the mortgage industry.

Professional affiliations

• Executive treasurer, Richmond Academic Library Consortium
• National Association of College and University Business Officers
• Association of Institutional Research

Education

• B.S, Business Administration, VCU, 1994
• M.A., History, VCU, 2003
• Ph.D., Public Policy and Administration, VCU, 2018

Favorite course of all time

My favorite course was “How the Modern Public University Works.” Taught by a former VCU Provost, each week a different senior university leader would address the class describing their role within the university and the unique challenges they faced, and then the class would get to ask questions. One week, we might get the VP for Research and the next, might be a dean, the rector, or the director of facilities. I have never had to try so little to learn so much.

Professional background

15 years with the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) prepared me for this role. My love of helping students to be successful started in the Office of Institutional Advancement. Transitioning to the Public Relations Office allowed me to connect with students, faculty and staff on a different level.

Education

• A.A.S., Danville Community College, 2008
• B.L.A., University of Richmond, 2011

Favorite course of all time

My favorite course was Leadership and Ethical Decision Making with Dr. Joey Faucette at the University of Richmond. I learned that how you react emotionally is a choice in every situation. I hope to be a shining light for someone; to be an example of what is right and what is good. I strive to be the best me I can be and a positive for all that are watching. 

Professional background

Before joining the VCU Continuing and Professional Education team, I worked as a program coordinator for the VCU Division for Health Sciences Diversity. I was responsible for the program coordination for VCU Pipeline programs such as VCU Health Sciences Academy, Healthcare Quest and the Governor’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences summer residential program. This included, but was not limited to, student admissions and support, securing professional speakers, campus visits, and scheduling shadowing opportunities for youth at VCU Health.

Education

• B.S. in Marketing, VCU School of Business
• Learning Resources Network (LERN), Certified Program Planner
• Lovegevity, Certified Corporate Event Planner
• Lovegevity, Certified Wedding and Event Planner

Favorite course of all time

My favorite course of all time would have to be the Corporate Event Planning noncredit course that I took with VCU Continuing and Professional Education when I first started my career with VCU Division for Health Sciences Diversity.  As a coordinator and planner, it helped me develop the skills necessary for successful implementation, execution and management of various types of events within the corporate environment.  I enjoyed learning from the instructor Kim Letteer and meeting other professionals enrolled in the course.

Professional background

For more than two decades, I have led marketing and communications initiatives for public sector programs. Most recently, I worked as director of marketing and public relations at the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) - a division of Brightpoint and Reynolds community colleges. Prior to CCWA, I was the director of marketing and events at the Virginia Department of Business Assistance. I began my career of service to the Commonwealth as a senior marketing associate at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

Education

• B.S. in Mass Communications (Public Relations), VCU
• Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing, University of Virginia

Professional affiliations

• Learning Resources Network (LERN)
• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)
• Commonwealth Managers Association (CMA)
• Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR)

Favorite course of all time

My favorite course was “Media Graphics” during my sophomore year in VCU’s School of Mass Communications taught by Dr. Bob Bohle. A project to develop a personal logo yielded a treble clef with a pencil in the center – a symbol of my love of music and writing. I still have the drawing as a reminder of my educational and career journeys.

Professional background

I have worked in the world of media production for over 20 years. I spent 11 years as a video producer and coordinator of Hanover County Public Schools’ TV99, the school division’s local cable television station. In that role, I produced videos for the school division, anchored various television programs, and instructed student interns from all four of the county’s high schools. I then spent five years at Randolph-Macon College serving as a video producer, photographer, and social media specialist in the college’s marketing and communications department. Most recently, I served on the production team at Hope Church, where I oversaw all things related to visual production and live streaming.

Professional affiliations

• Learning Resources Network (LERN)
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)
• Volunteer, Friends for Life in Hanover

Education

• B.A., English, Randolph-Macon College, 2002
• Masters in Film and Television, Bond University (Australia), 2013

Favorite course of all time

I loved all of the communications courses I took in college, but one in particular was a public speaking course that I took early on during my undergraduate years. I was a bit shy and hesitant to speak in front of large groups, and this course really helped me to come out of my shell and develop the self-confidence and trust in myself to not be anxious about speaking publicly.