Home: Indianapolis, IN; Chicago, IL. Age: Making the most of my second half century. Profession: Higher education leader. Organization: National Louis University. Title: Vice Provost, Digital Strategy & Operations. Alma mater: University at Albany; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Northeastern University.
Current project: Accelerated pathways to graduation, competency-based learning, credit for prior learning, online programming. Recent recognition: Editor of the Online Learning Consortium’s Press’s first book release. Latest accomplishment: My first stand-up comedy act. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Doubling down on online education about seven years ago and before everyone was excited about it. I’ve loved every second since. Hobbies: Public speaking. I’ve been so lucky to be asked to speak in online education, data-informed student support and AI in higher education. It’s my favorite pastime. Recent travel or adventure: Costa Rica and Alaska in 2022.
Personality profile: ENTJ. Moral compass: The Four Agreements. What do qualities do you particularly value, in yourself and others? Transparency, action-orientation, adaptability, humor. What is your greatest joy? My son. What is your guilty pleasure? Crime documentaries. What word or phrase do you use far too often? I wonder if. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Adventure.
What was your first paying job? McDonalds. What was your favorite college course? Psychology. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Battleship. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Grease. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My Oregon license plate. What’s the best advice you received growing up? If you can, you should. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? AI. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your career? Being a first-generation college student. Any time I feel I’m too far away from it, I take thirty minutes and put myself back into that first admissions office and I’m ready to work with the right spirit again.
What is your big idea?
Spend less time counting things in higher education and focus on truly preparing our students for the world and their future workplaces.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Continuing to elevate the excellence that can be achieved in online and hybridized learning. We’ve got this! What development in your profession are you particularly excited about now? Closing the socioeconomic gap for students pursuing higher education through Earning and Learning opportunities. What widely held belief do you reject? Some of the recent narrative related to higher education, which is so uninformed. What mega-trend most excites you? AI in higher education (and the world, in general). What mega-trend most concerns you? The same.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? A Windy Road (Leading to the Right Place at the Right Time). What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Amy Poehler, all day. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandfather. He was (is) my best-friend and I would give anything to hang out with him one more time, sharing a Dr. Pepper and a Snickers bar. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My dogs. What advice would you give your younger self? Slow down, girl, it will all work out in due time and be amazing. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The birth of my son. Whose place would you take in a body swap fiction? I would totally swap with my son and re-live being a young adult on the cusp of a new and exciting life.
Personal mission: Education for all. Personal motto: Get up every day and make your bed. Favorite quote: “If you can, you should” (Grandpa David). Desired epitaph: She was loved by her family and friends.
