Hello
As lead consultant for Universe-City Consulting, I am passionate about assisting others to reach their goals. In the context of higher education, this translates into helping students achieve their dreams of becoming college bound if in high school and becoming professors if in graduate school. I also see the intersection of how developing and equipping others as the next generation of students and professors has direct impact on educational effectiveness. Whether choosing the right institution as a entering freshman in college or transitioning from graduate school into a college professor, proper preparation, and self awareness is key. These skills also impact university operations. With over 20 years of experience in higher education administration, teaching, recruitment, admissions, program development, and consulting, I care to contribute to the next generation of successful students and professors.
My Story
As a first generation college student, I had many influential teachers, and mentors in my life who helped me achieve the goals of advanced graduate degrees, teaching opportunities, and professional development. I have had the incredible opportunity to teach in other countries, build degree programs, lead faculty, and contribute to higher education institutional successes. I began as a theatre arts major with a love for theatre. That path led me to opportunities working in corporate America at Universal Inc., community theater and eventually finding my purpose in teaching. I spent ten years in high school education as a dramatic arts and English teacher. While earning my masters degree and doctorate, I honed my teaching skills in university level education and later found myself in administration with strategic roles as Director of Marketing, Director of Admissions, program development, a college dean and department chair. I have taught at various public, private (secular and faith based) and for profit schools. These experiences have provided me with keen insights into how each of these institutions execute successes while also being able to identify areas for improvement. I love working with adult practitioner students and am really energized by a student's personal pathway to their respective careers, and I am eager to celebrate their gifts. I have a gift of being able to discern unique talents in others, envision and articulate alternative opportunities for new pathways and am an eager problem solver. My personal philosophy is that we have much to learn from every person we meet and the collaboration, discussion, and reflection can lead to amazing ideas, and outcomes. As an educator, experiencing a classroom with individuals from around the world is a rich learning environment that sets the foundation for critical skills to see nuanced yet important aspects of one's educational pursuits. An undergraduate experience can set the stage for a trajectory of success or challenge. A professor can transform lives by teaching and mentoring.
I am married to a university administrator and three of our four children have pursued higher education. The experiences as a parent, professor, and administrator are no different than others. The fears, pressure, and doubts of high schoolers seeking to be admitted to the college of their choice does not escape those in the world of academia. Despite more seasoned knowledge of the arena, societal influences and peer pressure on those seeking to pursue an undergraduate degree is real.
For those who achieved their graduate degrees and desire to teach, not knowing the ins and outs of the ivory tower can be daunting, confusing, and downright difficult. One's degrees, preparation, experience, and grit are part of the mix. There is an unspoken art and science to landing a teaching position in higher education. Being exceptionally prepared to encounter what most think is "easy" only to compromise future opportunities due to poor evaluations and lack of preparation can be devastating.
As in any industry, there are secrets and solutions. Being able to pay it forward is a gift. To have an opportunity to shape the next generation in higher education is a calling and my purpose.
Contact
I'm always looking to assist others in their quest to reach their goals. Let's connect.
909-576-0915