SUMMER/FALL 2016
ALUMNI MAGAZINE LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT SUMMER/FALL 2016 CONTENTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Volume 11, Number 2 Summer/Fall 2016 Changemakers EDITORIAL BOARD Paula Singer Dear Alumni, CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS BROADENING MY HORIZONS...... 2
Jonathan A. Kaplan APPLYING MY RESEARCH...... 4 PRESIDENT
WHEN YOUR DEGREE WAS CONFERRED, we charged you Valescia Lee-Collick BEYOND THE DEGREE...... 6 DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS with the noble mission of using it for a higher purpose. MY MISSION POSSIBLE...... 8
As alumni, you represent the university’s rich past and BEYOND BORDERS...... 10 EDITORIAL AND DESIGN the legacy built by Bernie and Rita Turner and the late Lindsay Eney HOW IT PAID OFF...... 13 Bud Hodgkinson, but you are also our future. As we reflected on the life of Bud Hodgkinson after EDITOR LIFELONG LEARNERS...... 14 his passing this year, it was your stories that reminded us—faculty, staff, students, and fellow Donna Thomas GRAPHIC DESIGNER graduates—that we are all here to give and achieve more than our founders ever dreamed of, and to MEET THE FACULTY...... 16 Mike Dunphy change the world that future generations will inherit. And while your stories can bring us together Kyra Gemberling Why Walden? Four key takeaways to share with others FROM THE FIELD...... 18 through shared milestones and accomplishments, they are also very personal and powerful in many Kristin Hanson page 31 Rebecca Kirkman WHY I REFER...... 19 different ways. Lesley Tkaczyk Susan Walker CONNECTIONS...... 20 Starting on page 22, you’ll read about three motivated alumni who challenged the expectations CONTRIBUTORS of others to reach their own dreams. Each of them—children of parents from other countries who Walden is published by settled in America—faced language barriers, lack of support, and limited confidence. But today, the Walden University Alumni Association. they each hold a doctoral degree and believe that they are responsible for helping children with The views expressed herein News roots similar to theirs find their own paths to success. are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect & Notes Likewise, we are all responsible for the future of Walden. I continue to be proud of the innovative official Walden University policy. Dr. Jay Seller supports Gia Smith brings Dr. Lotes Nelson and extraordinary institution that we’ve become. And when people ask me about the best part of OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD...... 38 arts education from outside the high-quality healthcare to went from financial manager to my work here, I talk about you. INQUIRIES classroom a community in need counselor and educator SPOTLIGHT...... 40
Alumni Relations page 6 page 8 page 13 NURSING FIELD EXPERIENCE...... 42 Sincerely, myWaldenAlumni.com [email protected] 1-877-235-3561 HERE FOR GOOD AWARDS...... 43
Re-enrollment ALUMNI CALENDAR...... 44 WaldenU.edu/apply Jonathan A. Kaplan 1-866-492-5336 ON THE COVER: Dr. Edwin Quezada ’12, superintendent of Yonkers Public ONE DEGREE, MANY CAREERS...... 45 Schools, spends some time getting to know students in his district. President Transcripts page 22 ACCOLADES...... 46 [email protected] Photo by Michael Paras 1-800-925-3368 HOW I DID IT...... 48
ISSN number 1557-5578 © 2016 Walden University WaldenU.edu/magazine
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BROADENING MY HORIZONS
It will satisfy my lifelong Expanding “desire to leave an indelible Healthcare mark on healthcare. ” surgery that forced her to miss an entire Claris Green-Mills takes healthcare to the next level— semester—it took her only three months in the next country longer to graduate than the usual duration. “I was determined to finish what I started,” By Mike Dunphy Green-Mills says. “Not just to finish but to finish strong.”
WHEN TWO PEOPLE “My relative died before I started my MS in Green-Mills is now applying the CLOSE TO HER Management program, which was one of management skills she learned at Walden PASSED AWAY, the things that inspired me to take on my by laying the groundwork for her new Claris Green-Mills course of study at Walden,” she recalls. business venture. “We are scheduling ’15 realized that “My decision was validated when my meetings with the relevant officials— proper dialysis care friend’s sister died.” like the ministry of health—to identify
could have saved them. “I pondered what Scott Cook properties that would be most suitable could have prevented those deaths,” she This friend’s sister lived in an area with for the hemodialysis center,” she says. explains. “It inspired me to find a way to no hemodialysis centers, so she received Green-Mills figured the best way to a deeper understanding of the business With the support of her husband, Green- “Realistically, we are looking at 3 to 5 years meet the needs of the community.” peritoneal dialysis instead. While both prevent future tragedies was to establish side of caregiving, which she admittedly Mills enrolled in the MS in Management before opening. But my Walden education methods treat kidney failure, hemodialysis a new dialysis center for regions in need. lacked: “I did not have the know-how to set program in 2013. “The global management is bringing me closer.” Beyond adding Green-Mills knew she had to find a way to uses a manmade membrane to clean the “I thought about how it could enhance up a business in another country.” Walden specialization helped me think about greater value to the healthcare system make a difference. A native Jamaican, she blood, while peritoneal uses the lining of the health and the economy,” she says. helped her find the answers. “The wide ways to work with people in other countries of the region, the center will bring relocated to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) the abdomen. “She got much sicker, and it “It combined my nursing and business range of programs allowed me to choose to make this dialysis center a reality,” something more to Green-Mills’s life: in 2008 for a job at Peebles Hospital. Today, was impossible to airlift her to an overseas backgrounds in one idea.” one that would not only help me venture she says. “It will satisfy my lifelong desire to leave she is the charge nurse at the hospital in facility since her condition was too fragile into having my own business but could an indelible mark on healthcare.” Tortola, but she has her sights set on being for air transport,” Green-Mills recalls. Green-Mills soon discovered that also apply to my current role as a nurse,” Despite working full time and facing an entrepreneur. establishing a new dialysis center required Green-Mills says. personal challenges—including major
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APPLYING MY RESEARCH
“Everybody just assumed the way it’s always been done was the best way.”
The referrals speak to the “Everybody just assumed the Wattson’s doubts vanished. specialization. The online spectacular results produced way it’s always been done was After seeing the results, she component of the business by her unique approach, which the best way,” Fuller explains. called to say, “You’re going to will cost about half as much as focuses on timing techniques “I started from square one. be a millionaire! Nobody has the in-person program, making and logic strategies. Fuller I wanted to go at it with a approached the test this way it accessible to many more developed these methods as clean slate and not be before.” students. Strategies for Success her master’s research project at influenced by what anyone Walden. Her professor, Dr. Erica else was doing, because I knew “It was a huge moment,” Fuller “The online program ties right Jennifer Fuller is changing the way students prepare for the ACT Wattson, thought she was crazy that wasn’t working.” recalls. “That one professor back in with what I learned to try teaching students how was my motivation to believe in at Walden,” she says. “I love Getty Images to make better guesses on Her method, on the other hand, myself to make this happen.” applying it.” the math ACT. was working. Students in her By Lesley Tkaczyk BEN SAT WITH HIS PENCILS When Fuller, an MS in Education school teacher in Illinois, the study were able to choose The leap to starting her own Since earning her Walden AND CALCULATOR, ready to graduate, first met Ben, he had frustration of seeing so many nearly 50% of the answers business paid off. Without degree, Fuller has continued take the ACT exam. With ADD an ACT composite score of 16 students disappointed by correctly—without even any advertising, revenue has her master’s research. “You and reading difficulties, timed (out of 36), and he was far from their poor ACT scores became seeing the questions. Fuller doubled every year for the really have to be prepared to tests were usually stressful for the confident student he would overwhelming. When she moved had taught them to narrow last 4 years, meaning she work harder than you could him. This was the third time Ben become. With Fuller’s guidance, to Texas, she decided to make down the correct answer could make that professor’s ever imagine to make your was taking the test; but this he earned a composite score of a change. Fuller now provides by thinking about why the prediction a reality far sooner dreams come true,” she says. time, he was excited. Before 27—an 11-point increase. ACT coaching and preparation test writers provided than she had thought possible. “It’s insane how much of myself the timer started, he snapped a classes full time. One of her those particular Fuller is now focusing on I had to put into starting this quick selfie to send toJennifer Students like Ben are the clients is Ben’s younger brother. response options. offering her service online, business. I wanted to make it Fuller ’07, his ACT coach. The reason Fuller started LogicMax In fact, 95% of her clients are utilizing the knowledge she really meaningful—to make caption read, “It’s go time!” Learning Systems, Inc. After referrals. gained from her Integrating connections with people. I’ve spending 10 years as a high Technology in the Classroom been so lucky.”
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BEYOND THE DEGREE
Advocacy priorities shift toward standardized “I believe that the arts are the wrench to testing, he knew arts programs like dance, make social change happen,” he says. theater, music, media, literature, and visual “The arts transcend politics and connect for the arts were at risk—and that he had to do to the soul.” A something about it. TS And he can’t diminish the importance of Dr. Jay Seller supports arts education a complete education, in part by bringing “I thought, ‘I’ve got to share what I’m doing his degree in his new nonprofit career. from outside the classroom professional artists in to teach workshops in my classroom and the importance and From the ongoing support of his advisor for grades K–12. In the 2015–2016 academic relevance of it,’ ” he says. “If I don’t, then to the powerful research skills to back up By Lesley Tkaczyk year alone, Think 360 Arts for Learning my classroom is going to go away and his advocacy of arts education, he says impacted more than 40,000 students with these kids are going to miss out on this his Walden degree has been the perfect in-school programs and 4,500 teachers with opportunity to be expressive and see the foundation for his outside-the-classroom HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SCOTTY ROMANO ISN’T professional development opportunities. world through a new lens.” Broadening the career. AFRAID TO SPEAK HIS MIND—and he makes sure the Seller also works in his community as reach of his arts education message has right people are listening. Earlier this year, Romano, a vice president for Arts for Colorado, and been the goal since Seller jumped in with “We tell our students, ‘You are a tree and state thespian officer, visited Washington, DC, to share as a member of CAST3 (a local arts board), both feet at Think 360 Arts for Learning those branches go far; reach and grow!’ his passion for arts education with the legislators and Colorado State Thespians, Friends of 3 years ago. Scotty using theater as a platform for senators who make change happen. Arts education, Culture, and Arts16. business and law education is a great he told them, is the reason he’s been admitted to the Walden’s focus on social change was example of that,” he says. “You have to have University of Denver, where he will study business Previously, Seller was a theater teacher. important to Seller during his program, a passion for what you do. It’s my passion and law. But as he watched public education but it is even more vital now. that’s brought me as far as I am today.”
“It was through theater that Scotty was given a platform for self-expression, for standing up and taking on debate. It’s just amazing to see what art can do,” says Dr. Jay Seller ’10, a PhD in Education graduate. Seller is working with Romano and about 10 other Colorado students to encourage arts advocacy at the local and national levels.
As executive director of Think 360 Arts for Learning, Seller is showing his community the profound impact that advocacy can have. The nonprofit organization focuses on bolstering the arts and their importance in “I believe that the arts are the wrench to make social change happen.” 6 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 Theo Stroomer R WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 7 CHANGE MAKERS CHANGE MAKERS
MY MISSION POSSIBLE
A physician I’d worked with previously had told me, “My Walden education gave me “I’m going to open a hospital someday. When I do, I’m going to call you and ask you to be my CEO.” courage to move to California Five years later, he called, and he asked me to run his LTACH in Modesto, California. I wasn’t sure about and become a change agent.” moving my family across the country, but once I got here, I knew this was my chance to give back, just like those nurses gave back to my son and me of the American Specialty Healthcare Corporation, in the burn unit more than 22 years ago. which owns this hospital and is expanding into home healthcare and opening a training school for Modesto is very rural; it’s a low-income, high- vocational nurses, medical assistants, and other unemployment area. In New Jersey, LTACHs are only healthcare providers this year. about 15 or 20 miles apart. But here, there’s no other LTACH for more than 100 miles. How can your family We are helping so many previously unemployed
visit? How do patients have that incentive to get people in this area; 900 people came to our first job Gia Smith ’12, a Master of better? We’re taking care of people whose families fair in February 2013. We’ve hired more than 600 Science in Nursing (MSN) alumna and a current Doctor would have to travel so far if we weren’t here. employees since then, and our training school will of Business Administration provide a pathway to education and a career for (DBA) student, is the CEO In July 2013, we opened our even more healthcare providers. of Central Valley Specialty Hospital and American facility. We have 100 beds, Specialty Healthcare A Compassionate CEO and we’re consistently My Walden education gave me courage to move to Corporation in Modesto, California. operating at 90–95% California and become a change agent. If you don’t
Martin Herbst occupancy. I’m now CEO have that impetus—if someone doesn’t tell you, “Hey, you can do this”—it’s hard to take that step. Gia Smith brings high-quality healthcare to a community in need Walden ingrained that philosophy in me from the very beginning, taught me that I could make a difference— I WAS A SINGLE MOM, WORKING IN ACCOUNTING, and By 2007, I was the chief nursing officer of a long-term and I did. my oldest son—he was about 2 years old—was home acute care hospital (LTACH) in New Jersey. LTACHs
with my mom. They were making tea, and he pulled it are small, specialty hospitals that take care of — As told to Kristin Hanson down and ended up with severe burns on his chest. He chronic, critical-care patients who need more time stayed in the hospital burn unit for 45 days. During that to recover than a typical hospital ICU allows— time, I was so touched by the compassion the nurses 25 to 40 days, on average. showed our family. They took care of my son like he was one of their own. I knew then that I wanted to do this for someone. So I went to nursing school.
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BEYOND BORDERS
Creating Harris’s experiences in Bulgaria have been marked by this
spirit of networking. When she Y U was awarded Walden’s 2014 R O M A N I A
G Fellowship in Research and Sustainable Networks O
Applications in Social Change, S
Dr. Kristina Harris cultivates connections across cultures L a scholar at Sofia University A
By Rebecca Kirkman helped open doors for Harris V to complete her study; this I
A Bulgaria Black Sea same colleague invited Harris Sofia WHEN SHE WAS INVITED TO PRESENT “I thought Bulgarians might have the same back to the university to present M A C HER RESEARCH on the microenterprise reaction. Were they going to accept what her findings about a year later. E D O R K E Y development industry at the World Forum I was recommending? Were they going to Harris’s personal networking skills N U I T A for a Sustainable Society at Sofia University challenge me on it?” dovetail nicely with the findings of her in Bulgaria, Dr. Kristina Harris ’15 was study: that networking can open doors to G R E E C E thrilled to return to the country where Fears aside, her presentation, which otherwise unseen opportunities.
she had conducted her study. But as the provided recommendations on how 0 100 Miles Aegean Sea Stankiewicz Steve event neared, her excitement was mixed microenterprise development companies MEDs are supposed to pool resources with nerves. (MEDs) can better assist small business and link individuals and organizations to owners, was well received—by all but sustainable business solutions, but many of market into a recurring event with a in conducting research in Bulgaria with “If somebody came from outside to tell one attendee. “He was a very proud the organizations in Bulgaria haven’t been permanent location. “Most Bulgarian the contacts he needs to establish a local the U.S. what it is doing wrong, we might Bulgarian and he took offense to some of working together to fulfill that role. Harris entrepreneurs are farmers, so that is presence.
Jill Mettler take offense to that,” Harris explains. the information that might imply Bulgaria had shared the potential for networking giving them more opportunities to sell to has a long way to go in microenterprise with the MEDs that participated in her customers and to market their products,” “You can’t just go in there not knowing development,” Harris remembers. study, and when she returned to Bulgaria, she says. anyone. You have to have that relationship, “You have to have that relationship, she was eager to reconnect with her that connection,” she says. “You have to But she took the gentleman’s opposition as participants to share more of her findings. Although now she’s back at home in understand the dynamics of that culture to that connection. You have to an opportunity to have a discussion about Minnesota, Harris’s influence beyond successfully effect positive social change understand the dynamics of that the challenges and potential solutions from “They loved it. They’re implementing a lot borders hasn’t ended. A Bulgarian PhD there as an ‘outsider.’ ” his perspective. “We’ve talked since then, of things that we talked about to ensure student who was an intern for one of the culture to successfully effect and we have an open dialogue,” she says. “I sustainability and scalability and make MEDs that participated in her study has referred him to some of the entrepreneurs access to capital easier,” Harris says. used Harris’s findings as a starting point Tell us about your experience at positive social change.” I worked with during my research whom he One company has networked to find the for further research. Harris is also setting myWaldenAlumni.com/shareyourstory. could help, as well.” resources to grow a once-informal farmers’ up a Walden faculty member interested
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“Becoming a counselor educator and providing one-on-one clinical work FRIENDS FAMILY were two of my long-term goals.”
genuine in their approach, and teaching assignments at other I was happy to have someone campuses. I also work with understand what I was looking immigrants and refugees to for. It was crucial for me to help them transition from their be able to hold a full-time job native country to mainstream and balance my personal life U.S. I love making an impact on (specifically spending time with the underserved and unserved HOW IT PAID OFF my family and traveling) while populations and bringing about pursuing my degree, and I was positive change in people’s * able to do so through Walden’s lives by helping them navigate online capabilities. the challenges they’re going Financial Manager to through. Counselor and Educator MAKING AN IMPACT: I took a OR year off in between getting MOVING FORWARD: As a part RETURN, REFER, DO BOTH my master’s in 2011 and going of my professional development, NAME: Dr. Lotes Nelson ’15, ’11 CHANGING COURSE: I decided back for my PhD in 2012. During I plan to increase my publication to go to graduate school in that time, I opened my own work and take on leadership DEGREES: PhD in Counselor 2008, but I had no idea what private practice in Charlotte, roles in various counseling Education and Supervision, degree I wanted to pursue— North Carolina, where I counsel professional associations. As a graduate, when you re-enroll this year, you will receive a 30% tuition reduction MS in Mental Health Counseling I just knew I wanted to help individuals, couples, and families Becoming a counselor educator over the lifetime of your next degree program. You can also choose to pass along TITLE BEFORE MY DEGREE: people. I worked in financial as a licensed professional and providing one-on-one those savings to someone else when you refer them … or do both! WHY WAIT? Financial Sales Leader management for nearly 15 counselor (LPC). After clinical work were two of my years, but I was thinking about obtaining my PhD, I accepted a long-term goals, which were To re-enroll, go to WaldenU.edu/apply. To refer, go to myWaldenAlumni.com/refer. TITLE AFTER MY DEGREE: a transition into the counseling professorship role in the clinical made possible by my Walden Psychotherapist (private field. When I reached out to mental health counseling education. Now that I’m doing practice); Assistant Professor Walden, my enrollment advisor program at Montreat College both, I feel like I’m where I need of Counselor Education, helped me translate what I Charlotte, with occasional to be. — K. G. Montreat College Charlotte was looking for in a career and assign a label to the degree program that would be best to Tell us how your degree paid off atmyWaldenAlumni.com/shareyourstory. help me get there. They were so
*All tuition reductions, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact an enrollment advisor for details.
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LIFELONG LEARNERS
LIKE ANY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, Derrick Carter ’15, Just a few weeks after completing his BS in Business ’12 had a dream of what his life was going to look like Administration, Carter jumped right back in to get after graduation. “I never thought I was the smartest kid his Master of Business Administration (MBA). It’s growing up, so basketball and band were going to be my no surprise that after walking at commencement this Third way in to college,” he recalls. “I certainly never envisioned January, Carter re-enrolled at Walden in February to myself getting a master’s degree.” His music and complete his journey by earning his PhD in Management. basketball dreams were dashed when scholarships didn’t “I don’t have time to waste,” he says. materialize. Reality truly set in when Carter realized that Time, his parents couldn’t afford to pay for him to go to college. Carter, project director for the African-American Male But he didn’t let that stop him. Initiative program at Valdosta State University and a first-generation college The connection that I have graduate, just can’t Same seem to stay away from with Walden is just beyond words. Walden and the nurturing environment he’s found ““I went to a two-year technical school right after here. “I can actually go to Valdosta for free. You get that Charm graduating high school in 1998 so I could jump right benefit after 6 months,” and I’ve been here for 8 years,” in,” Carter says. “I finished my program in computer he says. “But Walden helped me get to the level I’m at information systems, but as I sat there at graduation, now; I would not trade Walden for any other university.” Why two-time alumnus I couldn’t help but think, ‘This isn’t it for me.’ ” Derrick Carter has stuck And Carter is spreading the Walden love to family and Carter spent a few years working full time, but the urge friends—including his brothers, sisters-in-law, and his kids, with Walden since 2010— to learn wouldn’t subside. “I just said, ‘I’ve got to go back ages 7 and 2. “The connection that I have with Walden and is back for his PhD to school. I want to go back to school,’” he explains. is just beyond words,” he says. “I talk to my son all the Knowing that he couldn’t sacrifice his full-time job— time about it. I let him know that I’m building a legacy for or his role as a husband and father—it seemed like a him and his sister. He and his sister have ‘Future Walden By Lindsay Eney perfect fit when Walden kept popping up in his searches Graduate’ T-shirts from commencement. He knows that for educational opportunities. college isn’t an option; it’s a requirement.”
After researching the university, Carter spoke with a representative and was highly impressed. “He cared Return to Walden this year for another degree and receive a about me as a person,” he says. “I wasn’t just a student 30% tuition reduction over the lifetime of your next degree or a number in a system to him. I got a really warm feeling program. Go to WaldenU.edu/apply to learn more. about Walden from that moment on.”
14 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 Reese Corey WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 15 CHANGE MAKERS CHANGE MAKERS
MEET THE FACULTY
We don’t know for sure what affects How are your awards from Walden helping you bring the spirit of Healthy online students’ academic success— Campus to online students? because no one really has asked them. People have assumptions that a full-time “ online student sits too much, has too much anxiety and stress from working while they she hopes her new research will improve campuses, help us do that by asking: What’s go to school. But we don’t know for sure experiences for online students—including affecting students inside and outside” of the what affects their academic success— Walden students. classroom? Stress? Sleep? Drug and alcohol because no one really has asked them. use? We collect this data and use health The 2016 Research Fellowship in Distance Why did you choose a career in behavior models and theories to build Education grant funded our data collection public health? evidence-based programs and initiatives to this spring and analysis this summer. My I remember writing an essay for graduate address the identified health needs. The research partner, Dr. Shelley Armstrong, school admission that asked that question: Healthy Campus Coalition then provides and I hope our information will guide some Why do I want to go into this field, this webinars and trainings that can help our thought processes and initiatives at the program? I remember thinking about HIV and partner coalitions—comprising faculty, staff, Walden institutional level. AIDS—both were still fairly new at the time; students, administrators, and community Stephanie Dalton Cowan Stephanie Dalton Cowan people were dying from AIDS, and education partners—apply Healthy Campus in ways and prevention in the area was really lacking that work for their communities. Dr. Michelle M. Burcin | College of Health Sciences among young adults. I wrote something like, “No one dies because they don’t know how By Kristin Hanson to add or complete a calculus problem, but they can die because they lack information LONG BEFORE HEALTHY LIVING BECAME Burcin applies that knowledge and about how to take care of themselves.” And A PRIORITY ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES, experience today as the undergraduate that’s really why I’m in this field. Dr. Michelle Burcin manned the battle’s programs director in the College of Health front lines. A member of the American Sciences. Recently, her efforts earned both How does Healthy Campus work? College Health Association (ACHA) since the college’s Faculty Excellence Award and Every 10 years, new objectives come out of 2000 and a fellow since 2013, she has Walden’s Presidential Award for Faculty Healthy People, a federal health-promotion steered ACHA’s Healthy Campus 2020 Excellence. She also received grant funding and prevention initiative that we consider initiative, which provides research, training, that has supported her current research to be our sister document. Healthy and resources for colleges and universities assessing the unique health needs of Campus looks at that as well as data across the U.S. and Canada on topics online higher education students so future about impediments to academic success. including nutrition, mental health, and iterations of Healthy Campus can take them Tools like the ACHA National College sexual-assault prevention. into account. Here, she sheds light on how Health Assessment, administered on many
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WHY I REFER
staff that provides students potential within them. He tells with all the information them, “Don’t quit. Always keep they need. The workload moving forward. Look at me. Moving was more manageable for I’m older, but I still took the working parents like us; the time and effort to go back to hours of our jobs didn’t work school and earn an advanced on with classes offered at local degree.” Up colleges. Walden was a great solution for both of us. YOU’VE ALREADY EARNED Jewel Pointer shares the secret of her TWO DEGREES FROM WALDEN. WHAT CHANGES HAVE WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO success with her husband YOU SEEN IN JAMES SINCE ENROLL AGAIN TO PURSUE FROM THE FIELD HE EARNED HIS MPA? Not YOUR DBA? My master’s only is he using what he degrees helped me get a NAME: Jewel Pointer ’15, ’13 He knew from seeing me learned at work, he’s also promotion and move up in earn two master’s degrees mentoring young men in our my career. Now I’d like to DEGREES EARNED: MS in that working one-on-one with community. He teaches them prepare myself to move into Top Chef Leadership and Master the instructors helps you the importance of education management, and the DBA of Information Systems understand the material much and why it’s so important for will give me the additional
Martin Herbst Management (MISM) better. Walden has an amazing them to see and act on the communication and leadership skills I need to make that CURRENT PROGRAM: Doctor of “HIGH SCHOOL IS A LOT LIKE A KITCHEN—fast-paced, a lot of people, and plenty of pressure. Because of that, teaching and cooking are next move. Eventually I Business Administration (DBA) very similar: You have to be organized, have patience, be an incredible multitasker. want to open a facility for single parents to help them I’d been working in restaurants since I was 16 years old, and I loved working in the kitchen but have always had a passion for working with CURRENT JOB: Zoning complete their education youth. I took some time off and traveled to Africa and Europe; when I came back to the States, a job as a chef instructor opened up at my Inspector III, City of Dallas and assist them with finding local high school. Upon hiring me, the district requested that I complete a bachelor’s degree. I already had the chef skills, but I was lacking employment. I’m also teaching professional teaching experience. Walden gave me the skills to become a better teacher. YOUR HUSBAND RECENTLY computer science at a local COMPLETED HIS MASTER OF Cooking is an essential life skill that my students need to know. They can eat healthier and save money by cooking at home as opposed to community college and I PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION eating out. A lot of students lack basic nutritional knowledge, but it’s so easy to teach anybody how to cook simple, healthy recipes. want to show them how (MPA) AT WALDEN. WHY DID I have the best job in the world: I’m still able to work in a kitchen, but I get to share my skills with over 100 students every day and improve they can tap into their own YOU REFER HIM TO WALDEN? their lives in the process.” leadership potential. It will be James has served as a police my opportunity to step up and — CHRISTOPHER CORREA ’15 had a long restaurant career before pursuing his BS in Educational Studies. He is now a culinary arts officer for several years, and help individuals who cannot do teacher in the career technology education program at El Molino High School in West Sonoma County, California, as well as an adjunct he wanted to build the skills it by themselves. — S. W. professor in hospitality at Santa Rosa Junior College. and knowledge he needed to advance in his department.
Submit photos of your field experiences at myWaldenAlumni.com/fromthefield. Berg Teresa
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CONNECTIONS
Phi Nu, Walden’s chapter of Duncan currently serves as the Honor Society of Nursing, Phi Nu’s board secretary and is Sigma Theta Tau International the unit manager and educator (STTI). for four med/surg floors at Mercy Ardmore Hospital in Founded in 2011, the chapter Oklahoma—but she didn’t Sigma Theta Tau International always feel like a leader. She has more than 2,300 members Honor Society of Nursing® worldwide. The mission of STTI credits her fellow Phi Nu and Phi Nu is to advance world members with showing her that Phi Nu Chapter health and celebrate nursing there is more than one path Walden University
excellence in scholarship, to success within the field. Scott Cook leadership, and service—all of which are key elements Nursing and leadership are tough gigs; of any Walden education. ” Graduate students who have a I could not do it without their support. minimum GPA of 3.5 and have ” completed at least 25% of “I loved nursing and the imagined,” Duncan explains. second family. When my time
Jenny Abreu Jenny their program are invited to join pediatric unit I work on, but “I can call or email anytime on the board is over, I have the organization, and alumni I didn’t have a plan for what to ask advice or share ideas. already volunteered for some can also become members would come next,” she says. They give me an unbiased other projects.” by applying to become nurse “After seeing the paths that perspective on whatever I’m Building a Support System for leaders. other Phi Nu members were dealing with, whether it’s a When she encourages taking—like management management issue at work, an others to join Phi Nu, Duncan and teaching—I discovered assignment for my DNP, or how emphasizes that by staying Professional Growth new opportunities that would the stress of the job impacts connected with Walden, they’ll allow me to do the work I love life outside of work. benefit from the unique global and continue my professional perspective of the university’s Phi Nu helps nurses expand the horizons TWICE A YEAR, WALDEN Darcy Duncan ’11, Master growth.” “Nursing and leadership are students, alumni, and faculty, of their careers and excel in their field NURSING STUDENTS ARE of Science in Nursing tough gigs; I could not do it an important resource for INVITED to join an elite (MSN) graduate and Doctor Through Phi Nu, she stays in without their support,” Duncan both professional growth and By Susan Walker group of colleagues who of Nursing Practice (DNP) touch with faculty members says. “I have every intention of personal satisfaction in their will soon feel like family as student, was among those and former classmates across sticking around with this great careers. they celebrate one another’s issuing the invitations. She and the U.S. and in Sweden, Asia, group of people; they’re like a accomplishments. At several other nursing faculty and Jordan. “I have a support commencement in January, members, graduates, and system I never could have Share how your Walden connections have shaped your community or students staffed a booth for career at myWaldenAlumni.com/shareyourstory.
20 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 21 OST CHILDREN, REGARDLESS OF AGE, Against WANT TO MAKE THEIR PARENTS PROUD.
And for children of immigrants to the Republic at the age of 16, he didn’t speak a two- or four-year colleges has tripled since United States, this desire can be even more word of English. 1993. With 2.2 million Hispanic students acute. Expectations fueled by cultural, enrolling in college in 2013, Hispanics are All Odds educational, and generational differences The journeys of these three Walden now the largest minority group on U.S. may lead to serious family conflicts over a alumni not only reflect many of the common college campuses. child’s decision to pursue higher education. challenges for immigrant students but in of Walden PhD in Psychology and MS in also provide apt lessons in perseverance, However, what the statistics can’t Pursuit Psychology graduate Dr. Eduardo Diaz determination, and success. show is how far a college degree goes ’15, ’10 often heard from his father: “If you after graduation. These effects don’t just have time to go to school, then you have What the numbers help the graduate’s workplace, but the Education time to go to work.” Hispanic community as a whole, according say—and don’t to Diaz, Quezada, Other children of immigrants have and Valdez. As
reported similar experiences. Dr. Angela In the United States, Hispanic communities they found in Valdez ’12, a Doctor of Education (EdD) have long struggled with barriers to their journeys 2.2 Lessons from the journeys of three Walden graduates graduate born to a Korean mother and a education, including a high percentage of to Walden and MILLION Mexican-American father said that her high school dropouts. But after decades after, the impact after their families settled in America decision to pursue higher education after of dismal statistics, there are finally some is significant, if HISPANIC high school confused her father, who strong signs of improvement: The Hispanic only to serve as STUDENTS By Mike Dunphy thought it would be much better for her to high school dropout rate has decreased an inspiration ENROLLED IN get a job immediately. Fellow EdD graduate dramatically, from 32% in 2000 to 14% in to all students
Dr. Edwin Quezada ’12, on the other hand, 2013, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. of immigrant COLLEGE had a severe obstacle to pursuing any College enrollment rates have also improved, backgrounds IN 2013 education in the United States at all: When with Pew Research reporting that the facing challenges he arrived in the U.S. from the Dominican number of Hispanic students enrolling in on the road to a higher education.
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From super student to he became the assistant and A welcome challenge, but a then deputy superintendent— challenge nonetheless.” superintendent and now, finally, he is head superintendent. Thankfully, the self-discipline, work All this experience in ethic, and adaptability education made Quezada Quezada had thirsty for more. His good cultivated throughout Quezada’s journey to Walden career choice: “I realized that friend, colleague, and mentor, his years in education began upon his arrival to the when adults come together on Dr. Angela Arias ’12, a helped him succeed United States at the age of behalf of children, wonderful Q graduate of Walden University, in the EdD program. And 16—he just didn’t know it yet. possibilities open up.” encouraged him to enroll then the lessons he learned He came to the States from in the Doctor of Education from Walden paid off in his the Dominican Republic and The following years program, which he did in 2008. work afterward, particularly entered his junior year at a saw Quezada climbing ever Like many students new to his commitment to basing All these Based on his own start Bronx, New York, high school higher on the education online classes, Quezada found decisions on research rather lessons are on display in his in the U.S. as a teenager, barely speaking a word of ladder: master’s degrees that the Walden program was than personal opinion. ongoing efforts to create Quezada understands that English. A testament to his in school counseling from far more challenging than “a fiscally responsible budget these students must not dedication and the support Lehman College and school he anticipated. “I thought it “Effectiveness is driven that will address the needs only master English, embrace of his mother and school supervision and administration was going to be easier than by what we’ve learned, and of the students I serve,” a new culture, and quickly counselors, he managed to at Fordham University, and then the face-to-face interaction not by what we think will work,” and his most ambitious goal adapt to the fast pace of the both learn the language and 26 years of work in varying because it would be on my Quezada explains. “I learned of building a relationship with educational system; they must complete high school on time roles, including high school own time; how wrong I was,” the meaning of educational the international high school appreciate America’s diversity. with the rest of his class just teacher, bilingual counselor, he remembers. “The program discourse and the importance network. “I want to pilot an “New immigrants must two years later. It was this human relations facilitator, at Walden is so demanding and of staying focused on social international high school for understand the beauty of our monumental success that assistant principal, and the expectations are so high justice.” students who are new to differences,” Quezada says. “By taught him an important life principal for Bronx and Yonkers that it was a challenge for me. the country, students who understanding our differences, lesson that influenced his public schools. Eventually, are coming here facing the we discover common qualities same challenges I overcame,” that ultimately help us create “I learned the meaning of educational discourse and he says. a new and better society.” the importance of staying focused on social justice.” Michael Paras
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diverse education at the University of Enrolling in the Doctor of Education “Instead of getting too hung up on the Colorado Boulder, and taught bilingual program in 2007, she found her studies as language of instruction, our focus is more education for 7 years in Denver public challenging as she’d hoped. “The entire on effective instruction.” schools. dissertation writing process was the most challenging—and the most rewarding— Her overall goals center on young Hoping to advance her skills even experience of my life,” Valdez remembers. girls of minority backgrounds, especially further and follow her passion at the After graduating, she immediately put her since she herself graduated from the same time, Valdez looked into studying at doctoral education to use at Pikes Peak school district where she is now assistant Walden for her doctorate. Being a single Elementary in Harrison School District 2 in principal. “I hope to inspire and empower mother, she was attracted to the flexibility Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she is our young girls to believe that they can do of online programs, albeit with some assistant principal. and be anything they are willing to work hesitations. “The enrollment advisor whom for,” she says. “I also want them to know I spoke with addressed my concerns, Where she has made the biggest that being bilingual is beautiful.” Although explaining that Walden is accredited by the impact is in the debate over bilingual or she can no longer speak her native Korean, Higher Learning Commission, and that the immersive instruction in her school she doesn’t want to see the doctoral program would be just as rigorous system. “The research I same fate for the as a traditional brick-and-mortar school,” conducted on English bilingual girls in Bilingual is beautiful she recalls. language learners her district. “I hope to inspire and empower our young But
Theo Stroomer girls to believe that they can do and be ultimately, she lets anything they are willing to work for.” them
Valdez arrived in the United States two languages was only confusing her. Originally, Valdez had no intention of know that with limited English proficiency Her parents valued education, but they going into education as a career, but a In the end, hearing success stories informs practices achieving any after spending the first three considered a basic one enough: “When it scholarship opportunity at the University from others helped her make the decision within our building. My success begins years of her life in Korea. Her came time for me to apply to college, my of Northern Colorado led her to major in to enroll. “Reading about the things alumni doctoral study ultimately with finding self- Vmother insisted that she speak dad was confused about why I wanted to Spanish with an emphasis on bilingual had achieved and what Walden meant to taught me that the language of motivation. “Be the positive only English at home instead of go to college rather than getting a job or education—and she hasn’t looked back them spoke to me more than anything instruction wasn’t the most important change,” she encourages them. “Don’t wait her native Korean after Valdez’s joining the military in the footsteps of my since. She studied abroad in Mexico, else,” she says. component of raising achievement scores for someone else to do it!” ESL teachers shared that speaking father and grandfather.” earned a master’s degree in linguistically for English language learners,” she says.
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Later, Diaz continued his studies at Sonoma With these skills grounded in research, Diaz State University, earning a bachelor’s degree proposed a lofty goal to his employer—doubling their Aiming for in psychology, which included a course in current recruitment efforts—that he hoped to meet neuroscience and biological psychology. It was within 12 months. In just 3 months, he exceeded the stars this study that formed the basis of his career in those goal expectations, earning him a permanent, organizational and team development, including full-time position. his current job at Alexan Consulting Enterprise Diaz faced strong resistance to his pursuit of higher Services (ACES). As director of talent acquisition More importantly, his success at Walden also education. He realized while working three jobs after and expert human factors scientist, Diaz “supports helped heal deep wounds with his father. “After high school that he would need further education to the development of teams by performing I earned my master's degree I showed my father advance professionally. However, his father believed assessments that identify characteristics that the certificate, hoping for his approval,” Diaz recalls. Dhard labor was the only way to succeed. In fact, Diaz influence team outcomes.” “He held me in his arms and tears filled his eyes. remembers that when one of his older brothers was I think that he finally understood that I would accepted to the University of California, Berkeley, “My Diaz enrolled in Walden’s PhD program in 2009 continue to pursue a higher education no matter dad laughed and said he wouldn’t pay the tuition.” and earned his master's degree while completing the odds. I never gave up.” his PhD. “What stood out to me about Walden was “I think that my father finally understood that the number of educators who were involved in It’s with this happy ending in mind that Diaz I would continue to pursue a higher education their passions while they were with Walden,” works hard to support and inspire his own children he says. “And the amount of opportunity and others at The Space Station no matter the odds. I never gave up.” for psychology was wonderful. It was Museum in Novato, California. all laid out there for me.” He volunteers to lead tours It took a lot of determination to push through and on-site education for that discouragement, but Diaz gained admission to It was in the doctoral children K–12 and college Santa Rosa Junior College, where he devoted himself coursework that he focused students. “I hope to psychology and languages. It was there that he on his main area of interest that they are inspired began learning American Sign Language (ASL), which and developed his role as expert to dream about the was a particular inspiration for his continued studies. human factors scientist. “After endless possibilities,” “ASL had an incredible impact on my understanding of graduation, I took my dissertation Diaz says, “and to apply the ways people interact,” Diaz says. “It helped me to research and applied it to developing their passion toward better understand facial expressions and body language, an organizational team index, which is achieving their dreams.” and it has helped shape my pursuit of psychology.” used to align candidates to specific teams and greatly improve team outcomes,” Diaz says. Martin Herbst
28 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 29 LEVERAGE YOUR WALDEN NETWORK Introducing Online Career Networking Powered by Brazen
The Walden University Alumni Association has partnered with Brazen, an innovative communications platform offering online networking events. The text-based chats are individual and timed—allowing you to make introductions, exchange contact information, and end the hour with new career connections. Watch for e-mail invitations to network with fellow alumni and current students this year!
SAVE THESE DATES: September 13 | October 20 | November 10
“I look forward to sharing ideas on this platform. I hardly come across Walden graduates in Ghana, so I’m excited to connect more on Brazen!” Why Walden? — Lily Asare ’14, Master of Public Health graduate
“This type of networking is important and can create synergies in ways Four key takeaways to share with others that haven’t been readily available before.” — Dr. LaMont Rouse ’13, PhD in Public Policy and Administration graduate By Susan Walker All Illustrations: Mike Austin Mike All Illustrations: 30 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 31 WHY WALDEN?
The question can come up almost any time. We Are Pioneers When you tell colleagues, friends, family, or even the person sitting next to you on the plane that you’re a Walden understands that working professionals student or graduate of Walden University, they’re 1 need a different way to further their education. likely to ask, “Why Walden?”
Life can be incredibly busy once you reach a certain was one of the first to recognize the changing Certainly? everyone has their personal point in your career. Between your work and family cultural needs and wants of adult students story for choosing any university, responsibilities, it was probably daunting to find who needed something different than what a but Walden offers unique benefits to its students and alumni the time to earn a degree that would help you traditional, campus-bound college could offer. that are the foundation of that story. So, the next time advance your career or open whole new paths. Walden crafted a delivery model around academic someone asks you why you chose Walden, here are Teachers Bernie and Rita Turner understood excellence and student support, delivered in a key talking points to help them understand that obstacle. In collaboration with University of new way. what we’re all about. California Berkeley faculty member Harold “Bud” Hodgkinson, they founded Walden University in “I was attending a traditional college when 1970 to make higher education more accessible my wife became ill, and I had to take a break from to working professionals like you. school,” Andrews says. The recently named dean of Newman University’s new business school in “Walden was a very early pioneer of Wichita, Kansas, recalls when he realized there education that puts the student—and was a better way. “A friend took me to a Walden the student’s needs—first,” explains residency, and I realized that I could continue
Dr. Brett Andrews ’97, a PhD in my education and support my family. It’s not Management graduate. “The university a one-size-fits-all education. You are an active + + collaborator in the excellence of your 1970 1972 70 60,000 100,000 own education.”
Founded First graduating class Degrees conferred Current students Alumni as of 2016 > > in 1972 > > 32 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 33 WHY WALDEN?
We Are Globally Minded
Learning at Walden isn’t limited to a You also built an expanded understanding flagship online university in the unique, connections don’t stop after graduation. campus and its immediate community. of different cultures and workplaces, multinational Laureate International It’s likely you’re still in touch with at Our network of faculty members, an important insight in an increasingly Universities network, which focuses least one other person whom you met 2 students, and alumni like you reside global and interconnected world, and you on providing our students with broader through Walden. And with our new online Walden has a diverse, committed all over the world: The January 2016 developed a wider network of connections. opportunities to advance their careers and networking events, you can connect in community of faculty and students graduating class alone represented more change the world for the better. real time with fellow alumni with the same around the world. than 90 countries. What’s the benefit Walden is also part of a global interests, degrees, or backgrounds as you, of our diverse community of learners? network of more than 80 accredited Residencies, like the one Andrews wherever they may be located. As you collaborated through our online online and campus-based universities attended, and commencement often bring classrooms, you likely gained a broader that spans 28 countries with more than people together for the first time, but perspective on what you were studying. 1,000,000 students worldwide. It is the the relationships and opportunities for
34 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 35 WHY WALDEN?
We Help You on Your Path
We Are Walden supports your education needs today and 3Here for Good tomorrow so you can achieve4 your career goals. A Walden education provides you Walden is built on the belief that learning and work on literature reviews that keep “I would never be doing any of this
with the knowledge and skills you need is a lifelong endeavor. For Dr. William me current and establishes a body of work had it not been for my Walden experience,” in pursuit of positive social change. Washington ’15, a Doctor of Education that I will use to publish my own studies.” Washington says. “If you desire a deep (EdD) graduate, his Walden education understanding, then this is your place to continues to open doors. He is now Like Washington, you earned the learn. My EdD has helped me make a real
At Walden, you certainly got an academically rigorous education, and expertise helping neighbors in need all around the world. assistant principal of Rappahannock High degree you needed to achieve your career difference at my school and has allowed but you also built the knowledge, skills, and connections you Positive social change is embedded in the curriculum and essential School in rural Virginia and chief academic and life goals. When you want the skills to "me to reinvent my professional role.” needed to make a difference in your life and in your community. to the dissertation process, and Walden awards scholarships administrator of Transition Academy, take the next step or change your career and fellowships to students and faculty who are bringing the a school-within-a-school program at path, we’ll still be here to help you along To help others find their place
Diana Shaw ’15, a Master of Public Policy (MPP) graduate university’s commitment to social change to life. There is also Rappahannock High. the way. As an alumnus, you are eligible at Walden, contact us at and one of Walden’s two 2016 Laureate Here for Good Award a growing community of alumni who have received the annual for re-enrollment benefits, including a [email protected] or submit a honorees, embodies that commitment to positive social change. Outstanding Alumni Award in recognition of their dedication to “I came out of Walden with a 30% tuition reduction* over the life of your referral at myWaldenAlumni.com/refer. An attorney and legal consultant, Shaw moved from her native excellence in service since earning their degrees. comprehensive understanding of the program, waived enrollment fee, eligibility Jamaica to Belize to practice law. “In Belize, I observed children and philosophies behind the buzz words,” for scholarships, and the opportunity to women being trafficked and sexually exploited,” she says. “They “In 2008, I started The Child Development Foundation Washington says. “Others look to me for transfer credits from other programs. did not have adequate advocacy services or any understanding to expand this work. We’re currently building a rescue and expertise and expect me to be a resource of how to get help. I got involved to raise awareness of the issue rehabilitation shelter for people who need long-term rehabilitative for them. That expectation continually and provide psycho-social support for victims. I also led advocacy support,” Shaw says. “Fostering community requires that we are drives me to use the Walden alumni library efforts for legal reform on the national level, drafting laws to not just concerned about the problems they face, but that we better protect victims, and providing training to government intervene in a way that respects the dignity of those in need and * All tuition reductions, grants, or scholarships are officials when those laws were passed.” empowers them to make positive change happen in their own subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact a Walden University enrollment advisor for details. lives. My Walden education equipped me with the practical and Only one tuition-reduction benefit may be applied to tuition. For the past decade, Global Days of Service have brought leadership skills I needed to improve and sustain the operations students, faculty, staff, and alumni together to share their time and programs of our organization.”
36 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 37 NEWS & NOTES NEWS & NOTES
Announcing Our 2016 Outstanding Alumni Award Winner
Congratulations to this year’s winner, Dr. John Henry Felix!
Dr. John Henry Felix graduated from Walden in 1975 with a PhD in Public Policy and Administration. He currently serves as the executive chair and chief operating officer of the Hawaii Medical Assurance Association, but is also a partner/owner in several other businesses and remains dedicated to positive social change in Hawaii and around the world.
Felix’s dedication to service started early; he This year we received a record 56 Dr. Felix joins the esteemed achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age nominations, representing 18 class years community of previous winners of SAVE THE DATE for Winter Commencement of 14, and has been nationally recognized and 21 degree programs. the Outstanding Alumni Award: for his continued service to the Boy Scouts 2015 Crystal Johnson of America. Felix was the first American We applaud the following four finalists for 2014 Dr. Walter McCollum awarded the International Red Cross Medal their commitment to effecting positive HAVE YOU CELEBRATED YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS? It’s never too late to walk across the stage to 2013 Dr. Jonas Nguh of Honor in 1983 and he has been nationally social change in their communities: commemorate the completion of your Walden degree. Our 57th Commencement Ceremony will be held on and internationally recognized for his service • Laura Bulluck ’10, MS in Nonprofit 2012 Dr. Tia Campbell Saturday, January 7, 2017. Join your classmates from around the world for a weekend of celebration with to the American Red Cross and March of Management and Leadership 2011 Dr. Gary Bickford family, friends, and faculty members in Orlando, Florida, at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. Dimes. • Dr. Raymond Chimezie ’13, PhD in 2010 Ivy Garcia-Zwicker Public Health Confirm the email address in your alumni profile at myWaldenAlumni.com to receive an invitation 2009 Dr. Prince Augustine Ordu • Dr. Rafael Matos ’13, PhD in Psychology when registration opens in the fall. 2008 Dr. Souror Baetjer • Dr. Ramen Saggu ’15, PhD in Psychology 2007 Dr. Leo Parvis
The Outstanding Alumni Award is granted 2006 Dr. David Boyd each year to a graduate who exemplifies our 2005 Dr. Sharon Freeman mission to effect positive social change by 2004 Dr. Freida Pemberton making an impact on his or her profession, 2003 Dr. Michael Wanko discipline, or community. The recipient of the award is honored at an awards dinner 2002 Dr. Craig Swenson during commencement weekend each 2001 Dr. Joy Erlichmen Miller summer. Nominations for the 2017 award will open in the spring.
38 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 39 NEWS & NOTES NEWS & NOTES
SPOTLIGHT
The following day—commencement day— Stanley proudly placed the doctoral hood “I was grateful that Dr. Stanley could on Donaldson. This act would represent the guide me from a student perspective, graduation of Stanley’s first student since becoming a faculty member in the Doctor of not just as a faculty member.” Business Administration (DBA) program— the same program he graduated from in 2011. What made this even more special was that and not be bothered by it Stanley was in the first graduating class of the psychologically. This made our DBA program. ability to work together as chair and student even more special. Stanley said he was intrigued by Walden’s I was able to help him endure commitment to social change, which led him despite setbacks.” to develop an ongoing activist relationship with his chair, Dr. Walter McCollum ’04. Just because they are no longer “Dr. McCollum and I travel to Haiti together required to communicate to do social work with children,” Stanley says. doesn’t mean their relationship “He instilled in me the idea that my degree has ended. On the contrary, was not about me, but about bettering the they continue to keep in touch lives of others.” today: Donaldson is serving as a mentor for Stanley’s current When Stanley became a contributing DBA students, and Stanley faculty member in 2013, he aimed to pass on is providing recommendations the same emphasis on enacting social change to assist with Donaldson’s Forging Lasting Bonds in his students. He first “met” Donaldson in professional development. the online classroom for his DBA 8100 course; the pair immediately bonded when Stanley increased despite their distance; regular texts, “We have this idea that if we don’t see a reached out to Donaldson to reassure him of emails, and weekly phone calls were the norm person, we don’t know them,” Stanley says. How one DBA graduate-turned-professor DR. SEAN STANLEY ’11 FELT ANXIOUS, his decision to enter the program. “It put me at for the two men. Stanley soon developed a “But the most important aspect of developing YET EXCITED as he drove to Orlando, Florida, guided his first student to success ease knowing I had a mentor who had been in cohort of student mentees, and Donaldson any relationship is communication. Walden for Walden’s Winter 2016 commencement my exact same position and understood what emerged early on as the group’s leader— provides an incredible venue for direct By Kyra Gemberling ceremony. For him, the festivities began I was going through,” Donaldson says. “I was Stanley said Donaldson often vocalized ideas communication through teleconferences and with a dinner to celebrate the graduation of grateful that Dr. Stanley could guide me from for the group to discuss before he did. “My residencies. Through our cohort conference Dr. Michael Donaldson ’15, Stanley’s mentee a student perspective, not just as a faculty trust in Michael began to grow as I realized he calls, we got to learn more about each other and close friend of nearly 3 years. But this was member.” was serious about the program,” Stanley says. each week. We became close like a family; no ordinary dinner—it was actually the first time “Michael understood that it was a process that it’s the greatest networking opportunity I have the men met face-to-face. After Stanley became Donaldson’s doctoral demanded that you accept critical reviews ever been part of.” study chair, their one-on-one interactions
40 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 41 NEWS & NOTES NEWS & NOTES
2016 Trade Shows
& Conferences Congratulations to Laureate’s 2016 Here For Good Award honorees and winner!
ATTENDING OR PRESENTING AT ANY This year, we received more than 350 applications from more than 40 institutions in the Laureate Education network. One winner and nine OF THESE CONFERENCES OR TRADE honorees, including two Walden alumnae, were selected from the applicants. Ganesh Muren from INTI International University and Colleges SHOWS IN 2016? Be sure to stop by the Malaysia was named the 2016 winner for his work with Saora Industries to provide the basic right of safe drinking water. Walden exhibitor booth and bring a friend.
Please join us in congratulating the two Here For Good Award honorees from Walden University: BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT National Society of Hispanic MBAs Conference and Career Expo Mercy Chikhosi Nyirongo ’14 September 29–October 1 | Master of Public Health Houston, Texas Nyirongo formed Wandikweza to train community health workers to engage and build community-based approaches to health EDUCATION issues affecting women and girls in the Dowa district in Malawi. National Association for the Education Since its founding, Nyirongo’s organization has served more Help Walden nursing students of Young Children Conference & Expo than 475 households and 45 vulnerable women. gain field experience November 2-5 | Los Angeles, California
NURSING
Are you a nursing graduate? Currently, we have hundreds of motivated MSN American Nurses Credentialing Center National Magnet Conference Diana Marian Shaw ’15 students who need field experiences in order to complete their programs. October 5-7 | Orlando, Florida As a successful graduate, you can support Walden students who are ready for Master of Public Policy this critical academic milestone. You may be able to help a nursing student if: The Child Development Foundation provides counseling for women PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SCIENCES and children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual abuse, • You are currently working at a site that could host a nursing student, American Public Health Association or human trafficking; support groups for teachers and parents; Annual Meeting & Expo • You can share how you were successful at securing a preceptor, October 29–November 2 | and legal support for victims. Under Shaw’s leadership, the Child • You could serve as a preceptor, or Denver, Colorado Development Foundation has reached more than 5,000 children and • You know someone who could serve as a preceptor. 1,100 parents and teachers through its programming and training.
SOCIAL WORK AND HUMAN SERVICES Social change begins at home—and the greater Walden community benefits National Organization of Human Services when alumni and students are professionally connected in the workplace. National Conference HERE Since 2012, the Here for Good Award has recognized Laureate students, graduates, faculty, and staff who are exceptional October 19-21 | Tampa, Florida To raise your hand as a field experience advocate for nursing students, FOR examples of what it means to be Here for Good in their communities. Those honored by the awards are demonstrating sign up at myWaldenAlumni.com/MSNfieldexperience. permanence and purpose in their communities and are using their Laureate education to create positive social change. GOOD
42 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 43 NEWS & NOTES NEWS & NOTES
Coming Soon: President’s Circle
Walden University proudly introduces the President’s Circle, our new loyalty recognition society dedicated to thanking alumni who consistently support strategic initiatives each year. Created by President Jonathan Kaplan to acknowledge the contributions of our most passionate graduates, the President’s Circle will Walden comprise active alumni leaders who continue to advance the mission of the university through advocacy, public outreach, referrals, and mentorship. For more information, Alumni Calendar please contact Valescia Lee-Collick at [email protected]. Don’t miss out on your chance to connect with colleagues, both old and new. Tuesday, September 13, 2016 one degree Introducing New Tempo Learning™ Walden Alumni Online Networking many careers
Competency-Based Programs 7:00–8:00 p.m. Getty Images
October 17–23, 2016 Walden has recently introduced two new programs offered Global Days of Service MS in Early Childhood Studies through Tempo Learning™, our self-paced educational From classroom teacher to administrator, an MS in Early Childhood Studies can lead to many paths that help nurture the developmental needs of children. experience for students who want to earn their degree on Thursday, October 20, 2016 See where some of our graduates have taken their careers. their terms. Walden Alumni Online Networking 7:00–8:00 p.m. Diane McCullough ’15 Jasmyn Adwaters ’14 Jay Rodriguez ’14 Lois Wachtel ’13 In the competency-based Master of Business PRESCHOOL TEACHER Education Specialist (EdS) in Doctor of Education EARLY CHILDHOOD CONSULTANT Administration (MBA) and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) programs, Thursday, November 10, 2016 Devine, Chinn, Garrett Center Early Childhood Studies Student (EdD) Student AND EDUCATOR students can progress at their own pace by applying their existing knowledge and prior Walden Alumni Ambassadors Canton, Mississippi FOUNDER ADJUNCT PROFESSOR Creative Beginning Steps experience while focusing on mastering the new skills they need to meet the demands Online Networking Education and Enrichment Services Kaplan University Port St. Lucie, Florida of the workforce. 6:30-7:30 p.m. TaShanna Norrell ’15 Atlanta, Georgia Ft. Lauderdale, Florida PROGRAM ASSESSOR Teri Peasley ’12 Walden’s initial Tempo Learning™ offering, a competency-based MS in Early Childhood Saturday, January 7, 2017 HighScope Educational Mercy Olayinka Odunayo ’14 Seletha Tucker ’14 Doctor of Education Studies with a specialization in Administration, Management and Leadership, was the 57th Commencement Ceremony Research Foundation DIRECTOR Doctor of Education (EdD) Student nation’s first online competency-based master’s program in early childhood using a Orlando, Florida Ypsilanti, Michigan Victory International Ministries (EdD) Student PROGRAM DIRECTOR direct assessment model. Port Harcourt, Nigeria TEACHER Pathways of Central Ohio All times listed are Eastern time Capstone Education Group Newark, Ohio To learn more about Tempo Learning™ and its growing portfolio of competency-based Memphis, Tennessee programs, visit WaldenU.edu/tempolearning. Mark your calendars and watch for your invitations to register. Where do you work? Update your employer info at myWaldenAlumni.com
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Brian Myrup ’07 Dr. Jo Andrea Watson ’14 ’08 Dr. Michael Kluzinski ’93 Tomorrow L. Allen-Collins ’10 MS in Education (MSEd) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and MSN PhD in Applied Management and Decision MS in Psychology Accolades Named managing director of York Named director of organizational Sciences (now PhD in Management) Appointed general manager for the Doris Alumni have a significant impact on their organizations, Preparatory Academy, a charter school in development and learning at St. Mary’s Published Pennies to Thousands. W. Jones Family Resource Building in Niagara communities, and disciplines. Here are some recent highlights. Rock Hill, South Carolina. Myrup has been Medical Center in West Virginia. Falls, New York. working there as a consultant since July Dr. Richard Leonard ’93 Congratulations to all on your accomplishments! 2015, helping the school learn to use student Melissa A. Harvey ’12 PhD in Applied Management and Decision Dr. Bill Burrichter ’06 test data to design its instruction. MSN Sciences (now PhD in Management) PhD in Psychology Elected as a board member for the Lima Published Summer Sports Camps 101: A Named director of The Richard W. Riley College Dr. Jim Berry ’10 C. Damon Osborne ’04 Convalescent Home Foundation’s board Guidebook for Development and Operation. counseling services of Education and Leadership EdD MSEd of trustees. Harvey is a registered nurse at Houghton College in Received the Most Distinguished Athletic Named associate vice president for and full-time teacher and practical nursing Houghton, New York, Dr. Martha B. Evans ’14 Trainer Award from the National Athletic online and alternative delivery programs at coordinator at Rhodes State College in Ohio. College of Social and where Burrichter earned his bachelor’s Doctor of Education (EdD) Trainers’ Association. Berry is one of only 15 The University of Findlay in Ohio. Behavioral Sciences degree in psychology 23 years ago. Named West Virginia American Legion’s trainers nationwide to receive the award in Melissa Kline ’07 College Professor of the Year. Evans is 2016. He has been the head athletic trainer MSN Dr. Lisa Mallory ’16 Dr. Patrick Ford ’03 an assistant professor and campus liaison at Conway High School in South Carolina College of Health Sciences Promoted to vice president of nursing PhD in Public Policy and PhD in Applied Management and Decision at Ohio University Southern. since 2013. and chief nursing officer at MetroHealth Administration Sciences (now PhD in Management) Dr. Stacey Pilling ’15 in Cleveland, Ohio. She has been with Appointed to the Federal Appointed grant manager for Big Bend Dr. Tabatha L. Dr. Lynn Carey ’10 PhD in Public Health MetroHealth since 1998. Home Loan Bank of Community College’s new drone technology Tierce ’13 EdD Published “Barriers to Perinatal Care Among Atlanta’s Affordable program. The program will train drone EdD Named superintendent for Frontier Migrant Women Farmworkers in Northern Housing Advisory Council. Mallory is CEO technicians and pilots with a focus on Named Floyd County Regional School District in Massachusetts. Ohio” in the Universal Journal of Public Health. College of Management of the District of Columbia Building Industry agricultural applications of drone technology. (Georgia) Schools’ Carey was previously the director of The paper was coauthored by Larissa J. Estes, and Technology Association, a trade association for all 2016 Teacher of curriculum, instruction, and assessment for a faculty member in Walden’s School of aspects of real estate development. She is Dr. Danita A. the Year and was the school system’s the Monadnock Regional School District in Health Sciences. Dr. Douglas Merriman ’15 also president and CEO of PeopleStrat, LLC, a Johnson-Hughes ’02 representative for the Georgia Teacher Swanzey, New Hampshire. PhD in Applied Management and Decision full-service consulting firm. PhD in Human Services of the Year. She has been teaching at Susan Bartholomaus Sciences (now PhD in Management) Nominated for the 2016 Cave Spring Elementary for 9 years and Dr. Keith Levatino ’10 ’14 Appointed the city administrator for Oak Dr. Rebecca M. Webster ’14 Drum Major Award, has helped raised more than $7,000 for EdD MS in Health Informatics Harbor, Washington. He previously served as PhD in Public Policy and Administration inspired by the “Drum technology at the school. Named superintendent of schools for Appointed director of the city’s finance director. Published a piece of her dissertation, “This Major Instinct” sermon given by Dr. Martin the Little Falls, New York, district. Levatino patient care services Land Can Sustain Us: Cooperative Land Use Luther King Jr. The award recognizes people Dr. Melissa Reed ’11 was previously principal of Perry Junior High at Mercy Medical Center Lakesha Walker ’14 Planning on the Oneida Reservation,” in the who dedicate their lives to improving the EdD School in New Hartford, New York. in Sioux City, Iowa, where she will oversee Master of Business Administration (MBA) peer-reviewed Planning Theory & Practice. human condition. Johnson-Hughes has been Joined the Immaculata University faculty and manage acute inpatient care units. Appointed to United Way’s Local Board president and CEO of Edgewater Behavioral as chairwoman of the Division of Dr. Christopher A. Dignam ’07 in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Walker Dr. Sallie M. Poepsel Health Services in Gary, Indiana, for 20 years. Education. She will oversee the graduate EdD Cindy Clos ’14 is vice president and store manager for TD ’13 and undergraduate education programs Named superintendent of schools by the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Bank’s Bridgeton branch. PhD in Public Policy and and supervise 10 full-time faculty Township High School District 113 Board of Promoted to associate director of clinical Administration members. Education in Highland Park, Illinois. Dignam services for Arbor Hospice and Palliative Care Jason R. Griess ’07 Appointed by the Want to see your name here? Submit your previously served as principal of Deerfield in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is a member of MBA Secretary of Health and accomplishment to myWaldenAlumni.com/ High School. the nonprofit’s operations team. Appointed president of Nebraska Land Human Services to serve a 4-year term on shareyourstory. Title and Abstract. He was previously the the National Advisory Committee on Rural title manager at Nebraska Title Company, Inc., Health and Human Services. in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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Sonny says: “It’s always been important to Marcia to continue her education. When she’s finished with one thing, she finds something else to pursue. It tickled me to see her graduate, knowing that her father was always Scott Cook DR. MARCIA HAGEN ’15 very excited about her becoming a How I Did It doctor someday.” With the support of her husband, one grad overcame loss to finish her doctorate Announcing
WHEN I STARTED AT WALDEN for sometimes putting in extra time It was particularly difficult so glad he and Sonny encouraged my Doctor of Nursing Practice there. After supper, I worked on when my father passed away me to finish. The Barbara Solomon School of Social Work (DNP), I had recently made the my schoolwork until I was finished. in February 2014. I was halfway transition from working in internal I had a day full of commitments, through the program at that Since earning my degree, I’ve and Human Services honoring Walden Board Member medicine to building a family and that didn’t leave me with a lot point. Both of my parents were gotten a new job offer that I have practice in a rural clinic. I’d been in of personal time. proud of me for pursuing my accepted, and it feels so good to nursing for more than 35 years, education because neither of have the credibility that comes Dr. Barbara Solomon’s dedication to social work and the university. but the field pushes for academic My husband, Sonny, helped them had gone to college. I with a doctorate. I will now be progression. It may soon be a keep the roadblocks out of my remember telling my father that an assistant professor in a DNP requirement to have a doctoral way. He always made sure there the process was going to take program’s clinical track at Viterbo degree in order to take the nurse was something on the table for longer than I thought, and he University. I will still be able to Thank you, Dr. Solomon, for your commitment practitioner exam, so I went for it. supper, and he took care of our said, “The time will come and work in clinical practice a couple bills and other responsibilities. He go, and you’ll either say you wish days a week—the best of both Maintaining balance was my encouraged me to continue, even you would’ve finished or you’ll worlds! to social change and to Walden. biggest struggle; I tried hard to when it got to the point where know you’re almost done.” It was keep one day a week open for I couldn’t see the end. He never extremely hard losing him, but I’m — As told to Kyra Gemberling downtime, but it didn’t always doubted me; he would say, “Of happen. I worked on building my course you can do it—just keep clinic practice during the day, at it.” Who or what was your inspiration? Tell us at myWaldenAlumni.com/ shareyourstory.
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Every graduate has a story to tell.
WHAT ’S YOUR STORY? myWaldenAlumni.com/shareyourstory
Christopher Correa ’15, a BS in Educational Studies graduate, is featured on page 18.