SUMMER/FALL 2019

PUTTING SCHOLARSHIP TO WORK Paving an alternative path to a doctoral degree page 24 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT SUMMER/FALL 2019 CONTENTS MAGAZINE

Volume 14, Number 2 Summer/Fall 2019

EDITORIAL BOARD Paula Singer CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dear Walden Community, Dr. Ward Ulmer PRESIDENT

Missy Walker VICE PRESIDENT, BRAND It is an honor to greet you in this issue of Walden magazine as AND PRODUCT MARKETING the 10th president of this great institution. I am humbled to be Marc Williams able to serve my alma mater. Our continuing success depends on EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, many things, but one that is foundational is ensuring we have CREATIVE SERVICES an equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture. That’s why I’m so pleased we are welcoming our first vice FUNDING A MOVEMENT EDITORIAL AND DESIGN president of diversity, inclusion, and equity to the university community. Actually, we are welcoming FOR HOMELESS WOMEN Lindsay Sherman her back because she is a Walden graduate. EDITOR Ottawa’s Homeless Period Donna Thomas 10 meets a unique need Dr. Denise Boston earned her PhD in Psychology here in 2000. She was attracted by our mission GRAPHIC DESIGNER of effecting positive social change, and she’s been paying that mission forward since. Most recently, she Kelsey Allen was dean of diversity and inclusion at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Before that, she held Kristin Hanson academic and student services leadership roles for the District of Columbia College Access Program Rebecca Kirkman and Sojourner-Douglass College. Kyra Molinaro Kevin C. Thornton “I am thrilled to be coming home to my alma mater and a community committed to Susan Walker equity, diversity, and inclusion. I believe they are currencies for trust, and they allow all CONTRIBUTORS voices to be heard and respected.” Walden is published by — Dr. Denise Boston the Walden University Alumni Association. INSIGHTS HOW I DID IT

This issue contains several stories of doctoral success. On page 24, you’ll read about the consulting The views expressed herein Improving Workplace Fighting for Her Life are those of the authors and capstone option for several of our professional doctorates. It’s a win-win opportunity you’ll want to be 6 Processes 24 and Her Dreams do not necessarily reflect a part of. On page 12, you’ll meet three Doctor of Education graduates from the Mariana Islands who official Walden University policy. CONNECTIONS Tips for identifying and FEATURE A two-time graduate are leaders in their school district and in typhoon recovery efforts. Dr. Dahlia Connors’ inspiring story implementing opportunities battles aggressive cancer ISSN number 1557-5578 is on page 48. Lung cancer couldn’t stop her from earning a PhD or celebrating at commencement. From Advisor to Friend Putting Scholarship © 2019 Walden University to increase efficiency in while completing WaldenU.edu/magazine An enrollment advisor goes to Work All of them, and you, make me proud to call Walden “my university.” any industry her dissertation beyond the call of duty to Consulting capstone support his students helps students gain hands-on experience before graduation Sincerely, 22 48

Dr. Ward Ulmer ’04 President PhD in Applied Management and Decision Sciences Cover illustration by Daniel Hertzberg WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE 1 SPOTLIGHT ON WALDEN

Why I Refer

ANDREW, HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY TO A HIGHER ANDREW, HAVE DEGREE BEGIN? I had my bachelor’s degree in business and YOU REFERRED was working in my father’s heating and air conditioning company, OTHERS TO Parker Aire. I was supplementing my income by working as a WALDEN IN substitute teacher and then an instructional aide in the Atlantic ADDITION City School District. The principal of the school eventually offered TO NEYSHA? me a full-time job, saying, “You’re here every day anyway, and the There have been students like you.” I accepted it, of course, and that triggered my quite a few of our desire for a master’s degree. Of all the universities available, I chose colleagues who have Walden because of its passion and commitment to encouraging gotten their PhDs positive social change. through Walden. We’re surrounded by a network of Walden graduates. I enjoyed NEYSHA, HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON WALDEN? every minute of my experience, and I would absolutely choose I was looking at different schools, and Andrew reminded me Walden again. There are so many good, hardworking alumni out that since he’d already graduated from Walden, we knew how there making positive changes in our community. I’m honored to they worked, we had a relationship with them, and we knew the be part of that community. quality of the program. It was an easy decision. Before Walden, I was teaching special education and then was an elementary school NEYSHA, WOULD YOU CHOOSE WALDEN AGAIN? Sharing School Spirit teacher, but neither really felt right for me. Getting my MSEd Absolutely. Walden gave me the freedom, organizational skills, allowed me to change my career path and get a position teaching and self-discipline to own each task and conquer them. I’m so Greg Dohler Photography English as a second language instead, and that’s my strength. I love glad Andrew led the way and referred me. I wouldn’t change it what I do now. for a minute. Andrew Parker III’s BEFORE HE BECAME A RESPECTED TEACHER IN ATLANTIC CITY AND GROUNDBREAKING POLITICIAN in Egg Harbor Township, change journey hits home New Jersey, Andrew Parker III ’12, an MS in Education (MSEd) graduate, had a dream: He wanted to lift others to help contribute to the greater good. By Kevin C. Thornton I chose Walden because of its passion Parker has done that—and more. Along with being named one of the “ top 50 math and science teachers in the U.S. and being the first African and commitment to encouraging American elected to the Egg Harbor Township Committee, one of his proudest change achievements came closer to home. It was there he convinced his wife, positive social change.

Neysha Parker ’14, to pursue her MSEd at Walden, furthering the family’s – Andrew Parker” III focus on positively impacting the world around them.

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Meet the Faculty

DR. LAUREL WALSH ADMITS needed a baseline comfort with academic OF ALL YOUR WORK AT WALDEN, SHE’S FOLLOWED A NON- writing. But I started to realize that my WHAT DO YOU FEEL HAS BEEN TRADITIONAL CAREER PATH graduate students and doctoral candidates MOST IMPACTFUL? over the past quarter-century—from high had the same struggles with more advanced A Winding In 2008 or 2009, we did an investigation school teacher in the Czech Republic to composition. We might have subject-level of capstone quality. We looked at the final doctoral candidate mentor in the American mastery, but very few of us feel comfortable editorial suggestions that students received Midwest. But the core faculty member sharing our writing with others. in The Richard W. Riley College of Road Education and Leadership wouldn’t have it any other way. In 2008, she answered an ad for an academic editor at Walden University, We might have subject-level mastery, Through Walden and over the past decade, she’s moved into “ leadership roles in the Writing Center, but very few of us feel comfortable With a focus on writing Center for Academic Excellence (formerly the Center for Student Success), and Center sharing our writing with others. excellence, Dr. Laurel Walsh for Faculty Excellence. Currently serving as ” a faculty mentor for Doctor of Education leaves her mark candidates, Walsh says that as her titles have WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING on their dissertations and looked side changed, her deep-rooted love for teaching ABOUT WORKING FOR WALDEN? by side, page by page, at how those edits By Kristin Hanson has remained constant. informed students’ choices in their final The diversity of experiences that I’ve had documents. We learned that students at Walden is unparalleled. I can’t imagine made very few fixes based on boilerplate HOW DID WORKING WITH another professional backdrop where I’d cut-and-paste APA-rule edits and did a HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS have such a rich and diverse opportunity to lot based on what we came to see as more TRANSLATE TO LATER WORKING do so many things. Before Walden, I taught of a conversation with the student. There WITH ADULT LEARNERS? for almost 2.5 years in a Master of Business was a faculty editor at the time who had Administration program in the College at 97% of his edits incorporated, so we When I returned to the United States, St. Scholastica’s accelerated degree program. wanted to know how he was doing that. I really wanted to continue teaching I knew even if I lived to be 1 million years We merged that into a set of best practices. the same demographic, so I taught at old that I’d never be able to go beyond That investigation all those years ago has a community college. If I could instill teaching management theory and American informed the way I give feedback. When comfort in new undergraduate students in Psychological Association (APA) style and I’m mentoring other faculty and working in writing down their thoughts and sharing being a capstone advisor. the classroom, I’m still using those insights. them with a small group of peers, it could be a powerful opportunity to influence their academic journeys. When I came to Walden, I was a little worried that it would take me away from students who really

4 WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE 5 SPOTLIGHT ON WALDEN

Connections “ If I didn’t have Aaron, if he didn’t check in at certain times, I would have probably given up. ” – Dr. Sharon Alston

For Dr. Sharon Alston ’19, the moment was I’m not going to give up on you, and I’m not going to unforgettable. She was celebrating the completion let you give up on yourself.” of her PhD in Psychology, but she was also finally meeting the man she credits with helping her get there. Alston says the timing of Thomas’ calls sometimes seemed “Dr. Alston gave me a big hug and said, ‘So this is the like divine intervention. “I really, truly believe he was man behind the voice that I’ve been talking to for God-given to me,” Alston says. “If I didn’t have Aaron, 10 years!’” Thomas says. if he didn’t check in at certain times, I would have probably given up and said, ‘I can’t, I won’t, and Their story began in 2009 when Alston requested I’m not going to do this.’” information about Walden and Thomas reached out to her. During their first phone conversation, the two Thomas recalls one conversation on his way home realized their homes in New Jersey had been just 30 from work that meant a lot to both of them: “I picked minutes apart. Always trying to get to know his potential up the phone and she said, ‘Aaron, you can call me students to serve them better, Thomas asked Alston “doctor” now!’” what her passion was, and he told her how Walden Thomas, who has worked in enrollment at Walden since could help her achieve her goals. “We hit it off right 2007, was thrilled to attend his first commencement in away,” Alston says. January. But it meant even more to be there to support Even after Alston enrolled and was assigned an academic Alston. “It was wonderful to see her walk across the stage,” advisor for the next stage of her journey, Thomas didn’t he says. “I was inspired that I played a small part Greg Dohler Photography stop calling to check in. “It was unusual to me—I thought in helping my friend on her journey.” he would provide the enrollment information and move on,” Alston says. “But when I was in my first class, he called to see if everything was going well. He was just From Advisor to Friend kind and concerned.” Thomas says he likes to stay in touch with students after they’ve enrolled because it helps him learn more about A decade of support between advisor “SOMEONE IS LOOKING FOR YOU.” the Walden experience from the student perspective. “I’m That’s what a colleague said to Walden University invested in you as you become invested in this program,” and student senior enrollment advisor Aaron Thomas this January he says. “I’m going to be your coach, your advisor. while he was volunteering with the disability services Sometimes I have to help you overcome challenges and By Rebecca Kirkman team at commencement in Tampa, Florida. Shortly negative thoughts that might be holding you back. But after, a spunky 5-foot-tall woman walked toward him, saying, “Do you know who I am?”

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Lifelong Learners

Having the education Driven to Success “ and knowledge to back me up has made The final lap of an educational tour de force such a difference. I tell everybody to By Kevin C. Thornton go to Walden because it’s helped me THE DRIVE TO CONTINUE fell in love with it. “I knew that was what women worldwide focused on growing and PURSUING DEGREES can be traced I wanted to pursue,” she says. learning without fear of judgment. She uses help others. to two significant events that changed her psychology background to regularly Cottrill chose Walden after researching ” Dr. Nickole Cottrill’s life and perspective blog on the group’s website as well as her several universities and psychology on learning. One was a failed job interview. own, which is dedicated to sharing insights programs. “What initially convinced me The other was Jayden Mykel. on raising a child with autism. was the flexibility and wonderful people Cottrill was trying to help her family when I communicated with at Walden,” she says. At home, she’s using her degrees to support she landed an interview for a telemarketing “From the minute I enrolled, I knew it was her own children, providing constant care job. “I didn’t get the job because I had right for me.” for Jayden, now 10, and homeschooling dropped out of school in 11th grade when both Jayden and his sister Krysta, 17. She graduated with a BS in Psychology in I was pregnant with my first child, Krysta,” 2013 and earned her MS in Psychology in Cottrill has come a long way from the she says. “Before that interview, I hadn’t 2015 and a PhD in Psychology in 2018. person who couldn’t get a job for lack of considered going back to school. Afterward, As the final lap to her educational tour de a high school diploma, and she gives much I knew I had to.” force, she’s completing what she says is her of the credit for that journey to Walden The second, and perhaps most profound, final degree—an MS in Criminal Justice. and Jayden. event was the birth of her son Jayden. Cottrill’s educational journey has led her “I want to help people—starting with my Jayden was born with severe autism, cerebral down numerous paths. She currently serves own family and then others—dealing with palsy, and epilepsy. She knew from the start as a PhD mentor and editor, working with the same issues I am,” she says. “Having the that no one would be able to care for Jayden nearly 40 Walden doctoral candidates at any education and knowledge to back me up like she could, and she wanted to know as one time, and works as an online tutor in a has made such a difference. I tell everybody much as possible to best support him. range of subjects. to go to Walden because it’s helped me help After finishing her high school education, others.” She’s also deeply involved with Judge Free Cottrill took her first psychology class and Moms, an online group of more than 4,000 Corey Ann Photography Corey

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L U M N A I

A M R O B D A S S A

My Mission Possible TWO CANADIAN THANKSGIVINGS AGO, Chisomo F. N. Msoffe ’15, a BS in Political Science and Public Administration graduate, started thinking about products that most women take for granted—sanitary pads and tampons. As she walked to and from her job in downtown Ottawa, she always crossed paths with a large number of homeless women. Because Rethinking feminine sanitary products are expensive, Every time I went to the shelters, I realized how much I had she wondered how they handled their “ menstrual periods when they didn’t even and how other women lacked the most basic necessities. the Needs have enough money for a cup of coffee. ” “It’s always been important for me to advocate for women in any way possible,” and snacks to ease period food cravings. oncologists. She supplies products to 30 to of Homeless Msoffe says. “I started a simple fundraiser And, most of all, she wanted to reach more 40 women every month through one of the through GoFundMe to raise enough money women. area’s major shelters and hopes to advocate to buy a one-month supply of sanitary for women’s health by offering free Pap tests products for a few local shelters. That was She joined a microgrant program called this year to shelter residents through a social Women my original goal.” Soup Ottawa, where people pay $10 for a advocacy program that is offered by national bowl of soup and have the chance to pitch medical programs during Ovarian Cancer The project started small, helping between the project they’re seeking funding for. The Awareness Month. She’s also working to 30 and 40 women that first month. But she winner receives the evening’s proceeds. find partners to help fund her nonprofit and A simple fundraiser to provide wasn’t ready to stop there. “I was stunned Msoffe won that night, receiving enough is in talks with a local cosmetics company. feminine sanitary products by the response I got,” she says. “People money to fund Ottawa’s Homeless Period In addition, Msoffe plans to return to hadn’t thought about women’s homelessness for three months. Walden to earn an MS in Communication fuels a movement in those terms, and the idea took flight.” “This became a full-time passion for me,” so she can be an even stronger voice for the People gave Msoffe extra toiletry bags and women she serves. By Susan Walker products they had on hand, donated money, she says. “Every time I went to the shelters, and helped her put together the kits she I realized how much I had and how other “Advocating for social change has always would deliver to the shelters. women lacked the most basic necessities. been a big part of my life,” Msoffe says. I needed to figure out how to keep this “My Walden undergraduate coursework “I started thinking: ‘What next? What are project going.” pushed me even further in that direction. these women going to do next month?’” I specialized in global change and social she remembers. That was the birth of her To ensure she could continue what she started, Msoffe partnered with a local justice, and the articles and papers I read nonprofit, Ottawa’s Homeless Period. She inspired me and led me where I am today. wanted to expand the contents of her kits college and holds a monthly product drive at her workplace, where she runs a I want to continue to be a voice for people to include not only sanitary products but who can’t speak up for themselves.” also painkillers for cramps, sanitary wipes, fellowship grant program for gynecological Jessica Deeks Photography

10 WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE 11 CHANGEMAKERS From the Field YOU HAVE Resilience in the Face of Catastrophe GREATNESS Pictured, left to right: Dr. Bobby Cruz ’18, Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan ’18, and Dr. Rizalina Liwag ’18 are Doctor of Education graduates and school administrators from the Northern Mariana Islands. IN YOU.

In February, Dr. Liwag moved her We saw it when you first applied. 900 middle school students and 68 teachers and staff to a temporary And you’ve proven us right. campus built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through FEMA. Imagine how much further Dr. Cruz and I were especially it can take you. committed to building resiliency in our students and families by promoting self-care techniques and mindfulness. It is our charge as Walden alumni to promote social “THE NORTHERN MARIANA change to build one another up in ISLANDS EXPERIENCED THE the face of such a catastrophe. WORST STORM in its history in October 2018. Super Typhoon Yutu ripped through Saipan and Tinain with wind speeds of over 200 miles per hour. Dr. Bobby Cruz, Dr. Rizalina Liwag, and I are all school administrators and district officials who were completing our Doctor of Education degrees and The three of us sacrificed preparing for commencement. repairing our homes to come to SEIZE YOUR MOMENT WITH A We spent many days managing commencement in January, bringing shelters and helping with the our flag with us so that the rest recovery efforts in our school system of our colleagues could see the DOCTORATE FROM WALDEN. and private organizations. It took 50 Marianas’ strength and resilience days for schools to begin reopening, in us.” and most of the islands were still without electricity and water — As told by Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan ’18 well into December. Earn a Doctorate From Walden waldenu.edu/online-doctoral-programs WaldenU.edu/online-doctoral-programs

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Making a Difference

GOING TO PUERTO RICO FOR PROFESSIONAL OR ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT might seem like a perfect way to blend work and pleasure. But in December 2018, Walden hosted three events that gave a wide community an opportunity to give back and make an impact.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, was our host for an academic residency, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Academy in partnership with AMN Healthcare, and a community reception for local Walden alumni, students, and faculty.

This wider community joined forces with Clean the World to organize a pajama drive and pack 1,200 comfort kits that were donated to San Jorge Children and Women’s Hospital. The project made a truly global impact as kits were distributed to families in need at the hospital, a home for abused girls, a homeless shelter, the homeless living on the streets, the Mexico- California border, and the relief efforts Providing Comfort in Venezuela. Walden’s partnership with Clean the World continued in Away From Home April when students, alumni, faculty, and staff packed Walden community’s pajama drive and 3,000 kits at the hygiene kits make a global impact Washington, D.C., residency. Photos by Michael Fleming/Steven Miller Photography

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Broadening My Horizons

child is able to enroll in a school “I wanted to evolve,” he says. his second master’s degree, he It’s because he made a change in his or her community and get “I returned to Walden to earn my was hired full time as a business that he’s able to do that. Putting an education.” MS in Information Technology intelligence analyst, a position “My second degree kept me That wider perspective comes (MSIT) and start a new page in where he uses the skills and from being stuck in a box, naturally to Boamah, whose first my career.” knowledge he gained from both dealing only with data and IT to Work Walden degree was a Master of Boamah took a contracting of his Walden degrees. the compliance aspect of Public Administration (MPA). position with the Dallas “I am an advocate for the public change,” Boamah says. “Now, After a career in law enforcement Independent School District and and work to keep bureaucracy I can be an agent of change for the in his native Ghana, he wanted immediately started applying and budgets on track,” he and serve the taxpayers in my to continue working in the his new coursework. “I like to says. “I like being able to make community.” public sector when he moved to bring what I learn to work, and small changes and provide the Community Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2004. I was able to do that with my information that decision-makers Boamah earned an undergraduate MSIT,” he says. After completing need.” degree in business administration and economics and then spent A career shift led several years working in banking Alexander Boamah to as a business technical analyst, where he spent most of his time serve students and on administrative tasks. He was parents in Dallas also active in his community, volunteering as an algebra By Susan Walker tutor for adults working to earn their GED through Read Chattanooga, now known as IT MAY SEEM LIKE A PURELY Re:Start - The Center for Adult TECHNICAL ENDEAVOR to Education. many people, but implementing Boamah hoped his MPA would business processing and automation allow him to use his work in software and data and business the public sector to help the intelligence tools is something community, but he found most Alexander Boamah ’15, ’12 views employers wanted him to be a I returned to Walden to very broadly. “ management analyst and focus earn my MS in Information “I don’t look at it in a vacuum,” more on numbers-driven tasks. says Boamah, a business intelligence When his wife lost her job, they Technology and start a analyst for the Dallas Independent moved to Dallas, and Boamah new page in my career. School District. “I look at how what decided he wanted to take his I contribute can help ensure that a career down a different path. ” Aggie Brooks Photography Aggie Brooks

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These are just a few of the paths of our PhD in Education alumni. Julie Macker ’15 Binta Masani ’11 For more, please go to WaldenU.edu/magazine. LEAD TEACHER OF THE DEAF FOUNDER AND CEO Richland County School Masani Consulting LLC District One Atlanta, Georgia Vaughn Bradley ’18 Sunny Greene ’16 Columbia, South Carolina ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR/COUNSELOR, Crystal Aker ’10 Montgomery County Public Schools DISABLED STUDENT PROGRAMS Patrick Ward ’15, ’05 COORDINATOR OF ASSESSMENT Columbia, Maryland College of the Siskiyous MS in Education Graduate Springfield City Schools Weed, California DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM Fairborn, Ohio Norrisa Newton ’18 AND INSTRUCTION K–12 ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Heidi Jordan ’16 Mayfield City Schools Isaac Robinson ’10 University of The Bahamas ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Mayfield, Ohio ADMINISTRATOR Nassau, The Bahamas Florida School for the Deaf Shelby County Schools and the Blind Aderonke Bello ’14 Cordova, Tennessee Chinoyerem Oladimeji ’18 St. Augustine, Florida CEO INTERNATIONAL Innovative Technology Literacy Jay Seller ’10 BACCALAUREATE Regina A. Lewis ’16 Services Ltd. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COORDINATOR COORDINATOR OF NAEP AND Abuja, Nigeria NeuAbility Fairfax County Public Schools INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Denver, Colorado Reston, Virginia Maine Department of Education Yolanda Holloway ’14 Augusta, Maine PRINCIPAL Peg (Mary) Dispenzieri ’08 Clarence Bashshar ’17 Caroline County Board of Education SUPERINTENDENT EDUCATION PROGRAM Holldrid Odreman ’16, ’09 Denton, Maryland Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana SPECIALIST Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Indianapolis, Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Graduate Velda Arnaud ’13 Rita Gloria Sawyer ’08 Sickerville, New Jersey PROFESSOR OF NURSING DEPARTMENT CHAIR, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT Niagara College Canada INSTRUCTOR, AND ADVISOR SUCCESS Tracey Bennett Carter ’17 Ontario, Canada Blue Mountain Community College InSource Services Group DEPARTMENT CHAIR OF Pendleton, Oregon Petaluma, California EDUCATION Rabekah Stewart ’16 Vance-Granville Community College EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TRIO Casey Polczynski ’13 Mark Wagner ’08 Henderson, North Carolina PROGRAMS AND MULTICULTURAL ARTS IN EDUCATION CEO STUDENT RETENTION COORDINATOR EdTechTeam Inc. Martha M. Bless ’17 Missouri State University Virginia Commission for the Arts Irvine, California REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF Springfield, Missouri Richmond, Virginia EDUCATION PROGRAMS Laurel Bongiorno ’12 Barbara Calabro ’04 Association of College and Shelly Vohra ’16 DEAN, DIVISION OF EDUCATION PRESIDENT University Educators INSTRUCTION COACH AND & HUMAN STUDIES Palmetto Education Group Woodbury, Connecticut CONSULTANT Champlain College Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Peel District School Board Consuela Cooper ’17 Burlington, Vermont Ontario, Canada Wendy Farone ’04 SENIOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Michael Neall ’12 EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT ONE DEGREE MANY CAREERS OF RECRUITMENT Christine Georgallis ’15 SUPERVISOR, PROGRAM AND NATIONAL LETRS TRAINER Iowa State University DISABILITY COORDINATOR EVALUATION Pennsylvania Department of Ames, Iowa University of South Florida PhD in Education Designed for education professionals wanting to strengthen the PWCS Education Tampa, Florida Dumfries, Virginia Gibsonia, Pennsylvania field’s scientific, theoretical, and technological foundations, Walden’s PhD in Education program has Stacey Donaldson ’16 PRESIDENT AND SENIOR Niares Hunn ’15 graduates who become leading education researchers, scholars, and practitioners within a wide Rick Cox ’11 James Pietrzycki ’04 CONSULTANT INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER DEPUTY DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY variety of careers and industries. Learn ELAtion LLC Solution Consultants PLANNING & TRANSFORMATION SPECIALIST Bolton, Mississippi Chesterfield, Missouri Department of Defense Parma City School District Round Lake, Illinois Parma, Ohio

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How It Paid Off

Clinical Mentor INVEST MORE IN to Physician YOUR EDUCATION Education Director FOR 25% LESS* Forging a new path for medical resident educational outcomes Reserve Your Exclusive Walden Alumni Offer Today! NAME: Dr. Janeane Walker ’18 WaldenU.edu/alumnisave25/mag DEGREE: PhD in Nursing

TITLE BEFORE MY DEGREE: Clinical Practice Specialist, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton

TITLE AFTER MY DEGREE:

Director of GME Educational Outcomes, Photography Pethel Lyndsey Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville

SEEKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES: APPLYING LEADERSHIP AND was due to the impending physician shortage In my previous role at the Northeast Georgia RESEARCH SKILLS: Without my PhD, based on the state’s population growth. We Medical Center in Braselton, my primary job I wouldn’t be able to do the work that I’m doing aim to attract and retain as many physicians as was to provide education and mentoring for now. My job is unique because I will be looking possible by offering an unparalleled curriculum. the nursing staff for conducting, evaluating, at data, evaluations, educational research, and A NEW OUTLOOK: The biggest benefit and applying research to patient care. After educational outcomes for our newly formed of earning a Walden degree is the global I completed my degree from Walden, as fate GME program. My PhD in Nursing focused perspective I’ve gained. I did my residencies would have it, the center opened a doctoral- on utilizing leadership skills and employing in Hawaii and Barcelona, so I learned about educated director-level position to oversee research-based practice, so I can provide expert new cultures within the context of public planning for a new Graduate Medical Education guidance for the professional development of health policy and leadership. There was lots (GME) program at the Gainesville location. resident physicians in their residency programs of interaction with other disciplines that gave I was offered the position because of my at our hospital. combination of clinical education experience me a larger view of the world around me. I and doctorate-level expertise, and I began my IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY: There would never have traveled as far or learned new role just six months after graduating from was a concerted effort to expand GME nearly as much as I did if I didn’t go to Walden. Walden. programs throughout the state of Georgia at hospitals without established programs. This — As told to Kyra Molinaro

*All tuition reductions, grants, and scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact a Walden University enrollment advisor for details.

WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE 21 BRAGGING RIGHTS

Insights

EFFICIENCY IS KEY IN ANY WORKPLACE, especially 1. ASSESS YOUR AUDIENCE’S NEEDS in a bustling hospital setting. “Instead of assuming what people want, take the time to Jason Lee ’17, a Bachelor of identify your target audience and speak to them personally about what they Science in Nursing graduate and hope to achieve in their roles. Get to know them, ask what works and what Master of Science in Nursing doesn’t, and don’t assume that what you’ve always done at your organization student, has made huge strides will continue to have the same results. It’s also important to keep up with in bolstering his department’s current trends in the workplace so that you can offer helpful suggestions. effectiveness in his role as a clinical Things change all the time, and in order to keep people productive and educator at CHRISTUS Trinity engaged, you have to stay informed.” Mother Frances Health System in Tyler, Texas. He recently launched an innovative new nurse orientation model that UTILIZE COMMUNICATION TOOLS integrates the hospital’s new nurse 2. “When I began my role in 2016, one of my first goals was orientation with its electronic revamping our education department’s Facebook page to support better health record training. Previously, internal communication with our nurses. We have since increased our these trainings were conducted following from 600 people to nearly 1,500. Social media can be a great tool independently, but Lee’s model for engaging with your associates while at the same time communicating allows new nurse associates important education items, especially with younger generations who are to perform related skills and accustomed to communicating on these platforms. I also improved the simultaneously document them monthly nursing news publication to keep everyone informed about current electronically, simulating the real happenings in our health system.” Improving nursing workflow. “We have received positive feedback from participants,” Lee says. “The training helped decrease EMPLOY EVIDENCE-BASED RESEARCH Workplace Processes their anxiety about starting their 3. new jobs because they were able to “At CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, we use troubleshoot issues before entering the term ‘evidence-based practice’ to describe how we conduct our business. Aggie Brooks Photography Aggie Brooks their units.” You can’t successfully implement change if you don’t support your findings with solid research and predicted outcomes. Before beginning the new Here, Lee gives tips on how nurse orientation model, we studied multiple professional nursing journals Clinical educator Jason Lee gives advice employees in any industry can and analyzed how other hospitals conduct their onboarding processes to identify opportunities for identifying opportunities to increase efficiency determine what would work best for us. This research will also come in for improvement in work handy when you present your ideas to leadership. They will be more willing processes and support a smooth By Kyra Molinaro to approve your ideas if they know you are adequately prepared for an implementation. efficient implementation with improved outcomes.”

22 WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE 23 Putting Scholarship to Work Consulting capstone helps students gain hands-on experience before graduation

By Rebecca Kirkman, Kevin C. Thornton, and Susan Walker

Illustrations by Daniel Hertzberg by Illustrations ➤

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“Our students WRAPPING LEARNING AROUND DOING embark on a learning journey

THE LATE 1980S WERE A TOUGH TIME Baldrige consultant and coach, but she remained FOR AMERICAN BUSINESS. The rise connected to her colleagues. A conversation with the leader and expanding reach of Asian and European with DBA program director Dr. Freda Turner manufacturers, especially the Japanese auto and sparked a new idea. of their client electronics industries, left American businesses “The DBA program was developing a work- scrambling to manufacture products of the same based alternative capstone,” Garfield says. organization, quality at a competitive price. “Made in America” “Dr. Turner asked for my input, and I knew that was no longer seen as a mark of quality, and U.S. if we put Baldrige’s comprehensive, systems-based doing real work companies lost their edge when faced with global framework in the hands of doctoral business competition. Dr. Janice Garfield students, the result could be dynamic for both with real people Then President Ronald Reagan asked Secretary the students and the organizations they served.” of Commerce Malcolm Baldrige to develop a Garfield developed the curriculum for the in real time.’’ solution. Baldrige helped craft the National consulting capstone and returned to Walden Quality Improvement Act of 1987, which led as a core DBA faculty member to help launch to the creation of the Baldrige Performance the program in which students are paired with Excellence Program. The program provides a a nonprofit or small business. Students use range of tools and educational opportunities for their partner organizations. We wrap learning Over the past three years, the program has the Baldrige framework to help their clients to help American businesses and organizations around doing.” graduated 14 scholar-consultants and grown to think about their processes and performance more than 40 current students. The university has improve their performance and recognizes the The DBA consulting capstone students originally outcomes and conduct in-depth research about already expanded the consulting capstone option leaders in this field with an annual presidential all worked with nonprofit organizations. Recently, the organization. They then draft evidence-based to the PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership award for performance excellence. the program has expanded to include small-business action steps for improvement and share their program and is planning on adding it to other clients. But the social change mission of the That tool is the foundation for Walden’s Doctor recommendations with their client leaders. programs soon. of Business Administration (DBA) consulting university is still at the forefront of the engagement. “Most DBA programs front-load skills and capstone, which enrolled its first cohort of “The consulting capstone provides scholar- theories. In the consulting capstone, we teach our “All capstones are mission-centered,” adds Garfield. students in 2016. Dr. Janice Garfield, director consultants with a full arsenal of tools to become students how to use a powerful tool and have them “Students and their client organizations are of professional doctorate capstone innovation productive, engaged leaders who are ready to drive put it to work in the community,” Garfield says. working to make improvements that will allow and assessment, played a key role in creating improvement now and in the future in a variety of “Our students embark on a learning journey with them to be stronger contributors to the U.S. and the program. Garfield taught in The Richard W. industries,” Garfield says. —S.W. the leader of their client organization, doing real global economies, bringing jobs, investment, Riley College of Education and Leadership for work with real people in real time. It’s a unique and opportunity to the communities where eight years before she left Walden to become a approach that allows students to make a difference they’re located.” ➤

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ANCHORED IN AMBITION

DR. TAMMY JAMESON WAS A “It’s always great to be reflective about SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO with a what you’re doing, but you don’t often bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business do that because you’re so busy just Administration already under her belt trying to survive,” Knight says. “When when she enrolled at Walden University. we signed on as a client for Walden’s At the time, she was unsure of the next consulting capstone, we were going step in her career in homeland security through an especially difficult time as an and disaster response. But thanks to the organization.” Because of that, she says DBA consulting capstone program, working with Jameson came at the she soon founded her own Washington, perfect time. D.C., consulting firm. “We needed to take a look at how we did Jameson’s experience as the first graduate business and how we needed to change A NEW REASON TO CELEBRATE of the consulting capstone program in for the future if we wanted to survive,” 2017 inspired her to make a career out Knight says. “Tammy asking questions of helping organizations tackle obstacles Jameson was intrigued by the chance to about our business—like what worked and find success. “Having my DBA and work with YPC. and how many people took our classes— As a Walden alumnus, you now get exclusive participating in the capstone lit a fire in was helpful for me to assess who and “I thought it was an awesome opportunity me,” Jameson says. “The whole experience where we were as an organization.” discounts at over 300,000 retailers. to be able to serve as a scholar-consultant really changed my life for the better.” versus the traditional doctoral study Two years later, YPC is still feeling the The Walden University Alumni Advantage Program helps you shop for less both in store and online in categories like: Her first client success story begins capstone,” Jameson recalls. Using impact of Jameson’s consulting services. | | | with Jacie Knight, artistic director the Baldrige Performance Excellence “We’re redefining YPC,” Knight says. Automotive Entertainment Groceries Recreation and founder of Minneapolis nonprofit Framework as a guide, she worked “There’s still a lot of change to come, but Restaurants | Retail | Travel | And Many More Youth Performance Company (YPC). remotely with Knight and YPC for a I feel very anchored and focused thanks to After being invited to participate in year, resulting in a 360-degree review the work we did with Tammy.” the consulting capstone pilot program, of the organization. START SAVING TODAY: But Jameson remembers struggling Register for free at WaldenAlumniAdvantage.enjoymydeals.com/home. to feel like the work she was doing Then simply enter the access code: WaldenAlumni2019. was meaningful during the process. “Walden taught me the importance of being a social change maker Luckily, Dr. Janice Garfield, director of professional doctorate capstone and how to use leadership to make a positive impact on the world.”

➤ Questions? Contact Alumni Relations: 1-877-235-3561 or [email protected].

28 WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE PUTTING SCHOLARSHIP TO WORK

A LOOK AT THE BALDRIGE A CONTINUING COMMITMENT PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE CRITERIA

Baldrige examiners use their knowledge of the Baldrige THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU JUST Gunnerson, a retired major in the U.S. Army framework to evaluate organizations all over the country that have AREN’T READY TO LET GO OF. For with a background in military intelligence, applied for the annual Malcolm Dr. Alan Gunnerson ’19, his experience in the worked with the International Critical Incident Baldrige National Quality Award. DBA consulting capstone program was one of Stress Foundation (ICISF). A worldwide That framework is used to build an those things. “It was meaningful,” he says. “It nonprofit that provides training and support to organizational profile focused on became personal.” Dr. Sanja Hudson ’18 feels first responders, ICISF works with professionals several criteria: the same way. She says her own experience not who have been involved in critical incidents • How senior leaders’ personal only helped her grow professionally but also that have left them emotionally or physically actions and the organization’s provided an unexpected opportunity to make affected. Gunnerson developed a final report governance systems guide and a difference. that provided the nonprofit with strategies

sustain the organization. Greg Dohler Photography to diversify its funding sources, but he also • How the organization develops What has kept both Gunnerson and Hudson strategic objectives and action connected with the cause on a personal and innovation and assessment, helped her nonprofits, government agencies, and engaged is a unique and enduring experience plans, implements them, changes professional level. that allows doctoral candidates to work with them if needed, and measures keep things in perspective. local businesses. organizations to research and recommend real- “I have many co-workers and friends who progress. “When you’re conducting interviews and “Although I loved my job with the Joint life solutions to real-world business challenges. served in Iraq and Afghanistan and suffered • How the organization engages collecting data, you don’t feel like you’re Force Headquarters National Capital with PTSD,” he says. “I attended some of customers for long-term Listening to recent DBA consulting capstone marketplace success. doing anything great, but Dr. Garfield Region, I liked helping people and giving the ICISF trainings and worked with first helped me realize that my research was back more,” Jameson says. “Walden graduates, you get the impression it’s more than • How the organization measures, responders. The impact of what they’re doing an academic exercise; it’s an enlightening analyzes, and manages knowledge impactful,” Jameson recalls. “Talking to taught me the importance of being a and what I could contribute really hit home.” to drive improvement, innovation, Jacie and hearing how much I helped social change maker and how to use experience that can take doctoral candidates and competitiveness. YPC made me realize that was what I leadership to make a positive impact on out of their comfort zones and into places • How workforce practices create wanted to do. I’ve always been passionate the world, which inspired me to want to they ultimately want to stay. and maintain a high-performance about helping others because I want have my own firm and help organizations environment. everyone to win.” solve business problems. • How the organization focuses its work, product design Just seven months after completing her “I’m proud of having my own firm,” she “My goal was to enhance my consulting skills and knowledge for my and delivery, innovation, and DBA, Jameson founded Capital Business says. “But I’m most proud of the ability to operational effectiveness to Solutions LLC. She offers services use my platform as a vehicle to impact the achieve success. ranging from business development and lives of others.” — R.K. business, and I achieved both.” • The results the organization consulting to emergency management, – Dr. Sanja Hudson achieves. — S.W. planning, and preparedness for ➤

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Hudson’s experience was equally meaningful. The owner of a successful consulting business, Hudson FROM STUDENTS TO has had a long career in healthcare operations management, including previously serving as executive director of the Morehouse School of Medicine in EXAMINERS AND COMMUNITY CONSULTANTS Atlanta. She was matched with Phoenix Allies for Community Health (PACH), a nonprofit volunteer- run free clinic in Arizona. The clinic’s mission is to Dr. Andria Coleman ’18 and Dr. Allen Turner ’18 got more than their degrees provide healthcare to low-income communities with when they completed the DBA consulting capstone. no access to primary care.

During her partnership with PACH, Hudson was Coleman, a leader at New York Presbyterian Lower moved by the 500 patients the clinic routinely Manhattan Hospital, became a national Baldrige examiner serves and that everyone in the organization—from and a nursing home examiner for the Baldrige-based physicians to front desk personnel—are unpaid American Health Care Association. “Being an examiner allows volunteers. Her final report to the group recommended me to look through a holistic lens and help organizations and strategies to improve volunteer engagement. their leaders be successful,” says Coleman. “Because of the By choice, neither Gunnerson nor Hudson is finished DBA consulting capstone, I have an opportunity to be an with their client organizations just yet. As part of advocate for an organization and see the immediate effect Gunnerson’s consulting capstone work, he was asked of applying the Baldrige criteria. I am part of the solution.” to address the ICISF board of directors several times as he worked through his research and recommendations. Turner, a special agent and emergency manager for NASA, In the future, he may join the board himself. Hudson continues to stay in contact with the PACH clinic, is Walden’s second student to be awarded the volunteering consulting advice. She recently learned Dr. Curt Reimann Baldrige Scholarship, which will cover that thanks in part to her recommendations, the the cost of his training to become an examiner. He has also clinic has recruited additional providers and increased found new opportunities at work and in his community. engagement among volunteers and board members. “I was nominated for a service selection board evaluating “Though I’ve been a consultant for more than 10 medical research organizations for NASA,” he says. “The years, I learned a lot,” Hudson says. “My goal was to capstone gave me the confidence to take on projects like this and opened the door for enhance my consulting skills and knowledge for my more volunteer involvement in my community. I’m using my business and subject matter business, and I achieved both. Now that I’m done, expertise to help nonprofits in my community find new ways to use their volunteers, I actually miss it.” — K.T. raise needed funds, and adapt as the community’s needs change.” — S.W.

32 WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE 33 “ARE YOU IN OR ARE Boring successfully drafted Clark YOU OUT?” Tracy Clark ’07 and four other colleagues to enroll remembers the ultimatum from at Walden. Together, the group her co-worker Gina Boring ’07 forged a unique experience that very well. Boring and Clark blended the best of what online were office mates at Aultman and in-person education have Hospital in Canton, Ohio. While to offer. The group would meet flipping through a magazine in each Saturday at a local Panera the hospital library, Boring saw Bread to discuss readings and an advertisement offering tuition assignments and offer different discounts for Walden University’s perspectives based on their diverse STRENGTH first Master of Science in Nursing clinical backgrounds. Perhaps most (MSN) cohort—and she was importantly, they encouraged one recruiting friends to take on the another—and Boring was the challenge with her. head cheerleader.

in Numbers “I started looking at my friends “Each one of us had highs and who had their Bachelor of Science lows in the program,” Clark says Forging a Unique Educational in Nursing degrees and I said, ‘I’m of the group, which juggled jobs not doing this alone. If we’re gonna and family obligations in addition Experience With Colleagues do it, we’re gonna do it together,’” to their studies. She recalls that Boring says. Walden offered students an By Kristin Hanson opportunity to take an eight-week break in the MSN program,

“but Gina said, ‘No, let’s go. We Some of us just need to power through.’ Some “ of us probably wouldn’t have stayed probably wouldn’t in the program without her.” have stayed in Each of Boring’s colleagues the program who joined her in the program without Gina. finished their degree and followed ” different paths in their nursing – Tracy Clark (right) careers. Midway through the program, Boring decided she would sit for the American Nursing Joe Albert

34 WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE 35 STRENGTH IN NUMBERS NEWS AND NOTES

Expand Your Walden Network at your next conference

We know you’re always Healthcare & Nursing NASW State Conference – looking to advance your Texas National League of Nursing October 2–5 career by attending Education Summit Galveston, Texas conferences and trade September 26–28 shows in your field. Even Washington, D.C. NASW State Conference – after graduation, Walden is Georgia still here to enhance your ANCC Magnet Conference October 16–20 October 10–12 Marietta, Georgia professional development. Orlando, Florida Stop by the exhibitor booth National Organization of I started looking at my friends who had their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees to expand your Walden American Academy of Nursing Human Services “ network at one of these October 24–26 October 23–25 and I said, ‘I’m not doing this alone. If we’re gonna do it, we’re gonna do it together.’ Washington, D.C. Orange County, California ” conferences or trade shows. – Gina Boring American Public Health Council on Social Work Education For a full listing, go to Association Education Annual Program WaldenU.edu/connect/ November 2–6 Meeting NAEYC Fall Conference Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 24–27 November 20–23 events-and-webinars. Credentialing Center nurse executive have been out of reach without her Other members of the Aultman group of Denver, Colorado Nashville, Tennessee board certification exam after graduating. master’s degree and board certification. Walden graduates have enjoyed similar She says the Walden MSN curriculum She and her team work with hospitals successes. Clark now works as a clinical Social & Behavioral Sciences International Association of Chiefs of Police Management & Technology prepared her well for that test. that are in pursuit of transforming their specialist for GOJO Industries, the ® National Organization of Black October 26–29 nursing culture. inventor of PURELL Hand Sanitizer. Law Enforcement Executives Chicago, Illinois National Black MBA “Topics would come up that I didn’t just Another joined Boring as a consultant at August 9–14 Association know but totally understood,” she says. “We engage with them and watch HealthLinx. Although Boring has nothing New Orleans, Louisiana National League of Cities September 24–28 “We studied, wrote papers, and discussed nurse leaders really let go and become but praise for the Walden educators she Summit Houston, Texas them. It was really the proving ground risk-takers in the name of patient care, encountered, she gives equal credit for her National Fraternal Order November 20–23 in my career.” supporting autonomous nursing practice,” educational success to the strong bond of of Police San Antonio, Texas August 11–13 Boring says. “I’ve had the luxury of their small group. New Orleans, Louisiana Today, Boring serves as executive vice stepping back a bit and to be proud of president of nursing excellence for what I’ve seen happen in the profession in HealthLinx, a position she says would the past 30 years.”

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New Fulbright Association Chapter

L U M N A I LaRonda Howard is a This year we received 90 nominations, Walden has become the first online university Master of Public Health representing 15 class years and to charter a Fulbright Association chapter.

A M R O graduate and CEO 28 degree programs. The Fulbright Association has 50 chapters B D A S S A and founder of H.E.R. across the United States that provide Fulbright We also congratulate the following four Story Productions LLC, an affiliate of HOPE alumni—including 44 Fulbright scholars and finalists for their commitment to effecting Empowerment Resources (H.E.R.) LLC. consultants in our academic community—with positive social change in their communities: Howard is a certified professional life coach, diverse opportunities for networking, professional author, trainer, and motivational speaker. • Dr. Willie Johnson ’13, development, mentoring, cultural enrichment, Walden Named ANCC After publishing her book Finding Freedom in Doctor of Education and community service. Premier Award Accredited Provider Forgiveness, H.E.R. Story Productions was born • Dr. Vincentia Paul-Constantin ’12, The mission of our chapter is to raise cultural as a storytelling platform to help others share Walden University is pleased to announce it has PhD in Education exchange awareness by providing opportunities their stories and heal from their past wounds. received the 2019 American Nurses Credentialing for the entire Walden community—students, • Vahan Setyan ’07, Center (ANCC) Accreditation Premier Program Award, Announcing Our In addition to hosting speaking events, Howard alumni, staff, and faculty—to access mentoring, MS in Psychology and which recognizes accredited organizations that excel as is very active in her church, serving on global professional development, service, and PhD in Psychology student providers of nursing continuing professional development 2019 missions trips, leading fundraising efforts, and networking opportunities through the Fulbright (NCPD) and education. serving as a small-group leader for singles • Dr. Patricia Spearman ’15, community and to increase the number of Outstanding in the church. On a missions trip to Peru, Doctor of Business Administration Fulbright scholars and positive social change “ANCC is proud to recognize the exemplary work of Walden University … she helped coordinate anger management impact through research/teaching, fellowships, in providing NCPD activities that are innovative and creative,” says Jennifer Graebe, The Outstanding Alumni Award is granted Alumni Award activities for a men’s rehabilitation center, and cultural exchanges. MSN, RN, NEA-BC, ANCC director of accreditation in NCPD and joint accreditation. each year to a graduate who exemplifies our and she was the lead event coordinator for “Walden shows a continued commitment to demonstrating the value of NCPD mission to effect positive social change by For more information, go to Winner the inaugural “One City, One Vision” event in within the profession of nursing and healthcare while exhibiting the impact of making an impact on his or her profession, AcademicGuides.WaldenU.edu/student- Jacksonville, Florida. strong leadership coupled with strategic design thinking on the development of Congratulations to this year’s discipline, or community. Nominations for next organizations/digital-fulbright. NCPD activities.” Outstanding Alumni Award From the judges: “LaRonda has committed herself year’s award will open in early 2020. winner, LaRonda Howard ’12! to making a positive difference in the lives of Award applications are accepted annually, and organizations that apply are evaluated others. In the process of taking back herself, she with rigor through a peer-review process by ANCC Primary Accreditation Appraisers was able to encourage others to do the same. and a member of the Commission on Accreditation. Accredited organizations that She is showing others how to turn stumbling Association hold Premier Program status are expected to assist ANCC in advancing high-quality VIRTUAL WALDEN CHAPTER blocks into steppingstones.” continuing nursing education activities; mentor other continuing nursing education organizations; and provide, disseminate, and publish best practices.

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Third Class of Social Change Bachelor of Social Work Program Walden Magazine Wins Receives Accreditation 3 Gold Awards Fellows Announced Walden University’s online The Summer/Fall 2018 issue of Walden magazine Bachelor of Social Work received Gold Honors from the Collegiate Walden University has named 10 Social Change Fellows and funded seven research and applied projects, the largest (BSW) program has received Advertising Awards and the Educational number since the founding of the program. The Research and Applications for Social Change Grant was established in accreditation by the Council Advertising Awards. The commemorative 2017 to assist members of the Walden community who want to make a significant and meaningful change in academic and on Social Work Education 25th issue of the magazine highlighted the social communities, both locally and globally. (CSWE), the national university’s history and founding, association representing as well as its founders, Bernie and Rita Turner. This year’s recipients include alumni, students, faculty, and staff who will be conducting research on critical topics in the fields social work education in of education, health sciences, and public policy: The Collegiate Advertising Awards awarded the United States. CSWE’s Gold Honors in the category of “Publication Commission on Accreditation • Dr. Bettina J. Casad, faculty member in The Richard • Dr. Holly Pedersen ’13, Doctor of Education alumna Internal – Single” and the Educational Advertising is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent W. Riley College of Education and Leadership 3D Connections Empowering Fathers of Children Who Awards awarded Gold Honors in the categories of preparation for professional social workers and ensuring that social work Racial Discrimination and Education Inequalities: Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing “Publication Internal” and “Publication External.” programs meet these standards. The Role of Daily Stressors From Social Media • Olivia Pollard, PhD in Management student In the “Publication External” category, Walden “The CSWE accreditation for the BSW • Dr. Bessie DiDomenica ’15, PhD in Public Policy A Delphi Study Analysis of Best Practices for Data Quality received honors alongside magazines from program is a testament to the quality of and Administration alumna and Management in Healthcare Information Systems universities such as Bucknell University, Johns education we provide aspiring social workers, Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman ’16, ’09, PhD in Health Services Hopkins Carey Business School, Clemson • Shannon Stanley, PhD in Public Policy and a clear sign that our faculty are appropriately and Master of Science in Nursing alumna University, University of Baltimore, Auburn Administration student trained and the coursework, assessments, and criteria for graduation meet Julie A. Smith Hinders, PhD in Health Services student University, Drexel University Kline School of Law, States With Hyper-Aging Populations: The Importance of the high standards set for success in the field,” says Dr. Savitri Dixon-Saxon, Older Adults and Caregivers: Food Policy and Healthcare and Rice University. Understanding Functionality in Home and Community-Based vice provost of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “This significant in Rural America Care and the Impact on Costs as America Ages accreditation provides students with the confidence that they are receiving • Dr. Linda Marc, faculty member in the College of the necessary support and resources throughout their program and a quality Health Sciences Congratulations to all our 2019 Social Change Fellows! education in a convenient format that fits their busy lives.” Early Childhood Chess Intervention for Children From To learn more about Walden’s BSW program, visit Immigrant Families of African Descent WaldenU.edu/online-bachelors-programs/bachelor-of-social-work. • Beth Nastachowski, Walden Writing Center Dr. Sarah Prince, Walden Writing Center To learn more about CSWE accreditation, go to CSWE.org. Walden Writing Center Internship: Altering Recruitment Strategies to Increase Diversity in the Writing Center Field

40 WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE WALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINEWALDENU.EDU/MAGAZINE | 1-877-235-3561 41 NEWS AND NOTES

Keeping You Connected

The Walden University Alumni Association is excited to find new ways to connect with you! We’ve recently hosted chapter meetups, special alumni events at commencement weekend, a social change panel discussion at an academic residency, and more. Be on the lookout for celebratory events connecting alumni with students, faculty, staff, leadership, and each other for Walden’s 50th anniversary!

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College of Health Sciences Joshua Reed ’14 | MSN minority-owned food product line in the U.S. Dr. Isaac Perry Jr. ’16 | PhD in Public Policy Accolades | Opened his business, Currently, her business JustAskIris! specializes and Administration | Published his first book, Advanced Practice in marketing, strategic planning, and financial The Political Economy of Liberia and Public Policy. Dr. John Abenojar ’17 | PhD in Health Professionals LLC, which management. She is also an author and teaches Alumni have a significant impact on their organizations, Services | Received the Distinguished Alumni provides nurse practitioner business courses at Columbus State Community Alexander Boamah ’15, ’12 | MS in Award from the School of Social Work at communities, and disciplines. Here are some recent highlights. emergency department College and Franklin University. Information Technology and Master of Public University of Michigan. He is director of coverage for small hospitals. Administration | Selected as a speaker for the Congratulations to all on your accomplishments! social services for Sunrise Senior Living and was He has also created the nonprofit Nurses Dr. Bridget Dewees ’16 | PhD in Management 2018 Power BI World Tour in Dallas. honored for his distinguished career in senior Global Outreach, which focuses on care for the | Published her second book, ICU God, about care throughout North America and the homeless and marginalized in the U.S. and abroad. her husband’s 65-day wait in the ICU for a heart Dr. Demarcus Marshall United Kingdom. The Richard W. Riley College Jill Telford ’16 | MSEd | Named to the board transplant. Dewees is the assistant vice president ’14 | PhD in Public Policy of Free Spirit Publishing and has authored Mercy Chikhosi Nyirongo ’14 | Master of of institutional effectiveness at Claflin University and Administration | of Education and Leadership Shannon Whittington ’17 several children’s books. She has also been Public Health | Founder of Wandikweza, was in South Carolina. Re-elected county | Master of Science in Nursing invited to present at the World Forum recently chosen as a 2019 African Visionary commissioner for LaQueshia Jeffries ’17 (MSN) | Recipient of the Foundation. She is a teacher at Takoma Children’s by the Segal Family Foundation, which Super District 4 in | MS in Education (MSEd) Home Care Association School in Maryland. supports individuals working on sustainable Lowndes County, Georgia. | Presented at Rutgers of New York State’s College of Social and solutions to local challenges. In partnership with University’s Urban Education award for quality and Dr. Jacqueline the Segal Family Foundation, Wandikweza has Behavioral Sciences Michelle Shreeve ’12 Conference, Prince William innovation in 2018. She Cavalier ’14 | Doctor of 150 community health workers serving more | BS in Psychology | County Schools’ Classified was invited to speak at WPATH Mount Sinai’s | Education | Received the than 9,000 people by providing preventive and Dr. Letitia Browne-James ’18 PhD in Published Parental Death: Staff Conference, surgical conference as the only nurse on the panel. | Pennsylvania Labor promotive healthcare. Wandikweza is also working Counselor Education and Supervision Accepted The Ultimate Teen Guide, Temple University’s 2019 Scholars of Color Whittington is the gender affirmation program History Society’s with World Connect to construct a youth health a full-time faculty position at Adler Graduate book No. 56 in the teen Conference, and The Educator’s Room’s Summer director for VNSNY. Mother Jones Award in information center to promote youth productivity School. help series from academic 2019 National Teacher Self-Care Conference. She recognition of her lifetime and reduce incidences of HIV/AIDS among youth. publisher Rowman & is a special educator and workshop leader for Dr. Jonanna Bryant ’16, | | commitment to advancing the interests of the Tiffanie McNeill ’18 MSW Promoted Littlefield. The book is a guide to help children, Prince William County Schools in Virginia. ’11 | Doctor of Nursing working class. Cavalier is vice president of the to senior service coordinator at So Others teens, young adults, and grieving families navigate Practice (DNP) and MSN American Federation of Teachers Local 267 and Might Eat. life after the death of a parent. Dr. Katheryn Kennedy ’17 | PhD in Education | Received the Mary College of Management professor of history at Community College of | Co-authored Engineering in the Life Sciences, McLeod Bethune Award and Technology Allegheny County’s Allegheny Campus. Dr. Geraldine (Jerri) Dr. Linda Talley ’12 | PhD in Psychology | which was published by the National Science and the Black Nurses | Rouse ’18 Master of Published “Silent Hands: A Leader’s Ability Teachers Association Press. The book supports Rock Outstanding Dr. Nadya Yassa-Lopez ’18 | PhD in | Andrew Parker III ’12 | MSEd | First African Social Work (MSW) to Create Nonverbal Immediacy” in the secondary biology teachers in integrating Service Award in 2018. Management | Promoted to sergeant major American elected to the Egg Harbor Accepted a position as Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences. engineering into their classrooms. in the United States Marine Corps. (New Jersey) Township Committee. Parker is PACT social worker Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman ’16, ’09 | PhD in a teacher in the Atlantic City School District. with the Alaska Veterans Dr. Jack Monell ’05 | PhD in Human Services Dr. Paula Stanton ’17 | PhD in Education | Health Services and MSN | Presented the Dr. Leo Sedlmeyer ’17 | Doctor of Business Health Administration. | Recipient of the 2019 Willie Burke Master Named Harford County, Maryland’s, 2018–2019 keynote address at the reception honoring 2018 Administration (DBA) | Co-published Dr. Dianne DeMille ’00 | PhD in Education | Teacher Award from Winston-Salem State Teacher of the Year. patient care assistant summer externship graduates “Fire Officer Leadership Strategies for Cost Published Path of the Devil: Camino del Diablo— Dr. Charles Archer ’17 University. Monell is an associate professor of at CHI St. Luke’s Health, St. Luke’s Foundation, Management” in Disaster Prevention and Based on True Events of a DEA Agent and Two | PhD in Public Policy and history, politics, and social justice. Ruqia Abdi ’16 | BS Texas Medical Center in Houston. Management: An International Journal with Private Investigators. Administration | Named in Child Development | Dr. Rocky J. Dwyer, a faculty member in CEO at One Hope Published Better Parenting: Dr. James LaFeir ’14 | DNP | Included in the School of Management. Dr. Megersa Basha Kumbi ’95 | PhD in United, a 124-year-old A Guide for Somali Parents “Profiles in Cardiology” by South Florida Education | Published People Decide. nonprofit based in Chicago. in the Diaspora. Abdi is Hospital News. He was the only nurse included Dr. Iris Cooper ’16 | DBA | Featured in Want to see your name here? an associate librarian in the article. LaFeir is a clinical specialist at The HistoryMakers, the nation’s largest Lonnie McDonald ’17 | MSW | Promoted Submit your accomplishment to in Hennepin County, Broward Health Imperial Point in Florida. African American video oral history collection. to center manager for LIFE Mercer County. WaldenU.edu/ShareMyStory. Minnesota. Cooper co-founded and served as vice president In this role, he oversees an interdisciplinary team of marketing for Glory Foods Inc., the first that works to help older adults manage their healthcare and stay in their own homes.

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SPOTLIGHT

university in 2004 to support Hamilton took a year or two as dean of academic affairs at There comes a point the education department’s off to care for her parents, but UDC Community College. accreditation efforts. Once the she returned to her doctorate “ “We’re focused on making in time when you’ve program became accredited program after her mother education more relevant and by the National Council passed away. “It was never fitting to the needs of our done all your research for Accreditation of Teacher my intention to not return, students,” Hamilton says. and you’ve engaged Education, she was hired but my dissertation chair, “I’ve worked on initiatives full time. But the Howard everyone you needed to University bachelor’s and master’s graduate had no plan engage. You just have to pursue a PhD—until her colleague, the late Dr. Rosemary to decide to do it. Bolig, told her about Walden ” University, where Bolig served give other higher education as a dissertation coach and administrators about student mentor. retention, Hamilton says: “Rosemary just kept saying to “There are many, many me, ‘Marilyn, if you’re going to programs and initiatives out stay in higher ed, you need to there. Pick the one that best get your doctorate,’” Hamilton suits your institution and Push to Persist recalls. “She thought Walden modify it.” would be the best place for me.” Dr. Deborah Bauder, provided such as Achieving the Dream, Her most important tip is Greg Dohler Photography Bolig was correct. Hamilton guidance and support that was Complete College America, and something she learned from extremely helpful during my Commit to Complete, which all experience when researching DR. MARILYN her to pursue her PhD in had begun her doctorate at a One grad’s personal commitment leave of absence,” she says. “She help students with persistence, whether to pursue her doctorate. HAMILTON ’15 NEVER Education at Walden. traditional brick-and-mortar to education informs student institution. “My parents were understood what I was going retention, and completion, She talked to Bolig for months INTENDED TO STAY IN Hamilton’s background was retention strategies declining in health, and my through and kept my feet to encouraging them to go from on end, but eventually, she just HIGHER EDUCATION. in early childhood education. children were young, so I the fire. I finished my PhD in their associate degrees to took the leap. By Lindsay Sherman But 15 years after taking a She was an assistant teacher, couldn’t spend the time going Education in 2015.” bachelor’s and beyond.” “Just go ahead and do it,” job as an instructor at the lead teacher, center director, to a face-to-face institution,” Having persisted through Although her work now is at Hamilton says. “There comes a University of the District of and consultant in that chapter Hamilton says. “I began talking challenges as a student herself, the community college level, point in time when you’ve done Columbia (UDC), she’s now of her career. She joined UDC to Rosemary more about Hamilton has made student she sees plenty of parallels for all your research and you’ve firmly seated in the ranks of in 1999 to set up the child Walden and its philosophy of retention a priority in her student retention at all levels engaged everyone you needed to well-respected higher education development center and to social change and social justice, oversight of 25 associate degree of higher education. When engage. You just have to decide leaders, thanks, in part, to a teach courses in early childhood and I decided to enroll.” and two certificate programs asked what advice she would to do it.” colleague who encouraged education. She returned to the

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Never allow anything—not even WE’VE CHANGED “ threat of death—to stop you from fighting for your dreams. EDUCATION. ” AN UNSHAKEABLE GOAL: wasn’t improving and concerns for YOU’RE CHANGING As devastating as the news of my my health were high, I managed cancer was, I was more troubled to finish my work and successfully by the fact that it may have defended my dissertation in impeded me from completing September. A month later, I THE WORLD. my doctoral studies. I was in officially became a doctor. the dissertation phase, and I CONTINUING TO FIGHT: was determined to achieve my Unfortunately, cancer has recently goals despite my diagnosis. My appeared in my paratracheal committee chair strongly advised lymph nodes, and I had to Greg Dohler Greg me to file for a leave of absence, undergo another surgery. My but I refused. I continued to illness has made me unable write my dissertation despite to work and caused financial the growing challenges of my How I Did It difficulties, but I am lucky to have condition. I told my chair that a devoted partner who has helped I didn’t know if I would live to Dr. Dahlia Connors ’18, ’12 ease my burdens. He booked us see graduation, but I would work auto train tickets from New Jersey How a two-time Walden graduate achieved on my research until I couldn’t to Florida so that I could attend any longer. her dreams while battling aggressive cancer my commencement and hooding OVERCOMING ADVERSITY: ceremony without having to fly, NOT MANY PEOPLE that she realized how serious her In March 2018, I underwent which would have made me too WOULD SAY THAT THEIR condition could be. major surgery to remove the susceptible to infection. I have In 1970, we opened with a mission of expanding access to higher education DISSERTATION KEPT THEM A CT scan revealed that she had a tumor. Afterward, I was diagnosed realized that despite adversity, and giving more people the opportunity to change their lives, their careers, ALIVE. But if it weren’t for with a long-term neuromuscular determination is key. Never allow 12-inch tumor in her right lung, their communities, and more. In 2020, we’ll celebrate the difference we’ve Walden, Dr. Dahlia Connors and she was diagnosed with stage 4 disease called myasthenia gravis anything—not even threat of ’18, ’12, a PhD in Public Health made–and all the ways graduates like you are making an even bigger difference. B1 thymoma, a cancer that begins and was put on a ventilator. death—to stop you from fighting and Master of Public Health in the thymus (a small organ Throughout visits to the for your dreams. graduate, says she might not be emergency room and lengthy under the breastbone that is part — As told to Kyra Molinaro JOIN THE CELEBRATION here today. of the body’s immune system). But stays in the intensive care unit, I In the summer of 2017, Connors this shocking revelation wouldn’t continued to submit my work for began struggling to breathe, but stop Connors from achieving her review. My chair had concerns, it wasn’t until the fall—after she PhD. She shares her story with us but my doctoral studies were Who or what was your felt extreme pain in her neck— about completing her doctorate in keeping me alive—my PhD was inspiration for completing the face of death. the very reason I continued to your degree? Tell us at 1970-2020 fight. Although my condition WaldenU.edu/ShareMyStory.

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Alexander Boamah ’15, ’12 MS in Information Technology and Master of Public Administration Featured on page 16