SUMMER/FALL 2013

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Walking the Talk Dr. Jonas Nguh shares how a simple act can lead to a commitment to volunteerism

The Art of Making Contact Insights on Leadership Jonathan Kozol Learn Networking Secrets How Three Alumni Inspire On Creating a ‘Sense of Joy’ From Successful Alumni Their Teams in the Classroom LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT SUMMER/FALL 2013 CONTENTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Volume 8, Number 2 Summer/Fall 2013 ALUMNI MAGAZINE EDITORIAL BOARD Paula Singer Dear Alumni, CHAIR, WALDEN UNIVERSITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jonathan Kaplan ••• THE BEST LEADERS CREATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, LAUREATE ONLINE EDUCATION CLARITY. When everyone in an organization Cynthia Baum, Ph.D. understands the mission, everyone moves PRESIDENT, WALDEN UNIVERSITY CHANGEMAKERS in the same direction. Linda Leftrict CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, You will find examples of alumni who are LAUREATE GLOBAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 2 BEYOND THE DEGREE successful leaders in this issue: Turn to our Christian Schindler Integrating peace into journalism DIVISIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, LAUREATE ONLINE new column, Leading by Example, on page EDUCATION GLOBAL MARKETING 4 INSIGHTS 6, to start. There, three alumni share their Emily Demarco Build a writing career experiences and explain how thoughtful EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS, WALDEN UNIVERSITY 5 WHY I REFER leadership not only benefits their employees, but also benefits their professional growth. Valescia Lee-Collick Becoming a nursing leader DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS, 20 26 32 You will also find inspiration in the feature on Dr. Jonas Nguh on page 26. Whether he saw WALDEN UNIVERSITY 6 LEADING BY EXAMPLE a need in his work as a nurse or as a faculty member, he stepped up to create a solution, Insights on leadership ultimately organizing team trips to Alaska, Kenya, Sudan, and South Africa to provide EDITORIAL AND DESIGN Features vaccines and supplies. Eric Brosch 8 MEET A FUTURE GRADUATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MARKETING SERVICES 20 .The Art of Making Contact Starting a hospice in Belize These examples remind us that leadership is about creating continuous change—change Claire Blome Alumni share their secrets to networking—online and in person EDITOR that will benefit you, your organization, and, most importantly, the lives of people in your 9 MEET THE FACULTY Stacey Phinney 26 . community. I urge you to look for synergies and embrace change. Walking the Talk Adapting lessons from the military DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES Dr. Jonas Nguh ’13 shares how volunteering can become an integral part of your life Finally, I am proud to tell you that Walden was recently granted reaffirmation of Donna Thomas 10 LIFELONG LEARNERS GRAPHIC DESIGN Learning as a student and a teacher accreditation for 10 years by The Higher Learning Commission. This is a mark of the 32 Bringing Honor to Education CONTRIBUTORS: Words of wisdom from one of the most respected voices on public education strength of our programs and our university. In fact, the reviewers specifically recognized Amy DerBedrosian, Camille LeFevre, 12 OVERHEARD Christine Van Dusen in the and commented that Walden operates with the utmost integrity and that its faculty, staff, Sound bites from Walden Walden is published by the Walden students, administrators, and alumni clearly understand, support, and embrace its unique University Alumni Association. 12 HOW IT PAID OFF mission of effecting positive social change through innovative and purposeful academic The views expressed herein are those of From physician to public health servant programs that serve students extremely well. the authors and do not necessarily reflect NEWS & NOTES official Walden University policy. 13 FROM THE FIELD Our reaccreditation would not have been possible without the support of our entire A SAFE HAVEN FOR FOSTER CHILDREN 35 Oral healthcare in Tanzania community. Thank you for being such an important part of our institution. INQUIRIES A CLINIC IN THE CLOUD 36 Alumni Relations: [email protected] ATTEND WORLD-CLASS FORUMS 38 14 MAKING A DIFFERENCE 1-877-235-3561 WALDEN RECEIVES REACCREDITATION 38 Find your path to volunteerism Re-enrollment: www.WaldenU.edu/apply Sincerely, 1-866-492-5336 ON MY NIGHTSTAND 39 16 CONNECTIONS Transcripts: [email protected] ACCOLADES 43 Cultivating lasting relationships 1-800-925-3368 ONE DEGREE, MANY CAREERS 46

ISSN number 1557-5578 PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE 47 18 BEYOND BORDERS © Walden University 2013 Cynthia G. Baum, Ph.D. HOW I DID IT 48 www.WaldenU.edu/magazine Empowering women in Ghana

Cover image: WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 © Robert Karpa/Masterfile WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 1 CHANGE MAKERS CHANGE MAKERS

BEYOND THE DEGREE ” It’s important that journalists appreciate their role in peace-building and conflict resolution.”

“Peace is not typically an ingredient of news,” says Ekwo, a appetite for freedom of expression, and changing demographics Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration alumnus. “Journalism of media audiences in the United States provide unique training and practice do not seem to recognize peace opportunities for diaspora media to initiate change. Transnational as newsworthy.” journalism has the potential to put pressure on despots to So Ekwo set out to change that—on an international scale. change behavior and adapt to internationally accepted norms of In 2011, he created the Diaspora Media Initiative as part of the governance.” Center for Media and Peace Initiatives, a nonprofit he co-founded The one-week program features networking, panels, and in 2005. field trips to meet American journalists in newspaper, radio, “I was able to develop this idea while completing my Ph.D.,” and television newsrooms in the City area. During the says Ekwo, now a professor of public affairs and administration institute, attendees live in the dormitories at Rutgers. Communicating Peace at Rutgers University School of Public Affairs and Administration As part of the six-month certificate program, writers from in Newark, N.J., and the author of three on mass media. across the diaspora learn to assess government efficiency and “Some of the courses I took at Walden also exposed me to spot corruption, work with bureaucrats and public agencies, and

Zef Nikkola Zef international work effectively within a growing democracy. The four courses— perspectives on each running five weeks—are offered online to make them a wide range of accessible to journalists with busy schedules and in different Dr. Uchenna Ekwo ’11 is teaching journalists around the world disciplines that time zones. how to integrate messages of peace into their reports were useful in So far the Diaspora Media Initiative has trained editors, putting together producers, photographers, reporters, and civil society leaders on By Christine Van Dusen this program.” four continents and in 19 countries, ranging from China and India The Diaspora to Mexico, Poland, Kenya, and Haiti. Media Initiative “It’s important that journalists appreciate their role in ••• WAR CORRESPONDENTS ARE PRESENT at almost every international conflict, aims to under- peace-building and conflict resolution in a world characterized

reporting on the violence, the disputes, and the ravages of battle. But where are the peace Images Kozyrev/Getty Yuri © stand the shifting by intolerance, political paralysis, and a clash of civilizations,” correspondents? landscape of Ekwo says. “The program will bring about lasting, visible change That’s the question that nagged at Dr. Uchenna Ekwo ’11 during his 18 years as a communication across dispersed populations on five continents, in how news is reported.” journalist in Nigeria. He saw the influence the media had on debates, conflicts, and in particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. To that end, the initiative burgeoning democracies and knew that journalists could do more to shape the conversation has partnered with Rutgers to host a weeklong institute and a

and promote peace. six-month certificate program for international journalists. Tell us about your career by emailing [email protected]. “Media plays a crucial role in the construction of migrant identities,” Ekwo says. “The influence of technology, increased

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a mission, whether they’re writing biography, fiction, or WHY I REFER scientific research. My mission is to effect social change through fiction, to raise awareness of social injustices, Building and to prompt people to become engaged. If you have a Accepting a Role as long-term purpose for writing, you’ll never run out of a Writing things to write about. a Leader 2 BE DISCIPLINED. Writing is part of my day-to-day life. Most writers work every day improving their craft. Schedule NAME: Dr. Maureen Kroning ’13 it like you would any other appointment or goal. Plan for it, Career DEGREES EARNED: Master of make the time, and set goals. When you write each day, Science in Nursing (MSN) and take notes or work on revising what you did the day before INSIGHTS Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) if the blank page is too intimidating. Above all else, write. AS TOLD TO CAMILLE LEFEVRE CURRENT JOB: Associate 3 FIND AND CULTIVATE YOUR AUDIENCE. Getting professor at Nyack College in ••• WHETHER HE WAS WORKING AS A the word out about your work no longer happens only Nyack, N.Y., and nursing supervisor at Good Samaritan Regional Medical JOURNALIST, serving in the military, analyzing through reviews in magazines or newspapers. You need to Center in Suffern, N.Y. economic and political trends for an international proactively identify and reach your audiences in a variety of HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT WALDEN? I was working at an acute care bank, or teaching at Mercy College in Dobbs ways. E-books generate communities of readers. clubs hospital when I was offered a nurse manager position on a busy unit, Ferry, N.Y., Dr. James Thomas Milton has always are always seeking new material. (At the end of each novel, which required management skills. I realized a master’s degree could help been a writer. After writing his dissertation on I include a guide to help readers discuss the issues raised.) me be successful, so I started researching and found Walden’s programs. income inequality, he turned his attention to Spread your message by speaking at events related to penning novels that delve into themes of social your work. Remember to reach out to your audience and WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM WALDEN’S PROGRAMS? I learned that justice. His most recent works include The engage them. I could research a vital healthcare issue through my coursework. Despite Golden Door (2012), Sara’s Laughter (2011), and the need for advanced healthcare directive planning, research shows that Infamy (2010), all published by Nepperhan Press. 4 PREPARE TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES. Whatever nurses lack the education to provide their patients with this information, Whether your métier is fiction or nonfiction, genre of writing you undertake, you’ll have readers and which can have detrimental effects on end-of-life care. I was inspired to article or , read on for his advice on how to receive feedback. The whole purpose of writing is to research and publish a handbook that explains key medical terms and launch a writing career. communicate—and it’s a wonderful feeling when people treatments that need to be addressed by patients and their healthcare respond to your writing. Since I approach my writing with providers. I continued at Walden to earn a , which helped me acquire a position as an associate professor. Dr. James Thomas Milton ’95 | Ph.D. in Applied a mission, I like to believe that my books raise awareness.

Management and Decision Sciences (now Ph.D. A reader once told me, “You made me feel the injustice WHY DO YOU REFER OTHERS TO WALDEN? I’ve referred many in Management) rather than simply think about it.” When I hear that, I know colleagues and friends, four of whom have completed their MSN. that I’m effectively changing the hearts and minds of Advocating for nursing education creates positive change in the lives people with my work. I encourage you to do the same. of patients, their families, and communities. — C.L. 1 HAVE A MISSION. Many people have trouble getting beyond that first book because it represents one piece of research or an experience. They don’t Find research and publication partners at Refer friends, family, and colleagues at www.WaldenU.edu/refer. have an ongoing mission. Persistent writers have www.myWaldenAlumni.com. Alison Sheehy

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LEADING BY EXAMPLE A Continuous Commitm ent

As told to Camille LeFevre Robbin Odom ’11 Dr. Gayle D. Jones ’09

THREE ALUMNI SHARE THEIR INSIGHTS ON LEADERSHIP: how to become ••• PROGRAM: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) PROGRAM: Ph.D. in Public Health a leader, how lifelong learning is essential to your growth, and how your commitments FIRST JOB: Unit clerk at a hospital FIRST JOB: Cashier at a fast food can inspire your team and lead to new opportunities. CURRENT JOB: Chief nursing officer, restaurant Women & Children’s Hospital, Lake Charles, La. CURRENT JOB: Director of the Office of Child Health, Georgia Dr. Xavier Bruce ’11 “I recently read a quote that resonates with Department of Public Health me: ‘A leader’s influence affects people’s PROGRAM: Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) lives professionally and personally, and where “‘It is not fair to ask of others what FIRST JOB: Stocker at a grocery store that influence ends no one can say.’ Walden you are not willing to do yourself,’ CURRENT JOB: Deputy chief, strategic planning and enabled me to develop into a more mature said Eleanor Roosevelt. If I ask staff transformation, 711th Human Performance Wing, leader. I realized that most of what I do and say to stay late or come in early, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio affects someone, somewhere, and could have participate in weekend events, or far reaching effects. At Walden, I also gained a work on something from home—no “Everyone has a gremlin, or inner critic, who whispers, new appreciation for evidence-based practice. matter how big or small the request— ‘You are not good/smart/strong enough.’ What does Whether the information comes from staff then I, too, commit to the same your gremlin whisper? How is it keeping you from input, patient perspectives, or academic articles, things. Wherever you are on your achieving your definition of success? Rev. Martin Luther evidence-based methodologies and outcomes path, understand that at times you’ll King Jr. said, ‘Take the first step in faith. You don’t have offer invaluable perspectives that improve be asked to do things you’ve never to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.’ staff effectiveness and the patient experience. done before that may be out of your The first steps are to acknowledge, integrate, and Presenting them with evidence of why we are area of expertise. Whatever the task redirect your gremlin. My gremlin helped me earn my changing a process helps them understand is, do it and do it well. Don’t let an doctorate and develop a unique leadership style. As the rationale and continue to follow it.” opportunity pass because you didn’t an introvert living in an extroverted world, I’m able to recognize it. Even for leaders, learning positively influence people to accomplish things that never stops.” they never previously considered.”

Nominate your colleagues for coverage in the next “Leading by Example” article by sending details to [email protected]. All Illustrations: Andy Ward All Illustrations:

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MEET THE FACULTY

WHY I’M WORKING TO EARN A PH.D.: This Dr. Yvonne Doll degree is giving me the expertise I need to establish the nonprofit and healthcare By Camille LeFevre programs in partnership with Belize’s Ministry of Health. The research skills I’m DR. YVONNE DOLL HAS HOW HAS YOUR MILITARY BACKGROUND INFORMED YOUR gaining are also helping me contribute ••• DISPLAYED EXTRAORDINARY TEACHING AT WALDEN? During my last job in the Army, I taught to the body of literature on cancer care INITIATIVE in her academic and military leadership courses to officers from all over the world, in economically developing countries. professional life. The School of including Saudi Arabia, Poland, Columbia, the Philippines, Mali, Research and data on cancer in Belize are Management faculty member was and the Czech Republic. I developed a very participative, student- very limited, which is such a tremendous in the second class that admitted centered teaching philosophy. Adult learners have extremely barrier. I hope to become one of the first women at West Point, where she valuable multicultural experiences to share in class. I also have a to publish on this subject. played on the women’s basketball, wealth of leadership war stories from my years in the Army that Meet: softball, and volleyball teams. She I share with my students; I’ve worked for excellent leaders, toxic WHEN I STUDY: I study in the evenings Raquel Battle selected the military police corps leaders, and everything in between. All of these experiences after my kids—ages 8, 11, and 14—go to in the U.S. Army for her service and, for 26 years, worked around inform my teaching at Walden. What I strive to do every day is bed. I also take half a day on the weekend Program: the world as a security officer, criminal investigator, operations ignite the fires of learning and excellence in the minds and hearts when necessary and study extensively Ph.D. in Health Services officer, comptroller, commander, and leadership teacher. of students. when I travel to Belize every few months. with a specialization in Doll also married, raised three

Simon Griffiths Healthcare Administration children, and earned a doctorate in It’s vital to BEST EXPERIENCE AT WALDEN SO FAR: management. Here she talks about Participating in the Clinton Global Initiative “ MEET A FUTURE GRADUATE Started: how her background inspired her be a lifelong University meeting in 2012. It taught me December 2009 transition into teaching. practical solutions to many of the existing learner. Raquel Battle challenges I face in building partnerships HOW DID SPORTS CONTRIBUTE and using social media. ” TO YOUR EDUCATION? Many of HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE WHERE I WORK: I’m a behavior cancer, in Placencia Village, the small town ••• the men at West Point still didn’t YOUR STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE specialist at Sterling Montessori Academy where I grew up. I also recently launched WHAT I TELL OTHERS ABOUT WALDEN: like the fact that women were A SIMILAR LEVEL OF SUCCESS? and Charter School in Morrisville, N.C. I’m BEAT Cancer, a clearinghouse of information Walden is an institution of integrity that allowed in when I attended. The I work hard to show students also the founder and president of the for cancer patients and their families, and champions making positive contributions hardest part was the emotional how to achieve breakthroughs BlissfulSage Foundation, a nonprofit that created a skin care line called Belize in You. to society. I chose the university because stress and hazing from the by presenting inspiring ideas, operates the Edlin Leslie Sr. Hospice in it embraces my goals and will equip me upperclassmen. It was also pointing them to valuable Belize and partners with cancer- and MY SOCIAL CHANGE GOALS: It’s my goal with the necessary skills to meet them challenging academically because resources, and providing health-related charities. to examine the relationship a hospice while I pursue my Ph.D. What I most I was competing with all the A students. Even for the guys, the opportunities for initiative and excellence. For instance, one of program has with end-of-life experiences appreciate about Walden is that my classes first year is stressful. Participating in sports was a great way my students from Kuwait completed his D.B.A. in July; we crafted WHY I STARTED THE FOUNDATION: My and develop a model for delivering hospice directly and immediately impact my work. to reduce the high levels of stress I had. Today, I encourage my an article together that we’ve submitted to an academic journal. father passed away from prostate cancer care to cancer patients in southern Belize. students and fellow faculty members to find similar outlets Even if you have a doctorate, I think it’s vital to be a lifelong in 2007 in Belize. He had to make a painful, I want to leave a legacy of leadership and WHAT I PLAN TO DO AFTER GRADUATING: for stress reduction and balance. Obtaining a graduate degree learner. I encourage my students to pick a topic they have a six-hour journey by bus to get treatment compassionate care for my children while In addition to continuing my work with the is extremely challenging, but it can be done with a positive passion for and share their research with others by publishing. and care. His dying wish was to establish giving back to my birth country. I also plan nonprofits I’ve founded, I plan to conduct attitude, good time management, and the support of family Adding to the body of knowledge is so important. Craft your a hospice so that others wouldn’t suffer to continue to educate the public about the research on cancer in Belize and establish and friends. dissertation or doctoral study into a good eight- to 10-page paper the way he did. In his honor, I established philosophy of care a hospice provides and and operate a spa for cancer patients in and submit it to academic journals. I’ve found that through these the Edlin Leslie Sr. Hospice for terminally offer support to cancer patients and their North Carolina, which will carry my skin methods, you can achieve greatness. ill patients, especially those affected by families. care products and help fund the hospice in Belize.

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LIFELONG LEARNERS “ Teaching requires perseverance. Three Nothing gratifying Degrees, comes easily.” Early in her own career, Handy realized she needed more than a bachelor’s degree to be her best as a teacher. That and the positive experiences of her colleagues led her to Walden for an One M.S. in Education in 2005. “My master’s taught me so much about assessment, how to look at data, and about how children learn. I’m more cognizant about students’ abilities and incorporating different learning styles now,” she says. Destiny Seeking to make an even greater impact in the classroom and her community, Handy earned an Ed.D. in 2012. Though many people

Michael Dineen might stop there, Handy has returned for an Ed.S., which she expects to complete in 2014. Dr. Kimberly Handy ’12 explains why “I want to be sure I have the skills to provide my The Graduate: education is a lifelong journey—both in her students what they need to learn. I’ve seen what has Dr. Kimberly Handy ’12

classroom and as a student happened nationally with the common core standards; there’s a lot more rigor now,” she says. M.S. in Education >> By Amy DerBedrosian At the same time, she is reshaping her personal Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) >> legend as an educator. Sparked by her doctoral Education Specialist (Ed.S.) research and work with graduate students, Handy now ••• WALK INTO DR. KIMBERLY HANDY’S CLASSROOM and Anchorage School District since 2004. “I had an English teacher coaches new teachers. Plus, she hopes to become a university professor. most days you’ll hear laughter. Animated conversation spills into who made books come alive. He would ask us how we could was chosen by the Alaska chapter “I like pushing myself to the limit. I can’t sit idle. the hallways after class. Her high school students are regularly apply their lessons in our daily lives. That’s the mantra I use in my of the National Education Association to participate in the national I like the fact that I can set and meet goals and that I can be a role excited by a language arts lesson that resonates with them. It teaching now.” Minority Leadership Training in January 2013. model for others,” she says. “I’m a lifelong learner. I want to make might be a memoir-writing assignment or relate to her favorite In her work as an educator, Handy has discovered her own “I want to help the next generation of teachers,” says Handy. sure I have a continuous grasp of what’s happening in education.” book, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a novel that helps readers personal legend. Aside from teaching, she’s a published author and “I know what it’s like to be a teacher for the first time. New realize their personal legend or destiny. co-host of a weekly online talk show, where she offers advice and teachers may not have the support or professional development

“Whenever I see students’ faces light up—that aha moment— support to graduate students. Handy also serves as a capstone they need. My best advice is that teaching requires perseverance. Tell us why you’ve returned to Walden for another degree at I know why I’m a teacher,” says Handy, who’s taught in Alaska’s evaluator for Western Governors University and mentors and Nothing gratifying comes easily; I want to help them get over the [email protected]. speed bumps and keep going.”

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OVERHEARD HOW IT PAID OFF “ Students want to know once they From Physician graduate that the Walden name to Public Health will be meaningful one year out, Servant five years out, 20 years out. Where you graduate follows you for the rest of your life. ” NAME: Lisa P. Stevens ’10, M.D., — Dr. Eric Riedel, chief academic officer of Walden, M.P.H. on the value of a Walden degree. Flip to page 38 to learn more about our recent reaccreditation. DEGREE: Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) It’s important to JOB BEFORE MY DEGREE: “ Medical director of the preoperative care unit at Virginia Commonwealth remember that University Medical Center in Richmond, Va. JOB AFTER MY DEGREE: Serving the homeless as the medical director of obstacles are just The Daily Planet healthcare clinic in Richmond

opportunities HOW MY DEGREE HELPS ME MAKE A LARGER IMPACT: Walden taught me to look at things holistically and know that everything affects health. If I FROM THE FIELD in disguise.” see someone who’s diabetic, for instance, I ask about the person’s diet or — Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt, world-renowned Paralympian, in a mood. I may involve the shelter or therapist in their treatment. As a result, web-exclusive interview on www.WaldenU.edu/magazine. I’ve enhanced integrative care and outreach programs within our center.

BIGGEST BENEFIT OF EARNING A DEGREE AT WALDEN: The first time I Bringing Oral Healthcare to Tanzania worked with the homeless, I knew it was what I wanted to do. Even though How do you teach students on As told to Claire Blome “ I earned my medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, I so many levels with so many still needed additional education to be a public health worker. When I ••• “IT TAKES FOUR DAYS TO TRAVEL TO THE WANJI TRIBE OF THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS IN TANZANIA. They live at the top of diverse backgrounds in one completed my M.P.H., I was able to obtain my dream job. — A.D. a mountain. I’ve visited every few years since 2002 as part of my church group. My dissertation focused on their oral healthcare. For the classroom? You work hard and control group, I only distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste. The test group was also taught oral hygiene care. The results were amazing. Students in the test group increased their brushing frequency, had fewer problems eating, and felt they could socialize and smile more. never give up on any child. How did earning your degree change your career? Walden’s mission to effect positive social change was intimidating at first, but that’s what my work is all about. You want your research ” Tell us your story by emailing us at [email protected]. — Dr. Alison Grizzle ’10, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, to be meaningful, to impact people. I’m proud to say mine has.” quoted in a story on WSFA.com after being named 2013–2014 Alabama Teacher of the Year. Walden is home to more than — Dr. Catherine Milejczak ’11, M.S. and Ph.D. in public health graduate, a 2011 Scholar of Change, and dental program director at 80 state teachers of the year from 42 states. Midlands Technical College in Columbia, S.C.

Send photos of yourself making a difference to [email protected].

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO A GROUP

A Path to Volunteerism Volunteer at a career fair as an expert in your field ••• YOU EMBODY WALDEN’S MISSION TO EFFECT POSITIVE SOCIAL CHANGE. By volunteering through Connect to Dress for Success to advise women the Walden Service Network, you can positively affect your community. Follow the paths on these pages to Become a docent at a museum discover how to integrate volunteerism into your life. Teach a community exercise class

HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD YOU LIKE TO I WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER WITH? BE PART OF A GROUP Join a committee or the board of a professional organization

Volunteer at a local health clinic

Coordinate a health screening I WOULD LIKE TO INVOLVE MY Help clean up a local waterway or I WOULD community space I WOULD LIKE TO FAMILY LIKE TO Volunteer at a local homeless shelter VOLUNTEER CONNECT WITH AN Become an usher at a theater INDEPENDENTLY, • Spearhead a project at a local school Paint a mural or clean up a school’s playground POSSIBLY AT INDIVIDUAL HOME Join a walk-a-thon to support your favorite cause Develop a business or marketing plan with a Volunteer at the zoo, a farm, or a plant Develop a database for a nonprofit to local entrepreneur conservatory help the staff make more effective Mentor new teachers at your school decisions Visit elderly residents at a nursing home Become part of a mentorship program Lead the writing for a professional organization’s newsletter Help someone revamp his résumé

Become a foster parent to an animal Teach people about credit and financial wellness Volunteerism and service are year-round activities! Find or share an opportunity on www.WaldenU.edu/servicenetwork. All Illustrations: Celia Johnson All Illustrations:

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Sporting Walden apparel and accessories shows your university spirit and lets others know you are a PROUD GRADUATE Cultivating of Walden University. Lasting Relationships Paul Fetters Paul

LeVar C. Trice ’11 explains how networking with alumni and students is a natural habit he developed as a student

••• WHEN LEVAR C. TRICE ’11 ISN’T projects, the M.S. in Psychology alumnus I’m enthusiastic about sharing them with ENGAGED IN U.S. DEPARTMENT OF formed lasting connections, frequently others,” he says. “You’ll connect with DEFENSE WORK in Springfield, Va., guiding continuing to communicate with his graduates and students in different careers his team to ensure the integrity of security- classmates after a project was completed. and share a powerful mix of comments, clearance decisions, he’s often networking Because of those experiences, Trice responses, and reactions.” with alumni and students around the globe. makes a point to reach out to current Staying connected has mutual benefits; As a Walden Alumni Ambassador, Trice students. “I’ve helped students through Trice is also interested in determining his We have a wide selection of quality T-shirts, connects with prospective students in their first year,” he says of the support next step. “I still reach out to my peers, hats, bags, umbrellas, professional accessories, person, by phone, and via email, answering he’s lent via Facebook. One had questions particularly an alumna who started a Ph.D. and other Walden-branded mementos. questions and providing insight. Everything about and capstone options. “She program at Walden,” he continues. “I’d like he does is simply an extension of the wanted to get a head start,” Trice recalls. to obtain my doctorate at some point, and SHOP ONLINE at www.WaldenGear.com collaborative environment he found at “I shared information about what to expect Walden is at the top of my list because of or call 1-800-468-4332 to order by phone. Walden, he says. when preparing and writing the capstone experiences like these.” “Group projects were great and assured her that she would be fully opportunities for team building; we were prepared to handle the task.” Start tapping into your alumni and student connections at able to bounce ideas off each other and He encourages all alumni to give back. www.WaldenGear.com www.myWaldenAlumni.com. work together,” he says. Through these “I had such positive experiences at Walden.

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“All it takes to become an agent of change is a passion for making a difference. ”

••• DR. AHMED TUFEIRU HAD LONG LEFT HIS NATIVE TAMALE, GHANA, for an M.B.A. from Rutgers University, a home in , and a flourishing career with companies from Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch on Wall Street to, currently, Quantitative Management Associates LLC. But while visiting Ghana several years ago, he was shocked to discover a new phenomenon. “I was driving through a market in southern Ghana when I saw women gathered next to their large basins waiting for head-portage work,” recalls Tufeiru. Next, he realized they were speaking in a northern dialect—his own. So he asked them what they were doing so far from home, piling goods into their head basins and carrying loads for pennies. “They told me this was the only way they could provide for their families,” he says. “They sleep in the streets, use public bathrooms, BEYOND BORDERS and are subject to abuse. But they don’t see themselves as victims. partnership with KASI Microfinance Limited, where he’s now a They migrated here to support their families. board member. To date, more than 285 porters in Accra and Kumasi © Olivier Asselin/Corbis “I saw women earning maybe 50 cents a day, while on Wall have received loans of up to $500 to return home to become Street we’re working with $50 million a day,” he says. “I suddenly entrepreneurs—and the results are astonishing. Some women are realized these women are hard workers with entrepreneurial now working as farmers. Others are self-employed as greengrocers ambitions. They’d rather be farming or running other small who purchase, transport, and sell fresh vegetables in their local businesses, but they lack access to affordable capital.” farmers markets. Empowering Women At that moment, Tufeiru, then a Ph.D. in Public Policy and By writing his dissertation, Tufeiru researched and created a Administration student, discovered his dissertation topic—a study solution to a pressing problem in his native country. “These loans of the effects of a microfinance program on female head-load allow women to return home to become micro-entrepreneurs,” he porters in southern Ghana. Would they choose the same work? explains. “Walden’s applied and demand-driven curricula not only in Ghana Or establish and run businesses near their homes? By interviewing enhanced my learning experience, but pointed me in the direction this population of women and analyzing the information he of creating a practical outcome that has improved lives in southern Ghana Dr. Ahmed Tufeiru ’12 went from Wall Street to Ghana to create a collected, he learned that access to capital was key. Ghana. All it takes to become an agent of change is a passion for In his dissertation, Tufeiru included “a prescription for making a difference.” microlending program that positively impacts women and their families policymakers,” he says. “It details how microfinance is a remedial socioeconomic tool that addresses the migration that’s causing By Camille LeFevre the phenomenon of head-load portage.” But he wasn’t ready to stop there. To turn his findings into Have you gone on an international trek? Tell us the details by emailing action, Tufeiru returned to Ghana in March 2012 to establish a [email protected].

18 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 19 Start by Connecting on the Web

The Internet is fertile ground for graduate, the interim assistant dean networking. Make the most of it by of students at UNC-Charlotte, and following this advice: a Walden faculty member. “I took a break from Facebook about a year 1 LET THE INTERNET EMBOLDEN ago and turned to LinkedIn, and I have YOU. If you’re shy, networking online had great success in establishing can take away much of the anxiety professional relationships that have of speaking with strangers. “It can truly kept me in the loop.” help you feel more confident,” says Dr. Antonio Santonastasi ’00, a Ph.D. 3 CREATE AN ONLINE PORTFOLIO in Psychology graduate, manager OF YOUR WORK. If you’ve given a for NATO in Germany, and adjunct presentation, post a summary and faculty member at three universities. your PowerPoint on SlideShare. If Starting online allows you to take you’ve been published, list where those first steps and build on them your articles may be found. If you as your confidence increases. volunteer, list the projects you’ve contributed to and your interests. ••• NETWORKING IS A SKILL THAT 2 JOIN NETWORKING SITES LIKE By posting this information on MUST BE DEVELOPED, NURTURED, AND LINKEDIN. LinkedIn is a favorite LinkedIn, your own website, blog, The Art FINE-TUNED. Here, alumni who have site for making professional and pages frequented by people in obtained a new position or new clients connections, while Facebook works your industry, potential contacts of Making as a direct result of their networking best for casual networking. “I don’t will easily become acquainted with efforts, along with professionals in human oppose Facebook, but it is more of your skill sets and the quality of your resources, describe the best ways to advance your career by reaching out, To be successful at networking, you must work making a good impression, and staying connected online and in person. As “ at it. You get out what you put in. — Robin Hertel ’08 our graduates attest, the benefits are Contact immeasurable: Networking can lead to a social site for friendships and may work without” having to dig around ALUMNI SHARE THEIR SECRETS TO NETWORKING—ONLINE AND IN PERSON— new publishing partnerships, volunteer not be a great place to establish or ask you directly. “A contact can opportunities, or even a new career. professional relationships,” says easily do some homework and get to AND MAKING IT WORK FOR YOUR CAREER Dr. Sean Stanley ’11, a Doctor of know you with minimal effort,” says Business Administration (D.B.A.) Santonastasi. By Christine Van Dusen

20 WALDENU.EDUWALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-35611-877-235-3561 Austin Mike All Illustrations: WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 21 THE ART OF MAKING CONTACT

“I have obtained my last two positions solely 4 BE AWARE OF YOUR ONLINE through networking.” — Dr. Christi Sanders ’11 CRAFT YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE PRESENCE. What will an employer see if she runs a quick search So you’ve signed up for LinkedIn—now what? | Here are the key elements of a solid, productive profile: on you? Check your Facebook Think of it like the discussion boards 7 PERSONALIZE. If you’re going to security settings and do an Internet in your classrooms now extended invite contacts to join a group or search for your name to remove to your life as a professional. These network with you on a particular START WITH THE BASICS any incriminating images or text connections may even lead to site, make sure the invitations are that is viewable by the public—or meaningful opportunities. “I use personalized. No one likes to feel like Create a clear and detailed profile, including previous and current places of employment. risk making a bad impression on a LinkedIn to network and explore they’re part of a mass mailing. “In Post a high-quality headshot and make sure it is recent. Using an unprofessional or inaccurate potential contact. “As an employer, business options that I would never networking, all invitations need to photo raises red flags. I always look at an applicant’s social ordinarily have access to,” says Dr. be personalized,” Santonastasi says. networking sites,” says Dr. Christi Robert D. Boyden ’10, a Ph.D. in Public And he’s not just talking about using DETAIL YOUR EXPERTISE Sanders ’11, a D.B.A. alumna, director Policy and Administration graduate the contact’s name on the invitation,

Include your educational background. Employers not only want to see where you went to school of human resources for the city and owner of Public Safety Concepts though that’s a start. Try including a and which degrees you earned—they want to see if you’re a fellow alum. of Granbury, Texas, and a faculty Group in Philadelphia. “It has exposed detail from a conversation you’ve had member at several universities. “It me to business deals and allowed or about your new project. It will make gives me great insight into the type others to view my CV without me your invitation stand out and increase KEEP IT FRESH of employee that person will be.” needing to send it out individually or the likelihood of a positive response. Include keywords that pop up routinely on websites within your industry. It will help employers find you unsolicited. I even located a publisher and help you find relevant opportunities. 5 GET ENGAGED—PARTICIPATE IN THE for an upcoming book.” 8 DON’T LOSE TOUCH. Once you’ve CONVERSATION. Visit blogs, follow made a contact, keep it. “Stay Be proactive. Request recommendations from your current contacts. your professional contacts on Twitter, 6 DON’T LET THINGS GET STALE. connected to your classmates and and monitor other online forums “Keep your profiles up to date,” says faculty members,” says Stanley, who Keep your contact information up to date—you never know when someone will reach out. but don’t just lurk. Register, post Meena Williamson ’11, an M.B.A. accepted a position at UNC after ~ Add any memberships to professional organizations. comments, ask questions, and alumna and the human resources learning about it from a contact ~ Provide links to your website and published research or articles. provide answers. recruiter for Care Resources in he made in his fraternity—proving ~ If you’ve won awards or received accolades, describe them. Baltimore. Visit your LinkedIn that staying in touch can directly

~ If you volunteer, link to the organization’s site. profile frequently and post regular benefit your career. There’s no need updates to your own website. Tools to inundate your network with daily ~ Add blogs and short YouTube videos that further illustrate who you are as a professional. like WordPress, for example, make emails but don’t let months pass creating a website easy. Remember, without reaching out. And if you have START A CONVERSATION not only does LinkedIn send out lost touch, rebuild the bridge. “You

Each contact counts: Recruiters want to see more than where you’ve worked; they want to find alerts to your contacts when you’ve can reconnect with former co-workers out who you know. “Word of mouth is a great resource. If I can find someone who will recommend an updated your profile, the simple act and supervisors,” Sanders says. All applicant, I always talk to them,” Dr. Christi Sanders ’11 says. “They are more comfortable answering of updating it may lead you to spend it takes is a quick note to start a questions, and I am more comfortable asking them.” more time actively networking online conversation. You never know what and building relationships. opportunities might arise.

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Beyond LinkedIn Now, Get up Close to and then introduce myself. I find Having 500-plus connections on LinkedIn is only valuable if you actually know and that a few meaningful conversations speak to all of those colleagues. Our alumni explain how to make your networking and Personal help build my network a lot faster efforts more collaborative: than just handing out my card to people I barely talk to and who will Stay Active in Professional Organizations Going online isn’t enough. Face-to-face forget me the minute I walk away,” The National Education Association, the American communication is just as important. says Sanders, who knows the power Management Association, and the American Mental Health Find networking events by joining trade of these conversations firsthand. Counselors Association are examples of just a few of the groups (online or in person), volunteering, “I have obtained my last two positions industry-specific organizations you can join. Not only will subscribing to journals, keeping in touch solely through networking.” these memberships help you stay up to date with advances with past and current colleagues—and in your field, you’ll also learn about upcoming events, seminars, and publications— staying current with Walden’s own alumni KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING. 4 prime opportunities for networking. “They also help you widen your geographical network. Other options may also arise from Ask open-ended questions, provide reach,” says Doris Idahor ’12. “These organizations offer access to industry leaders.” your online networking. Once you have a 2 HAVE YOUR PITCH READY. Make student, and a faculty member at positive and encouraging feedback, few upcoming events, here’s what to do sure to have some basic remarks North Central Kansas Technical listen carefully, and be appreciative. Focus on Where You Want to Work when you walk in the door. about your career and your research College. “Standing in line for a “Start with a compliment and follow “The next trend by far is employee referrals,” says Meena memorized. “Always have your five- security check in an airport one day, up with a question that shows Williamson ’11. Employers look for candidates by talking to FACE YOUR FEARS. Shyness is minute elevator speech ready,” says I connected with an IT specialist,” genuine interest,” Idahor says. Or 1 their employees first and asking them to reach out to their common at networking events. Push Doris Idahor ’12, a Master of Public she says. “We spoke of information start the conversation with a casual networks. She urges job seekers to pursue new connections yourself to overcome any hesitation Health (M.P.H.) alumna, Ph.D. in Public technology in healthcare and the topic, like a news article or a joke. at any organization through volunteerism, mentoring, or you feel about approaching people. Policy and Administration student, problems we see with gaining buy-in “Make yourself approachable,” shadowing. Dr. Christi Sanders ’11 agrees the workforce makeup is changing. “I believe “Relax, take deep breaths, and maybe and the head of human resources from more experienced nurses. From Stanley says. “When you open up we’ll see in-house networking increase,” she says. “Organizations will need to look even share a funny story about and organizational development for this conversation, I developed an idea and share what you’re doing, it tends internally to develop talent and hold on to their best employees.” yourself,” Williamson says. “People ActionAid International in Liberia—you for my doctoral study and also found to lead to a good conversation. are drawn to others who have a never know when you’ll encounter an an excellent resource.” They will begin to share, and you’ll Go Off the Beaten Path smile on their face or use humor in find common ground.” Sure, your connections may start on LinkedIn, but they may face-to-face meetings. You would be also jump to other sites, like Scribd, SlideShare, and Skype. amazed at how many other people in Make yourself approachable. When you open COMPLETE THE CIRCLE. “Follow 5 “I think we’ll see more virtual meetings, training, and even attendance are as nervous as you are,” up, routinely, with the people you’ve “ up and share what you’re doing, it tends to lead recruiting,” Dr. Robert D. Boyden ’10 says. Dr. Sean Stanley ’11 she says. She personally ignores the met,” Williamson says. When Hertel agrees. Think of it as a “social media umbrella,” he says. “Users will build their résumés — Dr. Sean Stanley ’11 awkward feeling. “If I have a few paces to a good conversation. takes someone’s business card, she and reputations in new ways, exposing them to a wide audience, and facilitating to cover before reaching the person,” writes a note on the back to remind ” conversations that will allow them to build ongoing relationships with clients or Williamson says, “the walk gives me opportunity to network. “In an airport, PICK YOUR TARGETS. If you’re her of what was discussed. “When you 3 potential employers.” But remember to mix your online pursuits with in-person time to stabilize my nerves.” on a flight, or even in a taxi, I have faced with a room full of people at a return home, send a personal email meetings, cautions Hertel. “There is a lot to be said for the art of simple conversation.” networked and made some lasting networking event, don’t attempt to to thank the person for the insights connections,” says Robin Hertel ’08, speak to everyone. “I typically scan shared or ask further questions,” she a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) the crowd and pick out a few people says. “To be successful at networking, Visit www.WaldenU.edu/magazine to read more about the alumni experts featured in this story— alumna, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) who I think will be interesting to talk you must work at it. You get out what and jump on myWaldenAlumni.com to reconnect today. you put in.”

24 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 25 Walking theTalk DR. JONAS NGUH ’13 SHARES HOW A COMMITMENT TO VOLUNTEERING CAN BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE

By Amy DerBedrosian

••• SOME PEOPLE LOOK AT THE “This is a vulnerable population. I saw when he became a university instructor, SHOES IN THEIR CLOSET AND SIMPLY people without family to look after them, which resulted in his being named the 2012 DECIDE WHICH PAIR TO WEAR. When and it broke my heart,” Nguh says. “Then national winner of a Nursing Excellence Dr. Jonas Nguh surveys his closet, he thinks I thought, ‘What could I do?’ I didn’t know Award for volunteerism and service from about people who have no shoes. In 2010, a the project would generate a lot of interest Nurse.com. moment like this led him to start a program from the staff, but the nonprofit is really called “Soles for Souls.” He and members thriving. The seed I planted has grown Yet Nguh doesn’t view his behavior of his Maryland church collected shoes and beyond me.” as extraordinary. Instead, he notes, sent more than 500 pairs to Africa. “Volunteerism is passed generationally It’s a familiar pattern for the 2011 in my family. We were raised to appreciate Aha moments like this are normal for Walden Ph.D. in Public Health graduate. the value of giving back to one another. Nguh. While working as a registered nurse Nguh has made service and volunteering a Now it is just a part of our identity.” in a long-term care facility, he realized regular part of his personal and professional that some residents with developmental life. When he sees a need, he acts. Valuing Family and disabilities had no one to advocate for their Community needs. To fill that gap, in 2007, he founded That impulse prompted him to travel to the nonprofit Dove House Assisted Living Haiti after the 2010 earthquake to address In many ways, Nguh views his commitment in Baltimore. Today, it is a self-sustaining basic sanitation issues in nursing and to service as a response to his upbringing in operation overseen by a board of directors. hospital settings. It also led him to involve the West African nation of Cameroon. students and faculty in community service Stephen Spartana

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When he was a child, he would accompany “The difficulties I oundf were through Passing on a Passion his father to a local hospital, where they the lived experiences of others. I looked for Volunteerism Secrets of distributed milk to new mothers. at the lack of resources and knowledge. If Successful Service you don’t have family here, you don’t know Nguh also believes in empowering “Back home, there was a very high how to access healthcare or know what university students to serve community Whether you want to volunteer with infant mortality rate, and this small act resources are available to you,” he recalls. needs. When he turned his love of public an existing organization or start a made a big difference; mothers had milk “I never had to experience this, but I want speaking and knowledge of nursing nonprofit, Dr. Jonas Nguh’s advice can for their children,” Nguh recalls. “My father to help others who have.” into a new career as a nurse educator, put you on a successful path. always looked for opportunities to give teaching and volunteerism came together back and make a difference. His values At his church, where nearly every seamlessly. Pinpoint your passions. Look for a purpose or organization helped shape my work. I’ve also passed member was born outside the United that meshes with your personal or along the value of volunteerism to my kids. States, Nguh originated the idea of inviting “My students at the University of the

professional interests. Talk to people It’s just a part of our identity.” social workers, immigration attorneys, and District of Columbia had to take a Dr. Jonas Nguh stands with nursing students from the University of the District of Columbia who participated who work and volunteer in that area in a health fair and community outreach project in 2011. or start with a simple Internet search. If you find a cause that inspires you, it’s more likely you’ll continue I’ve developed a passion for nursing because you can work and his students started a fundraising Expanding His Reach volunteering. “Doing something you’re “ campaign that ultimately provided $1.2 passionate about—it will keep you in bedside care, at the policy level, or in e ducation. by Earning a Doctorate million for vaccines to fight communicable going,” Nguh says. ” diseases. For another project, they Nguh’s father’s lesson of service had

Start small. Attend a meeting Other family members have also other service providers to speak one community service practicum in public collected soap from local hotels to send become his own. Yet only when he earned or volunteer to distribute fliers. As influenced his life. “All three of my sisters Sunday each month. Once launched, the health, so I integrated service,” says to Haiti after learning how even basic his doctorate did he feel that he truly you become more familiar with an became nurses,” Nguh explains. “When project grew. “It’s now become bigger than Nguh. “I collaborated with churches in my hand hygiene was difficult following the understood the significance of service, organization, offer to do more. “Take I was of college age, I was trying to find the original idea and proven that time and community to organize a health fair. We country’s devastating earthquake. despite his many years of helping others. it one step at a time,” Nguh advises. my path. My family directed me toward information can help make a difference in served at a local homeless shelter and “I didn’t do this all at once; I just nursing, and I trusted their judgment. I’ve the community,” he says. food pantry, too. Through this program, “Almost 90% of my students were “Before, I served out of habit, because followed my father. Don’t attempt to since developed a passion for nursing students completed their community adult learners coming into the nursing my family did it. Now that my knowledge accomplish too much too soon.” because you can work in bedside care, at This work led him to found Community service requirement and served the profession, and many were parents with has expanded, I look at things from a

Set the right expectations. the policy level, or in education.” Leadership Inc. in 2005. The nonprofit community.” full-time jobs,” Nguh explains. “That’s broader perspective. My fulfillment Remember that the mission matters helps immigrant women network with each why we collaborated to come up with comes from working for the good of the most. “Everything you contribute is As a young man in his 20s with a other, access healthcare services, and This first project set other projects these projects. We had limited resources community,” he explains. “I love Walden’s useful and beneficial if it supports the recently completed bachelor’s degree in become more educated. Once again, he in motion. “As we began to do more, the and time, so we chose things that were mission of positive social change; it is so mission,” Nguh explains. “That’s the nursing from a school in Cameroon, Nguh saw his efforts make an impact. “When you students and I had more and more ideas feasible. When service is integrated with much of what I value. My joy is not just to whole idea of social change—even if immigrated to the United States to join empower women, you empower the family,” about what we could do,” he says. After your work and life, it just becomes what have the diploma on the wall, but also to you’re not the person at the forefront family members in the Baltimore area. Their Nguh says. reading about the plight of refugees you do. You don’t think of it as something know that I have the capacity to make a of the organization, whatever you do presence helped smooth his transition, but displaced by civil wars in Africa, Nguh extra.” difference.” helps.” — A.D. Nguh was aware that other immigrants were less fortunate.

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In the Ph.D. program at Walden, degree. But the program he chose wasn’t Multiplying the Impact he took leadership and management the typical follow-up to a doctorate: courses that have proved valuable as In January 2013, Nguh completed a Through all his years as a nurse, faculty he’s moved from teaching into academic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at member, and administrator, Nguh has administration, first becoming the director the university. “I went to nursing school never stopped volunteering. “Whenever of the nursing certificate program for in Cameroon initially,” he explains. “It was I find myself with an extended period of the University of the District of Columbia challenging to verify my education when free time, I love to volunteer,” he says. Community College and then, in December I applied for a job in the United States. It 2012, the academic chair for the Bachelor could take up to three months to get my In a recent effort, modeled after a of Science in Nursing program at Kaplan records. Now, I have all of my educational project at his church, Nguh rallied his University. credentials in one country.” Kaplan University faculty colleagues to buy blankets and donate them to “The program really built my knowl- Nguh plans to continue to add to his homeless shelters. In the future, he’d like edge base and my capacity to pursue credentials by pursuing a third degree to return to Africa to create an orphanage research,” Nguh says. “It also helped me at Walden, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) for children who have lost one or both realize that if I keep doing what I believe in, with a specialization in Higher Education parents to AIDS. it will make a difference in the long term.” Leadership. He hopes the program will help him meet his next career goal: Nguh has learned from experience

The positive experiences he had at becoming the chief academic officer or that finding funding for new initiatives Images Eric Raptosh/Getty © Walden led him to return for a second provost of a university. is always the greatest challenge. He has some advantages in overcoming this POSITIVELY IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY DURING GLOBAL DAYS OF SERVICE obstacle: Over the course of his career, he’s acquired a large network of fellow healthcare professionals who help him connect with potential funders. He uses In 2012, alumni, students, and faculty and staff members volunteered in more than the research and needs-assessment skills 700 cities around the world on Global Day of Service. Join our international he developed at Walden to strengthen effort by contributing to a project in your community between Sept. 30–Oct. 6, 2013. his case for support. “Limited funding and resources demand us to be creative,” Nguh Visit the Walden Service Network today to find—and sign up for—a local project that says. “It’s no longer a matter of thinking matches your personal interests and passions. On the site, you can: outside the box. There is no box—you’re only limited by your own creativity.” > Locate local volunteer opportunities.

Nguh encourages others to persist in > Explore global projects using the international search feature. their own efforts to serve. “The rewards > Create a volunteer profile to share your background and expertise. of volunteering are phenomenal,” he says. “It energizes me and gives me a reason to

© Spencer Platt/Getty Images © keep giving.” Log on to www.WaldenU.edu/servicenetwork today to choose your Global Days of Service project.

30 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 31 Bringing Honor toEducation

JONATHAN KOZOL, A BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AND ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED VOICES ON PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES, EXPLAINS WE ALL HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO BRING A ‘SENSE OF JOY’

INTO THE CLASSROOM Fetters Paul

••• JONATHAN KOZOL IS A SERIOUS MAN. WHY DID YOU FEEL COMPELLED TO BECOME The school had very high instability in faculty. The needs to know about this.” It took a few years of That should be expected. He spent the 1960s as a A TEACHER? fourth grade I was given had 12 teachers in the rewriting, but that was the origin of Death at an teacher in deeply segregated Boston schools. When KOZOL I intended to be a writer. I majored in English preceding year. Naturally, the kids went wild, which Early Age. he left the classroom to become a writer, he was at Harvard, spent some time at Oxford, and studied is almost inevitable when teachers keep coming and moved to speak about the conditions he witnessed. writing in Paris. I came back to the United States going. I had to learn on my feet very, very fast. I got WHAT WERE YOU HOPING TO SHARE IN DEATH The best-selling author has since addressed the in 1964, and I heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s to love the kids I was teaching. It was a powerful AT AN EARLY AGE? challenges students face in the United States speeches. Thousands of young people were going experience. KOZOL I had a very explicit goal. I wanted to end by putting faces, names, and stories to a very down to Mississippi to try to break the back of the sin of segregation in American public schools. public problem. What Kozol has learned through segregation that summer. I realized that my own After class, I used to go with students to their I thought that isolating black children, especially at his continued teaching (of city, Boston, was profoundly segregated, so I drove homes to meet their parents. They were very such an early age, was not simply damaging to them, Bring vitality, energy, and students and teachers alike) across town to see if I could make a difference. I hospitable. They seemed to open up and talk to me just as Dr. King believed and as the Supreme Court “ is that we can all have a very worked first as a tutor in a summer school. When candidly. I learned a great deal about the children’s believed in Brown v. the Board of Education, but I a little bit of mischievous real, very positive impact on school began in September, I became a teacher. backgrounds, and it helped me as a teacher. also thought it was an ethical abomination. I have delight into every single education. Before his plenary always felt racism has been our nation’s oldest crime. speech in Arlington, Va., in The school was in decrepit condition. The building WHY DID YOU START WRITING? I wanted to bring an end to it by showing very clearly hour that you spend with December, he sat down to was so crowded, my students and I shared the KOZOL I kept a journal of my day-to-day experiences the effects it had on children. Every book I’ve written children in our schools. share his advice for parents, auditorium with another fourth-grade class. in the classroom. It was during the following summer has something to do with this, what I call the shame ” teachers, principals, and There were no dividers, just a couple of portable that I showed the journal to one of my professors at of the nation. administrators alike. blackboards. Harvard; he said, “You’ve got a book here. The public

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SPOTLIGHT

AS AN AUTHOR, HOW DO YOU STAY CONNECTED equalize resources for our students and encourage TO THE CLASSROOM? diversity in our public schools. Creating a Safe Haven KOZOL I never really stopped teaching. I still spend a great deal of my time in the classroom. Teachers WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ALUMNI WHO for Foster Children invite me to teach a class, and I lecture to future WANT TO POSITIVELY IMPACT STUDENTS? teachers at universities. I don’t feel I’ve ever ceased KOZOL Volunteer—and use those experiences to being a teacher and an educator. I do it in my own shape a lifelong sense of being a change agent in our Dr. John DeGarmo ’12 explains how becoming a foster parent way by telling stories; I try to reach the hearts of society. Don’t simply spend a few months tutoring readers as directly as I can. I think the reason my kids, but keep on with them from year to year to helped fuel his passion to effect positive social change for children books are widely read is because they are stories, demonstrate your loyalty.

By Claire Blome Images Beziat/Getty Luc © narratives. Readers come to know the Remember that the most important things that children very well. They happen in education cannot be reduced to numbers. ••• DR. JOHN To follow up on his doctoral work, he published Not sure you want call me to ask what The best qualities of children—their originality DEGARMO ’12 IS A Fostering Love: One Foster Parent’s Journey to become a foster happened to specific in writing, their generosity of spirit, their humor, FOSTER CARE VETERAN. (CrossBooks, 2012) and The Foster Parenting parent? Anyone can children. their sense of tragedy—will never show up on a In addition to caring for their Manual: A Practical Guide to Creating a Loving, reach out to help: standardized exam. own three children, he and Safe and Stable Home (Jessica Kingsley Offer baby-sitting services. WHAT IS THE ROLE his wife have fostered more than 30 children. Publishers, 2013) to share his experiences and Become a certified respite care provider and OF RESEARCH IN Come into the classroom with a sense of joy. Bring Why does he do it? For the small joys, critical recommendations. connect to foster families. You’ll be able to EDUCATION? in amiable irreverence; get into the souls of children. breakthroughs—even the simple smile—that What does it take to be a foster parent? offer foster parents a coveted date night. KOZOL There’s plenty Turn school into a great adventure, a journey into occur with each child, he says. Find out if it’s right for you: of good research, which the world of beautiful books, a journey into all the Become a mentor. “These children need “We had a child who was burned by his mother Come into the classroom can be useful to us if treasures of our culture. Bring vitality, energy, and a Discuss fostering with your family. “Foster encouragement, ” DeGarmo says. Volunteer with cigarettes,” he explains. “She caused so “ with a sense of joy. the research is carried little bit of mischievous delight into every single hour children need stability, safety, security, and to teach young adults how to balance a much pain in his life that it took us months to out by people who that you spend with children in our schools. a family that will love them unconditionally,” checkbook, fill out a job application, or learn ” elicit a smile. And that smile was a tremendous know anything about children. That is to say, people DeGarmo says. Sit down with your family to to cook. An hour a week makes a big impact. breakthrough.” The DeGarmos have also who have firsthand acquaintance with children in While I believe that teachers ought to be advocates discuss the possibility. watched as a child’s birth parents got off Create a drive to collect suitcases. classrooms. for justice on a larger scale, I also urge them to take drugs, went through recovery, and worked to Contact your local foster care agency “When a child arrives into a foster home, they satisfaction in the day-to-day triumphs. I have on regain their parental rights. “Ideally, that’s how to start training. In training, you’ll learn the come with a black plastic bag,” DeGarmo Too much of the research that’s being done today is my desk a slogan, “Battles big enough to matter, it should be,” he says. basics: what to expect and how to prepare explains. “We love to send them out with a politicized to accommodate the current fascination but small enough to win.” It’s a good guideline for your home. Search the “National Foster Care & brand new suitcase and a sense of pride. When the alumnus entered the Doctor of with testing. Researchers can prove almost anything teachers. Adoption Directory” to find an agency near you. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now, writing they want, depending on the statistics they adopt. Education (Ed.D.) program at Walden in 2008, Realize fostering may lead to books and attending speaking engagements, I like research that looks with a clear eye at the he knew he needed to use his doctoral study Creating Ripples of Change unexpected rewards. Not only will you if it wasn’t for what I learned at Walden,” realities our children face. The best research I’ve to positively affect everyone involved in the Go online to read an interview with residency plenary speaker provide a stable, loving home, you may says DeGarmo, who presents about foster seen has been carried out by the Civil Rights Project foster care system. “I created a seminar for Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt, a world renowned Paralympian, who ultimately watch birth parents change their care across the country. “My goal is to effect at UCLA, a group that tries very hard to find ways to foster parents, teachers, and case workers to shares how education empowers everyone to be an agent lives for the better or help a child be adopted positive social change for foster children.” of change at www.WaldenU.edu/magazine. work together to learn and understand the process and collaborate,” he explains. into a loving home.

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SPOTLIGHT Find Volunteer Opportunities WHYWHY That Match Your Interests I Refer… Working at the clinic with patients and healthcare providers helped Klein put her education into practice in new ways. Here, she offers suggestions to help you replicate her success:

> Remember that volunteer opportunities fit all backgrounds. Research organizations to learn how they work and how you could help. Talk to other volunteers. The extra legwork will help you discover an opportunity that matches your specific skills.

> Don’t hesitate to make the first contact.“Call organizations whose missions appeal to you,” Klein says. “Tell them about your experiences and expertise. Ask how you can help.” It’s likely, she happily explains, “there will be a perfect spot you can fill. Your help is immensely valuable and the nonprofit will welcome your enthusiasm and expertise.”

A Clinic in the Cloud > Search sites that compile volunteer opportunities.

Martin Herbst For example, you’ll find an array of choices that match your I’ve referred many interests at www.WaldenU.edu/servicenetwork. “ Asking the simple question, ••• DR. JUDITH KLEIN ’10 WAS supported solely through volunteers and colleagues and friends, ‘How can I help?’ led ALREADY QUITE ACCOMPLISHED when donations. Serving a predominately Hispanic, four of whom have she began looking for ways to volunteer. She low-income population, it provides primary completed their MSN Dr. Judith Klein ’10 to an earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in public health healthcare services, social services, and at Walden. Advocating and landed a position at biotechnology giant mental health counseling to more than 4,000 When she visited the clinic, she learned the includes test results and prescriptions extraordinarily fulfilling for nursing education creates Amgen in Southern California, where she is patients a year. staff had the perfect project for her skill set: and, most importantly, it increases the volunteer opportunity responsible for project management and data implementing Medkind, a free, cloud-based amount of time medical staff can spend positive change in the lives “The clinic provides invaluable services,” says analysis. She also teaches healthcare policy system that allowed her to convert existing with patients.” In short, the database has of patients, their families, and Klein. Yet, she wasn’t sure how to leverage and law at the University of West Los Angeles. paper patient records to an electronic changed how efficiently the clinic runs. By Camille LeFevre her skills in that setting. “I’m in business communities. system. Today, Klein supervises volunteers “The database offers a continuity of ” “After graduating, I needed to do something operations,” she says. “I’m not a nurse or an and ensures patient information is entered care and an exemplary level of service for my community. I wanted to give back,” M.D.” Influenced by Walden’s mission to effect — Dr. Maureen Kroning ’13 directly into the system. “The information to patients,” Klein says enthusiastically. she says. Klein was specifically interested positive social change, she was moved to in a local free clinic where her son had reach out to find something that fit. volunteered. Open one day a week, it is

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Attend World-Class Forums ON MY NIGHTSTAND Expanding Your Perceptions ... AGAIN ••• ALUMNI HAVE COMPLIMENTARY WORLD BUSINESS FORUM ONLINE ACCESS TO TWO WORLD-CLASS Oct. 1–2 ••• You’ll forgive Dr. Shamir Andrew Ally ’94 if his bedside EVENTS: The Clinton Global Initiative and table isn’t cluttered with books; he’s a man on the move. and Again New York City the World Business Forum. This fall, innova- The Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences Be part of a transformative experience tive and socially responsible world leaders will dedicated to building better businesses, (now Ph.D. in Management) alumnus has traveled to 72 discuss and create programs that promote better people, and a better world. Speakers countries and is a visiting professor at Qatar University. positive social change. Sign up to reserve include author and former General Electric A voracious reader, he started a program to donate your “virtual” seat at these 2013 events: CEO Dr. Jack Welch, SuperFreakonomics textbooks to college students in Guyana, his birth country. co-authors Dr. Steven Levitt and Stephen Here are a few tomes he highly recommends: CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE Dubner, and Denise Morrison, president and CEO of Campbell Soup Co., and her sister Sept. 24–26 DREAMS AND SHADOWS: THE FUTURE OF THE MIDDLE EAST Maggie Wilderotter, chairman and CEO of New York City by Robin Wright Frontier Communications. Established by President Bill Clinton, CGI From an author who has covered wars and revolutions across the convenes a community of global leaders to globe as a reporter, this book outlines how the Middle East will forge solutions to the world’s most pressing remain in a contest between the familiar and the feared, with the challenges. This year’s theme is “Design for Learn more about the events and comfort of tradition bumping up against the lure of political trends. Impact: How Can We Design Our World to how to sign up to attend at

© Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images Daniel Berehulak/Getty © Create More Opportunity and More Equality?” myWaldenAlumni.com/events. THE EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES: A BIOGRAPHY OF CANCER by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee The author presents a history of the disease—from the Greek slave who may have excised Persian Queen Atossa’s tumor to My experience at Walden Receives Reaccreditation his own patients—to demystify its behaviors. Walden“ challenged me to use what I learned THE SNOWBALL: WARREN BUFFETT AND THE BUSINESS to make a difference in ••• THE HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION (HLC) RECENTLY This exemplary accomplishment is the result of a process that lasted OF LIFE by Alice Schroeder my community. I refer REAFFIRMED Walden University’s accreditation for 10 years. This more than three years and involved more than 130 faculty members, There are countless lessons to be learned from Buffett’s life accreditation affirms the quality of our education programs as well alumni, students, and staff members, who engaged the entire Walden in business, which began when he purchased chewing gum everyone I can—friends who as the expertise of our faculty and staff. As alumni, you can be community by posting articles and videos at each step. They also from his grandfather and resold it door to door. Now one of the have asked about my program, assured you have earned a degree that meets the highest standards contributed research to Walden’s self-study and participated in the world’s wealthiest people, he gives away much of his money to co-workers, employees, in the profession. on-site visit from the HLC’s external review team. foundations. This book teaches readers to see disappointments and anyone who wants to as stepping-stones to spectacular achievements. — C.V.D. “Accreditation is a promise of quality,” says Dr. Eric Riedel, Walden’s Accreditation is an extremely important hallmark of an institution continue their education. It’s chief academic officer and a leader of the university’s accreditation and demonstrates that our programs meet the highest academic important to continue beyond steering committee. “It assures the public that Walden is continually standards. Please share this exciting news with your colleagues and a four-year degree. looking at our programs, the quality of our students’ learning, and friends who might also want to take the next step in their educational ” the integrity of our faculty and academic policies, and that we’re journey. “Walden started with quality standards the day we were — Robin Nauseef-Cataldo ’11 improving them.” formed in 1970,” Dr. Riedel says. “We’ve very proud of the Walden name What’s on your nightstand? Share your top reads by emailing [email protected]. and want to be sure it’s associated with quality for the long term.”

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New Resources In This Issue Available in YOUR Commencement Venues REFERRAL ••• ALUMNI AMBASSADORS the Alumni ARE WALDEN ADVOCATES. These leaders and innovators represent a Library is the Highest broad range of fields from public Compliment You education to international business, TWO NEW RESEARCH and they make time to connect ••• DATABASES, PQDT Open and Can Give Us. with current and prospective students Project MUSE, have been added to share their experiences, their to the Walden University Alumni Library. goals as lifelong learners, and how PQDT Open makes it possible to search thousands they are effecting change in their of academic dissertations and theses. Project MUSE provides access to a wide range communities. Read about the of digital humanities and social sciences content. Ambassadors in this issue:

Access both free of charge at www.myWaldenAlumni.com/library. Your myWaldenAlumni Page 2 Dr. Uchenna Ekwo ’11 user name and password are required. Gaylord Palms Resort Page 6 Dr. Xavier Bruce ’11 ••• CELEBRATE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS at Page 16 an upcoming commencement. The 51st Commencement LeVar Trice ’11 Ceremony takes place Jan. 11, 2014, in Orlando, Fla., at the Gaylord Palms Resort, just a short drive from Walt Disney World. The 52nd Commencement Ceremony Pages 20 & 46 Imagine the networking power happens July 12, 2014, in National Harbor, Md., at the Gaylord National. Dr. Sean Stanley ’11 if there were more alumni in Visit www.myWaldenAlumni.com/commencement. BEGIN CLASSES ON the world like you! Page 26 Dr. Jonas Nguh ’13 Visit www.WaldenU.edu/refer Page 48 SEPTEMBER 3 and recommend others to Dr. Brucetta McClue Tate ’08 Walden today. TO SAVE ON ••• WALDEN ALUMNI Back Page Thank you for inspiring others WHO RE-ENROLL and begin Paul Trupia ’12 to explore Walden University. YOUR NEXT taking courses on Sept. 3, 2013, are eligible to receive a special 20% tuition Learn more about the Ambassador WALDEN reduction. To learn more about this Program at www.myWaldenAlumni. limited-time offer, contact your enrollment com/ambassadors. DEGREE advisor at 1-866-492-5336. Gaylord National

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SPOTLIGHT Ryan Twentey ’06 Robert C. McKim ’10 Accolades M.S. in Education M.S. in Nonprofit Management and Received the national Association for Leadership Supervision and Curriculum Development Elected to a one-year term as chairman of The professional activities of 2013 Outstanding Young Educator Award the board of trustees of Antioch University in Walden’s alumni are having for his innovative teaching methods and his Yellow Springs, Ohio. He is the senior partner Angela Cartwright ’12 (right) and her guest a significant impact on their contributions to the school system. He is a of McKim Nonprofit Consulting. Quanette Wilder at the reception in Arlington. photography teacher at Parkville High School organizations, communities, in Maryland. Rebecca Short ’09 and disciplines. Here are some Master of Science in Nursing recent highlights. Tequila Pennington-Calwise ’03 Elected to the Ohio League for Nursing’s M.S. in Education board of directors. She is an assistant Won Essence magazine’s first annual professor of nursing at Sinclair Community Awards “Hardest-Working Black Woman in College in Dayton, Ohio. America” contest for meeting the challenges of inner-city education, running Dr. Catherine S. Bridges ’11 a nonprofit, and maintaining her work-life Doctor of Education balance. She is a third-grade teacher at Euclid Ulysesses Wilcox ’12, Maxine Petersen ’09, Dorothy Glisson ’11, and Named Elementary Administrator of Presentations Chynita Pernell ’11 gathered in Arlington in March. Park Elementary School in Cleveland, Ohio. the Year by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) in February for her Dr. Gregory Campbell ’12 Dr. Melissa Thomas ’07 and Dr. Gary Bickford ’97 Dr. Danita Johnson Hughes ’02 open-door policy and welcoming attitude Ph.D. in Management Ph.D. in Human Services A Close-Knit Network connected in Arlington. toward staff and parents. She is the principal Featured on C-SPAN’s Consumer Inducted into the Northwest Indiana of Juan N. Seguin Elementary School in Protection Summit on March 8, where he Business and Industry Hall of Fame in March ••• NOT ONLY DO ALUMNI MAKE A POINT TO MEET NEW Mission, Texas. spoke about how consumers can protect for her substantial contributions to business themselves from fraud. He is the deputy chief GRADUATES, they also come together to catch up with their and her commitment to enhancing her local Kim Harkreader ’11 inspector of Western Field Operations for the friends and colleagues. Here, we share a few photos from recent community. She is the CEO of Edgewater M.S. in Education U.S. Postal Inspection Service. events in Arlington, Va., and Miami. Systems for Balanced Living. Named the Sumner County K–4 Teacher of

the Year for 2012–2013. She is a fourth-grade Dr. Sidney Fisher ’12 Upcoming Events teacher at J.W. Wiseman Elementary School Ph.D. in Psychology Join fellow alumni in these select cities for face-to-face in Portland, Tenn. Co-presented “Consequences of Climate-to- networking and conversations with colleagues: Board Appointments Voice Perceptions: Implications for Employee Job Attitudes” at the 25th annual convention OCT. 11, 2013 Nanette Lehman ’10 Baltimore, MD M.S. in Education Dr. Levon Margolin ’11 of the Association for Psychological Science Named Oregon Teacher of the Year M.S. in Psychology and Ph.D. in Psychology in Washington, D.C. NOV. 15, 2013 2012–2013. She is a second-grade teacher Joined the executive committee of Atlanta, GA at Haines Elementary. the National Alliance of Professional Dr. Marsha Lyle-Gonga ’08 Psychology Providers’ board of directors. Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration JAN. 9, 2014 He is the CEO and chief psychologist of Led the third annual Young Women’s Orlando, FL Ralphfiel Farrar ’08 B.S. in Business Administration ibemed, a company that works to improve Leadership Symposium in April at Austin patient health and experience while Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., Visit www.myWaldenAlumni.com/events Honored at the 34th annual Salute to the Greater Cincinnati YMCA Black and Latino decreasing healthcare costs. where she is an assistant professor of Graduates and their families celebrated at to learn more or to register for an event. Achievers Program in November for his political science. January’s commencement ceremony in Miami. work as a mentor. He is a senior recruiting specialist at Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a division of Johnson & Johnson.

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Dr. Raymond Marbury ’12 Steve Colvin ’12 Dr. Tyra Norris-Ellis ’11 Amy R. Brown ’04 Cassandra Drown ’12 Educating Nurses on the Importance of Doctor of Business Administration Master of Science in Nursing M.S. in Public Health and Ph.D. in M.S. in Education M.S. in Psychology Documenting Critical Values” in Nursing Presented “Human Capital, Information Promoted to clinical team leader of the Public Health Named the director of National College’s Published the article “Vital Signs: The for Women’s Health (Vol. 16, Issue 3). Governance, and Succession” at the Digital inpatient rehabilitation unit at Carilion Named chronic disease specialist in the Florence campus in Kentucky. She previously Importance of a Disaster Response Plan for She is a quality management coordinator Government Institute’s E-Discovery, Records & Roanoke Community Hospital in Virginia. Department of Health Assessment and served as the director of education and dean Mental Health Care” in the Charlottesville, Va., at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Information Management Conference & Expo Promotion at the DeKalb County Board of at Lincoln College of Technology in Cincinnati, newspaper, The Daily Progress, on Dec. 23, Center in Mechanicsville, Va. in April. Read more about his professional Tanzania Merriweather ’12 Health in Decatur, Ga. Ohio. 2012, based on her capstone project. She is experience on page 46. B.S. in Criminal Justice a case manager for Region Ten Community David Holzmer ’06 Promoted from parole associate to probation Terrence Thornton ’11 Dr. Bonnie Beardsley ’03 Services Board. Master of Public Administration Dr. Ahmad Salih ’12 and parole agent at the Maryland Parole M.S. in Nonprofit Management Ph.D. in Education Wrote the chapter “Leadership in the Doctor of Business Administration Commission in Baltimore. and Leadership Named dean of the Northwestern College Sherry Jones Mayo ’12 Time of Liminality” in The Embodiment of Presented “The Invisible Barriers to Strategy Named director of investor services and Violet Schumacher School of Nursing in M.S. in Psychology Leadership: A Volume in the International Implementation” at the Chief Strategy Officer Kimberli Palmer ’12 development at the Las Vegas Global Bridgeview, Ill. Published the book More Confessions of a Leadership Series, Building Leadership Bridges Summit in Barcelona, Spain. Read more about M.S. in Higher Education Economic Alliance. He previously served as an Trauma Junkie: My Life as a Nurse Paramedic (Jossey-Bass, 2013). He is the assistant his professional experience on page 46. Became the director of academic success administrator for the Nevada Development Dr. Jim Smucker ’01 (Modern History Press, 2012). special residential director for The Arc of Cape and retention in the office of student Authority. Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision May County in South Dennis, N.J. Dr. Mark W. Monaghan ’08 services at Indiana Wesleyan University in Sciences (now Ph.D. in Management) Dr. Tina Bloom ’11 Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Marion, Ind. Dr. William R. Young ’11 Named dean of graduate studies at Eastern Ph.D. in Psychology Pennie Murray ’06 Sciences (now Ph.D. in Management) Doctor of Education Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. He Had her dissertation, Human Ability to M.S. in Psychology Presented “Determine Component Robyn Woidtke ’12 Became the supervisor of curriculum and is also the president of the Bird-in-Hand Corp., Recognize Dogs’ (Canis familiaris) Facial Authored the book Giving Myself Permission: Probability From NASA Ground System Master of Science in Nursing instruction for Trumbull County Educational a family company with an inn, restaurant, Expressions: From Cross Cultural to Cross Putting Fear and Doubt in Their Place Problem Reports” at the 2013 Annual Became a faculty member at the Florida Service Center in Niles, Ohio. He is also an and bakery in Lancaster County, Pa. Species Research on the Universality of (GMP Publishing, 2013). She is a motivational Reliability and Maintainability Symposium in International Sleep School in Altamonte adjunct instructor at Youngstown State Emotions, profiled in a series of articles life coach. Orlando, Fla. Springs where she will assist in the University. in March, including in The Telegraph and development of clinical education courses. The Daily Mail. Dr. Richard Schuttler ’98 Jamie Leigh Cannon ’10 Publications Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Morgan Carter ’11 B.S. in Business Administration and Beverly A. Kantz ’10 and Sciences (now Ph.D. in Management) Promotions M.S. in Education Master of Business Administration Cynthia Batcher ’12 Karen L. Parker ’09 Co-authored the book Everyday Leader Heroes: 10 Leadership Characteristics in Named the founding principal of Providence Named the personnel director of Glenn Master of Science in Nursing Master of Science in Nursing Everyday People (Caboodle Marketing, 2012). Paul Satryb ’13 Mayoral Academy Elementary in Providence, County, Calif., where she oversees more than Co-authored the article “From Model to Co-published the article “The Road B.S. in Business Administration R.I. Set to open in August, the school is part of 460 employees. Action: Using a System Dynamics Model of Less Traveled” in Nursing Management Dr. Jeffrey Fannin ’97 and M.S. in Management Achievement First, a network of 22 nonprofit Chronic Disease Risks to Align Community (Vol. 44, Issue 2) about a rural hospital’s Ph.D. in Psychology Promoted to quality manager of Hydra- public charter schools. David Andrade ’08 Action” in Health Promotion Practice experiences obtaining accreditation. Co-authored the article “Neuroscience Power Systems Inc. in Portland, Ore., M.S. in Education (Vol. 14, No. 1). Reveals the Whole-Brain State and Its to develop a quality management system Regine Choute ’11 Started work as the chief information Dr. Linda Moerschell ’09 Applications for International Business and to improve profits and positively affect B.S. in Business Administration officer for the Bridgeport Public Schools in Dr. Gloria Donovan ’12 Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sustainable Success” in the International the community and the environment. Promoted from the executive assistant to Connecticut. Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences (now Ph.D. in Management) Journal of Management and Business the town manager in the town of Bay Harbor Sciences (now Ph.D. in Management) Co-authored the article “Complexity (Vol. 3, Issue 1). He is the founder of the Susan L. Blesh ’12 Islands, Fla., to assistant to the manager. Dr. Michael Vinella ’07 Published the book Six Steps to a Better Change Theory: Improvisational Leadership Center for Cognitive Enhancement in Master of Business Administration Ph.D. in Education You (Xulon Press, 2013) to detail how for Complex and Chaotic Environments” Glendale, Ariz. Hired as the business manager for Keystone Tadd Greenfield ’11 Became the principal of East Brunswick High managers can motivate employees to in the Leadership & Organizational Central School District in Pennsylvania. She Master of Healthcare Administration School in New Jersey in September 2012. He perform at peak levels. Management Journal (Vol. 2013, Issue 1). formerly worked at Lock Haven University as Named chief nursing officer of Great Plains formerly served as the supervisor of social a fiscal technician and budget manager. Regional Medical Center in North Platte, Neb. studies and media at the school. Dyan Troxel ’09 We want to hear from you! Master of Science in Nursing Share your accomplishments at Published the article “Staging a Mock Trial: [email protected].

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ASSISTANT ASSISTANT DEAN DEAN Programs at a Glance DIRECTOR ADVISOR Are you thinking about earning another degree to help you accomplish your personal goals and prepare for career advancement? Do you know a family member, friend, or colleague who would benefit from Walden’s programs? one Have a look at our current program offerings and see what inspires you. MANAGER degree CEO D.B.A. (New programs in bold.) FACULTY FACULTY DOCTORAL Human Resource Management Human Services VICE VICE MEMBER many PRESIDENT Business Administration (D.B.A.) Human Services Information Technology ANALYST Counselor Education and Supervision Information Systems Instructional Design and Technology careers PROFESSOR Education (Ed.D.) Information Systems Management Interdisciplinary Studies Education (Ph.D.) Information Technology Nursing (BSN) Completion Program Health Services Instructional Design and Technology Political Science and Public Administration Human Services Leadership Psychology Management Management Public Health Nursing Practice (DNP) Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Psychology Mental Health Counseling EDUCATION SPECIALIST Public Health Nonprofit Management and Leadership Administrator Leadership for Teaching Graduates from this program, which awarded its first degrees in 2011, already have adiverse mix of careers. Public Policy and Administration Nursing (MSN) and Learning Project Management Adult Education MASTER’S Psychology Assessment, Evaluation, and Dr. Dayner Azzellino ’11 Dr. John Leavitt ’12 Dr. Ahmad Salih ’12 Dr. Sean Stanley ’11 Accounting Public Administration (M.P.A.) Accountability CEO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS INTERIM ASSISTANT DEAN Accounting and Management Public Health (M.P.H.) College Teaching and Learning MarcAstuta Limited Information Technology United Networks OF STUDENTS Addiction Counseling Public Policy (M.P.P.) Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Trinidad and Tobago Support Services (ITSS) Kuwait City, Kuwait University of North Carolina Adult Learning Social Work (MSW) Development contract for Technik at the at Charlotte Business Administration (M.B.A. and Teacher Preparation Program with a Early Childhood Dr. Leslie Filippelli-DiManna ’12 Kennedy Space Center Dr. Christi Sanders ’11 Charlotte, N.C. Executive M.B.A.) Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Educational Leadership and Administration ADJUNCT PROFESSOR Cape Canaveral, Fla. DIRECTOR OF HUMAN Career Counseling (Principal Preparation) Community College of Dr. Charmaine Wilson ’12 RESOURCES and FACULTY Clinical Psychology BACHELOR’S Educational Technology Rhode Island Dr. Raymond Marbury ’12 MEMBER BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYST Clinical Research Administration Accounting Reading and Literacy Leadership Lincoln, R.I. PROGRAM ANALYST/ADVISOR City of Granbury, and The New York Times Criminal Justice Business Administration Special Education Department of Homeland Southwestern Assemblies of Norfolk, Va. Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Business Communication Teacher Leadership Dr. Calvin Fogle ’11 Security, U.S. Customs and God University and Indiana Management Child Development DEPUTY NETWORK CONTRACT Border Protection Wesleyan University Early Childhood Studies Communication MANAGER Washington, D.C. Granbury and Waxahachie, Texas, Education (M.S.Ed.) Computer Information Systems For more information about Walden’s Department of Veterans Affairs and Marion, Ind. Emergency Management Criminal Justice programs—including more than 45 San Antonio, Texas Dr. Amye Melton ’12 Forensic Psychology Educational Studies certificates and full lists of program VICE PRESIDENT OF SCHOOL Health Informatics Forensic Psychology concentrations and specializations— OPERATIONS Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.) Health Studies visit www.WaldenU.edu. Daymar Colleges Group Get more ideas for career opportunities by reading the web-exclusive Higher Education Healthcare Management Owensboro, Ky. version of this article at www.WaldenU.edu/magazine.

46 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 WALDENU.EDU 1-877-235-3561 47 NEWS & NOTES

Confirm your membership I was just beginning my dissertation CONNECT in the Walden University “ when Hurricane Katrina hit my home Alumni Association and in New Orleans. ” SHARE take advantage of exclusive membership benefits WHAT KEPT ME MOTIVATED: My faith, my family, my fiancé who is now my husband, and my committee members. Everyone at Walden through myWaldenAlumni— was wonderful after the hurricane. My mentor called immediately. Other GROW professors and students emailed and asked if they could help. The compassion of the Walden community and a lot of prayer got me through your online alumni everything. community. WHEN AND WHERE I STUDIED: Early mornings, after and between jobs, and on Saturdays and Sundays—in cafés, local college libraries, and, for nine months after Hurricane Katrina, in a hotel.

How I Did It How Choose one of these easy ways to confirm your membership: HOW THE HURRICANE INFLUENCED MY DISSERTATION: When I realized how devastating Katrina was, my dissertation research changed. DR. BRUCETTA MCCLUE TATE ’08 My original topic was the positive effects of online instruction, but, after Katrina, I wanted to investigate how technology could impact the DEGREE EARNED: Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in rebuilding and survival of Gulf Coast academic institutions. Educational Technology Visit www.myWaldenAlumni.com and click on Professional resources and HIGHEST POINTS: There have been so many! When I defended my “Login.” As a first-time user, you will need your alumni services exclusively for Walden HOW LONG IT TOOK: Four years, part time, year-round research, walked across the stage at graduation, published articles—and ID, which is the same as your former student ID. alumni: a book—and saw my research help decision-makers across the nation. » Alumni library WHAT ELSE I WAS DOING AT THE TIME: I was writing grants My committee members helped me transform my dissertation into a » Career Insider and doing administrative work for St. Monica Catholic School in book, The Use of Instructional Technology in Dealing With Disasters: How » Alumni news and accomplishments Call us at 1-877-235-3561 to update your alumni New Orleans and working as an adjunct faculty member for three Universities Used IT During Hurricane Katrina (Edwin Mellen Press, 2009). » Alumni directory profile by phone. institutions. I realized my work had made a positive impact on my community when » Member and event photos I was asked to speak at a number of conferences. I’m also writing books » Ambassador Program MY BIGGEST CHALLENGE: I was just beginning my dissertation when to help children understand technology concepts through humor. » Regional events Hurricane Katrina hit my home in New Orleans. When we evacuated, Email your current contact information, including I took three outfits, my laptop, insurance papers, transcripts, and MY NEXT BIG CHALLENGE: I’m starting a study to research how your preferred email address, mailing address, Contact us at 1-877-235-3561 research material. I knew I could study on the road. I went to a church technology contributes to communication after hurricanes. It will look phone number, employer’s name, and your title, or [email protected] for help in Kingwood, Texas, which provided assistance and clothing. In the at Hurricane Isaac and Superstorm Sandy. I am also working on research to [email protected]. activating your myWaldenAlumni same week, it held a job fair and I was interviewed by Lone Star with Dr. MaryFriend Shepard about professors’ perspectives on bullying account. College–Kingwood. The dean hired me on the spot. Walden provided a face to face and online. It’s also my vision that my children’s books about grant to displaced students, which helped me replace books I lost in technology will evolve into other learning tools and become a movie or Fax a copy of your business card, your preferred the storm. I also received assistance for housing from FEMA, so I stayed cartoon series. — A.D. email address, mailing address, and phone number in the Sheraton for nine months. In 2006, I came back to New Orleans to 1-410-843-8365. to rebuild. Tell us how you did it at [email protected].

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