Cohort 2 Doctoral Bios

Carrie Artis was drawn to education believing it was the civil rights issue of today and wanting to give back to her community. She began as a student intern with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) System of Maryland in 2005. She became a full-time educator as a high school social studies teacher with FCPS in 2006. Carrie has served in varying roles during her tenure with Frederick County Public Schools. She thrives in education environments where she builds programs from the ground to a thriving, healthy status. Carrie was the first teacher ever to become a recruiter for Frederick County Public Schools. During her time as a teacher recruiter, she organized and led the teacher recruitment program, which included organizing the first-ever FCPS teacher job fair, drafting the first FCPS Diversity Recruitment Plan, coordinating administrative and teacher recruiters, and serving as the FCPS Professional Develop School liaison. Carrie also served as the lead for the FCPS English Language Staffing workgroup and served on the superintendent's systemic plan implementation team.  Carrie returned to a school-based position to become one of only four Linking Youth to New Experiences (LYNX) Advocates at Frederick High School charged with implementing the new and innovative LYNX program. Currently, Carrie is an Assistant Principal at Frederick High School where she serves the needs of over 1500 students and 100 staff members. 

Carrie holds a bachelors of arts degree in economics with a concentration in East Asian Studies. She earned her Masters of Teacher degree from Mount St. Mary’s University and her Educational Leadership certificate from Hood College. For the Education Leadership certification, Carrie studied the impact of participation in a girl’s empowerment group on African American female students who received free or reduced meals. Carrie is currently a Doctorate of Organizational Leadership (DOL) candidate at Hood College.  Carrie’s dissertation is a mixed-methods exploration of school-based administrators’ perceptions of self-efficacy as educational equity leaders.  Carrie aspires to play a greater role in supporting and developing educational equity leaders.

Carrie is most proud of her family, her husband of 20 years, Christopher, and their three children Kai, Kendall, and Christopher II. In acknowledgement of her hard-work and commitment to students and the community, Carrie was awarded the 2018 Woman of Distinction Award for Education by the Chi Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is also a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society

Pastor, Christ Reformed United Church of Christ, Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Career Highlights

By the time Gayle Bach-Watson considered applying to the DOL Program at Hood College she had lived at 17 addresses throughout the northeast United States. Never having had a hometown, per se, the most important things in her life became family, relationships, and her church life. Gayle began her college career at the University of Maine at Orono, continued at Montgomery College while working a job with a rotating shift, and graduated with a B.A. in clinical psychology from George Mason in Fairfax, Virginia. She worked at a number of different positions in several different professions, never quite feeling fulfilled or satisfied. She took a hiatus of several years to have children – her daughters, Jessica and Alexandra – and then answered a call to attend seminary. Gayle attended Wesley Theological Seminary, graduated in 1999, and was ordained into the Christian ministry of the United Church of Christ in 2000. Since then, she has pastored several churches and has held a number of leadership positions in the local association, the area conference, and the larger denomination. One of the most exciting has been to serve as part of the Polity Teachers Network of the United Church of Christ, which is on the frontline of training new pastors.

From an early age Gayle has believed in stretching her horizons while engaging in widely varying pastimes, interests, and hobbies. These include genealogical research, singing with the Shepherd University Masterworks Chorale, medieval history, research, and re-enactment, travel, bird-watching, and hiking. Gayle is just finishing renovating a 117-year-old farmhouse in Knoxville, Maryland.

Education

M.Div., Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C., 1999

B.A., Clinical Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, 1981

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Polity Teacher’s Network, United Church of Christ, Cleveland, Ohio
National Association of Female Executives
National Association of University Women
American Association of University Women
National Chamber of Commerce for Women
U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Named one of the top four Bible students, graduating class of 1999, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.

Award for Military Excellence, University of Maine, Orono ROTC, 1976, 1977.

Publications

Bach-Watson, G. (1996, June). Midnight Meditations. Welcome Home, Fairfax, VA.

Bach-Watson, G. (1995, August). Civilizing the Savages. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1995, July). Sundae Soiree. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1995, June). Party Planning. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1995, May). Parties from Around the World. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1995, March). Frugal Favors. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1995, February). Valentine's Parties. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1995, January). Slumber Party. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1994, December). Holiday Recipes. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1994, November). A Thanksgiving Party. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1994, October). Halloween Party. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1994, September). An Afternoon Tea Party. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1994, August). Homeroom Parties. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1994, July). 10 Tips for Safe Camping. El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1994, May). Morning Misery" El Paso's Kids.

Bach-Watson, G. (1994, Winter/Spring). Morning Misery. Atlanta Baby.

Bach-Watson, G. (1994, Winter/Spring). Fifty Ways to Cherish Your Children. Oakland Birth to School Project Newsletter, East Bay Perinatal Council, Oakland, CA.

Bach-Watson, G. (1992, November). Fifty Ways to Cherish Your Children. Parent's Press, Berkeley, CA.

Bach-Watson, G. (1992, October). Coping with Colic. Carolina Parent.

Bach-Watson, G. (1992, July). Coping with Colic. Indy's Child.

Bach-Watson, G. (1992, May/June). Midnight Meditations. Parent & Child.

Bach-Watson, G. (1992, May). Dad's Day. Parent Guide News.

Bach-Watson, G. (1992, March). Morning Misery. Parent Guide News.

Bach-Watson, G. (1991, November). Fifty Ways to Cherish Your Children. New York Baby.

Bach-Watson, G. (1991, November). Fifty Ways to Cherish Your Children. Parent Guide News.

Bach-Watson, G. (1991, October). Croup Crisis. New York Baby.

Bach-Watson, G. (1991, August). Fifty Ways to Cherish Your Children. Family Journal.

Wilkins, Wallace. (1976). Imagery-based decisions. (Researcher credit on article). Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, Vol. 13(3), 253–254.

Personal Goals

To fulfill my personal potential, goals, and dreams while making the world a better place, simply because I was here this day.

Professional Goals

To be able to assist my church and my denomination through achieving personal expertise and mastery in the area of religious leadership.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

Many professionals come to a turning point in their lives and their careers when they must reassess the path they have traveled and where their journey will go next. I have come to that point. It is time to reexamine my role in my profession and in my denomination. Many religious groups, including many Christian denominations are at a point of crisis in their histories, and, I believe, that it is leadership that will make the difference in the coming years as to which will succeed and flourish and which will slowly fade away.

Favorite Leadership Books

The Worst Journey in the World, by Apsley Cherry-Garrard

You Can Do Anything: The Surprising Power of a “Useless” Liberal Arts Education, by George Anders

Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert

Truman, by David McCullough

Deep Survival, by Laurence Gonzales

Favorite Leadership Quote

“Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” —Harry S. Truman

Global Category Manager, AstraZeneca

Career Highlights

Noah Borgen is currently a Global Category Manger and a Business Partner for MedImmune (AstraZeneca’s early phase biotech company) at AstraZeneca. Noah co-leads teams responsible for evaluating the capabilities of AstraZeneca’s procurement professionals and for making partnering part of the AstraZeneca enterprise procurement model.

Noah had his first leadership role at age 9, when he was asked to train and lead a team of teenage referees in a youth basketball league (and where he first learned the importance of using influence rather than authority). Noah later enlisted in the United States Navy, where he led with situational authority in law enforcement, and was regularly kept at the side of one leader or another as a sounding board or candid counsel. Near the end of his enlistment, Noah deployed to Afghanistan where, as petty officer, he was asked to attend and then run senior officer logistics meetings.

The combination of Naval law and logistics experience helped Noah to transition to a role in corporate procurement following his enlistment. Noah worked at Johnson & Johnson leading professional services and IT categories for their pharmaceutical R&D company, Janssen Research & Development, from 2012 to 2013, and then for the whole of Johnson & Johnson R&D from 2013 until 2016. While at J&J, Noah started Villanova’s Executive M.B.A. program. In 2016 Noah finished his EMBA, but not before moving his family to Maryland to work in his current role at AstraZeneca as a Global Category Manager and Business Partner to MedImmune.

Noah’s journey has been challenging, but he regularly reflects on how often his professional roles mirror a 9-year-old attempting to train, lead, and manage a team of teenagers.

Education

Executive M.B.A., Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 2016
B.S., English (Creative Writing), Towson University, Towson, Maryland, 2009

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS)
Association for Business Process Management Professionals International (ABPMP)
International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals (IARCP)
International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP)
Business Process Management Institute
Procurement Leaders
Procurious

Personal Goals

To inspire others to improve.
To continually learn.
To write what is worthy of being read.
Most importantly: To provide my family with comfort and opportunity.

Professional Goals

I aspire to be a voice of inspiration and a senior leader. I aim to inspire through leadership themed writing and presentations. And I hope to reach a top leadership role in a company that holds integrity as a key pillar of success.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

My goals in my personal and professional life are to inspire through my words and my leadership. The doctoral program promises to encourage me to continue to write, learn, influence, and present as well hone my leadership abilities.

Favorite Leadership Books

The Nerdist Way: How to Reach the Next Level (in Real Life), by Chris Hardwick

The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, by Michael Watkins

Thinking in Systems, by Donella Meadows

How Will You Measure Your Life?, by Clayton M. Christensen, James Allworth, and Karen Dillon

Favorite Leadership Quotes

"I'm not looking for the best players, Craig, I'm lookin' for the right ones." —Herb Brooks in Miracle

“To have his path made clear is the aspiration of every human being in our beclouded and tempestuous existence.” —Major Garland Briggs in Twin Peaks

Dr. Philip Brown received his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) in 2020 and received the Dr. Brown is the President and CEO, Phoenix Mecano Inc., a global organization, supporting automation and technology solutions for over 40-years. In 2006, Philip completed his relocation from the United Kingdom with his wife Ann, and their three children, Eleanor, Matthew, and Charlotte. 

Dr. Brown is a member of the Hood College Chapter of the International Business Honor Society, Delta Mu Delta, 2019; Hood College 3MT Event 2020; Hood College Doctoral Research Dissertation, 2020. 

Education: 

MBA, Henley Management College, Henley-on-Thames, UK  
Incorporated Engineer IEng., Engineering Council, UK 

Dr. Brown’s dissertation was on An Exploratory Quantitative Study of Intangible Exchange Determinants of Business-to-Business Relationship Value 

Dr. Brian Crilly received his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)  in 2020 and was the 2021 recipient of The Kathleen Bands Outstanding Doctoral Student Award. Dr. Crilly grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. He currently serves as Director of Systems and Software Engineering at Thales Defense & Security, Inc. Dr. Crilly received his bachelor's and master's degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, and later earned his M.B.A. degree at Mount St. Mary's University. He began taking classes at Hood College in 2017 as a 2020 Doctoral Cohort member and found the doctoral program to be a wonderful experience due to the faculty's dedication and the breadth of insights offered by the cohort members' diverse perspectives. For the past two years, Dr. Crilly has served as an adjunct instructor at Hood College, teaching technical project management. He is excited to return to the doctoral program this semester, supporting the current doctoral cohort as an instructor for their statistical methods course. 

Education:  

MBA, Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 2013 
Project Management Certificate, Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 2013 
MSEE, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 1993 
BSEE, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 1990 

Dr. Crilly’s dissertation is on Ambidextrous Project Management: The Influences of Leadership Styles, Project Management Practices, and Team Characteristics on Creativity and Innovation 

Dr Christopher Currens received his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership in 2021. Dr. Currens is the Chief Learning Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as well as the principal member and founder of Currens & Associates.  He oversees the NIST Leadership and Employee Development (LED) Program, which provides organizational and professional development advice to NIST leaders, coaching and mentoring programs, continuous improvement initiatives and interventions, and a comprehensive leadership development and training curriculum. Based on his research on non-profit board governance, Chris presented his findings and recommendations to the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) National Convention.  In addition, he created a governance video for continued use by Catholic elementary school leaders. 

Education: 

MPA, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University 
MBA, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland 
B.S. (magna cum laude), Accounting (minor in Finance), Mount Saint Mary’s College 

Dr. Currens’ dissertation was on Catholic Elementary School Success: Governance Lessons from a Qualitative Study of Five Advisory Boards in the Archdiocese of Baltimore 

Dr. Kathryn Dao received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2021. She joined Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. (LBR), in 2015. Kathie brings more than 15 years of experience in the areas of operations and administration, data analysis and reporting, recruiting, workforce planning, HR information systems, process improvement, training and development, and compensation administration and design. Prior to joining LBR, Kathie held several human resources positions, most recently human resources project manager, for Bechtel Infrastructure & Power Corporation. Prior to that, Kathie supported Marriott International’s corporate law department in the areas of development, operations and labor and employment. 

Education: 
MBA, Mount St. Mary’s University, 2014 
Graduate Certificate in Organizational Development, Mount St. Mary’s University, 2014 
B.S., Business, Mount St. Mary’s University, 2008 

Dr. Dao’s dissertation is on, From Manager to Coach: How Managers Change Following Managerial Coaching Model Implementation 

Dr. Susan Glover received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2020. She currently serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Quality & Integrity Officer for Adventist HealthCare, located in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  This role is a member of Adventist HealthCare’s (AHC) senior leadership team, and she provides overall direction for Quality and Patient Safety in AHC.  Responsibilities for this role include leading system-wide performance improvement activities and the Care Excellence Electronic Health Record implementation.  She is also serves as Chief Compliance Officer for Adventist HealthCare and is responsible for compliance and internal audit services in the health system. Prior to her work with Adventist HealthCare, Mrs. Glover has served in various executive and nursing roles in Adventist HealthCare organizations for the last 31 years.  

Dr. Glover is a Past Board Member and Chair of Maryland Patient Safety Center, committee member of the MHA Clinical Quality Committee, and a committee member of the Maryland Health Care Commission Data Advisory Committee. Mrs. Glover has served as inaugural chair of the Montgomery County Healthcare Collaborative on Emergency Preparedness.  This innovative committee, created in 2001, was charged with developing a comprehensive Montgomery County provider emergency preparedness response system after 9/11. In addition, she serves as the Rotary International District 7620 Chair for the Youth Exchange Program. 

Education:  

M.H.A., University of Maryland, University College, College Park, Maryland, 1989 
B.S.N., George Mason University, Fairfax Virginia, 1980 

Dr. Glover’s dissertation is on Leadership Styles, Safety Culture Elements, and Serious Safety Events: An Empirical Investigation within a Healthcare System 

Dr. James Jansen received his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022. He was also the recipient of The Outstanding Dissertation Award for Quantitative Research to Advance Leadership in Business in 2022.  Dr. Jansen is currently the Leadership in Context training program manager at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Division of Talent Development. His areas of training specialty are leadership effectiveness, performance management, coaching and mentoring, as well as diversity and inclusion. James is a retired military veteran whose awards include the bronze star.  He has over 20 years of experience in employee development. Dr. Jansen is also a Member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education.  

Education: 

M.S., Computer Information Systems, University of Phoenix, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1999 
B.S., Psychology, South East Missouri State University, 1988 

Dr. Jansen’s dissertation was on,  Predictors of Turnover Intent in the Executive Branch: A Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis Using Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Indices. 

Program Manager, Contemporary Family Services, Inc., Washington, D.C.

Career Highlights

A native Washingtonian, Essence Jones is passionate about assisting others and giving back. Essence holds a dual bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology, a master’s degree in human sciences/psychology, and a certificate in thanatology. A human services professional who has been working in the field for over 15 years, Essence has expertise in case management, budget and grant management, supervising, and training. Well equipped with in-depth knowledge of human behavior theories, including extensive experience assisting people with addictions, behavior problems, disabilities, and mental illness, she is also experienced within such varied settings as community living programs, government agencies, detention centers, college campuses, and residential placement centers. While adept in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques and problem-solving skills, Essence is also expertly capable of making recommendations and referrals to other sources when necessary. She is also a skilled public speaker.

Adroit at curriculum creation, Essence is a successful instructor who has improved retention rates and funding. She is a proven leader who is able to work with diverse stakeholders and keep all relevant parties informed of all major issues and programs, and recommend changes as appropriate. As a program director and project manager, Essence has developed structures and professional recordkeeping methods that increased the proficiency and effectiveness of her Core Services Agency, which delivers mental health services to Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Louisiana.

Education

M.A., Human Sciences and Psychology with a Certificate of Thanatology, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland
Graduate studies (30 credits), Counseling Psychology, Towson University, Towson, Maryland
B.A., Psychology and Sociology, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

Life and career experiences have led me to strive for the highest degree possible. Earning a doctorate will assist with being able to help others and hopefully inspire them to overcome all obstacles in their lives.

Favorite Leadership Book

My most recent reading has been Pretty Brown Face, by Andrea and Brian Pinkney. My infant son enjoys having this book read to him, and I love that it teaches him self-confidence, a building block needed to instill leadership qualities.

Favorite Leadership Quote

As a descendent of Frederick Douglass, one of my favorite leadership quotes is “I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”

Instructional Specialist, Accelerated and Enriched Instruction, Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland

Career Highlights

2017–present Instructional Specialist, Accelerated and Enriched Instruction, Montgomery County Public School, Rockville, Maryland

2015–2017 Content Specialist, World Languages, Visual & Performing Arts, White Oak Middle School, Silver Spring, Maryland

2012–2015 Consulting Teacher, MCPS, OHRD

2009–2012 ESL Educator, Sargent Shriver Elementary School Grade Levels K, 2, 3, 4, 5 2007–2009 Primary Years International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) in ESL, Istanbul International Community School, Istanbul Turkey

2005–2007 ESOL Teacher/Team Leader, Sargent Shriver Elementary School, Silver Spring, Maryland

2003–2005 Adult Literacy Educator, Adult ESOL and Literacy Program, Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, Maryland

2003–2005 ESOL Teacher, Pinecrest Elementary School, Silver Spring, Maryland

2000–2003 Special Education Teacher, Learning and Academic Disabilities Combination Classroom (LAD), Rosemont Elementary School, Gaithersburg, Maryland

1998–2000 Special Education Teacher, LAD, JoAnn Leleck at Broad Acres Elementary School, Silver Spring, Maryland

2011–2013 Adjunct ESL Professor, Prince George’s Community College, Language Studies Department, Prince George’s County, Maryland

Education

M.Ed., Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 2002
B.S., University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland, 1998
Spanish Certificate, Maryland in Ecuador, Cuenca, Ecuador, 1997

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Member, Montgomery County Education Association, Maryland State Education Association, National Education Association, autumn 1998–present (NEA/MSEA)

Member, National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Member, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

Committee Member, Minority Affairs Council Montgomery County Education Association, 2010–2015

Board Member, American Turkish Association of Washington, D.C., 2011–present

Member, The Montgomery County Alliance for Black School Educators, 2003–present

MCPS D.R.E.A.M. Team Consultant, advocacy and recruitment to educators of color and educators who teach in schools with high minority populations, Summer 2011–2016

Member, Montgomery County National Board-Certified Teacher Network, 2010–2015

Board Member, Montgomery County National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Steering Committee, 2010–2015

Member, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Network Affiliates, Montgomery County National Board-Certified Teacher Network 2009–2014

NEA National Diversity Training Cadre, Trainer 2012–2014

Member, Hispanic Employees Association of Montgomery County (HEA), autumn 2005–2010

Member, Washington Area Association of Teachers Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (WATESOL), autumn 2003–2008

Awards, Honors, and Certifications

School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA-Admin II exam), 2017

National Board-Certified Teacher, certification: Early and Middle Childhood/English as a New Language, 2017

WIDA Administrator, ACCESS for ELLs Training Certification, exp. 2015

Certified National Board Candidate Support Provider/Trainer, 2014

Advanced Professional Certification, MSDE, ESOL, Special Education K-12, 2010

Carol Chen Outstanding ESOL Teacher Award for Outstanding Leadership and Community Service 2010, Division of ESOL/ Bilingual Programs, Montgomery Co.

Teacher Certification K-12, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Maryland State Department of Education, 2002

Special Education, Maryland State Department of Education, 1998

Publications

Master Teacher Video Trainer, Teaching with Poverty in Mind Resource DVD, autumn 2010

Program Analyst, National Education Association Human and Civil Rights Cadre, spring 2010

Curriculum Co-developer, Newcomer Curriculum for English Language Learners in grades K-8; Montgomery County’s Division of ESOL/Bilingual Programs, summer 2007

Master Teacher Video Trainer, Discovery Channel Teacher Training, United Video streaming, 2005

Presentations

Co-Presenter, Maryland State Education Association Jumpstart National Board for Professional Teaching Standards conference (co-presenter), Bowie, Maryland, autumn 2010, 2011

Co-Presenter, MCPS New Employee Onboarding workshop, Rockville, Maryland, autumn 2010 and winter, autumn 2011

Presenter, Education Systems in Turkey from an International Teaching Perspective, Living in Istanbul and a Glimpse into a U.S. Education System. Turkish Consulate, Washington, D.C., April 2010

Presenter, Seven Effective Strategies to Help Mainstream Second Language Learners in the General Education Setting, Istanbul International Eastern European Conference, Istanbul, Turkey, 2009

Personal Goals

Enthusiastically forge ahead as a lifelong learner while being the best Mama to my son, daughter to my mother, and friend to my village I can be.
Elevate my “travel enthusiast spirit” by trekking to multiple countries on all seven continents; three continents to go! 
Fulfill my long-term dream of becoming a published author (an international travel children’s book and a memoire).

Professional Goals

I aspire to be a race and equity practitioner, scholar and international consultant focusing my work in advocating for increased attention to the needs of diverse gifted children, in particular, African American and Latino students and their families, so that they may benefit from local “highly accelerated and enriched” programs in order to have a positive impact on their local and global communities.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

I’m incredibly fortunate to be the mother of a healthy, social, inquisitive, observant, and oftentimes tenacious, two-year-old toddler, a gift of responsibility I do not take lightly. My son is my inspiration, my drive, and my motivation. Every decision I make circles back to the impact it will have on him. I reflect extensively my actions and the effect they have in shaping him into a well-rounded/grounded contributor to our society. I want every decision I make to be one that aids my ability to help him have a healthy moral compass so that one day he will be a positive change agent for social justice domestically and globally. I want him to be proud of me. It’s important that the activities and professional development in which I engage are ones he can be proud of and inspired by. In addition to parenthood, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to study abroad, travel internationally, and thrive in my career. Five years ago, I had an epiphany; I would become a mother, and I would secure my doctorate by 45. These two desires, though very seemingly dissimilar, would not only be personally rewarding, but would also be two ways in which I’ve felt I could leave a legacy of “paying it forward” in the world.

While I’ve been able to see my first desire of becoming a mother come to fruition, I now look forward to the work of securing the second—earning my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL). I staunchly believe the course offerings, the cohort expectations, the cutting-edge, 21st century, action research–based instruction, and the rigorous accelerated program completion in Hood College’s DOL program are a perfect match for my personal and professional goals. I also believe, as a mid-career professional with varied experiences in leadership, world travel, cross-cultural communications, language acquisition, curriculum writing, program development, and working with adults, that it is time to once again stretch myself professionally.

The efficacy and fidelity of instruction and coursework offered in Hood College’s doctoral program will allow me to learn the tools needed to become a scholar-practitioner. I understand that effective instructional and culturally responsive teacher-leaders do not just impact students and adults within the four walls of their settings, but they also move beyond their classrooms to rouse others to participate in the process. The leadership, research, and community-galvanizing tools I’ll garner from the program will extend my reach and allow me to effect change on an international platform as well.

Favorite Leadership Books

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol S. Dweck
How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and Hidden Power of Character, by Paul Tough

Favorite Leadership Quotes

“It’s time for us to be comfortable with the uncomfortable conversation about race. If we truly believe in equal rights and equal opportunity in America, we need to have real conversations about this issue. We can’t be color blind, we have to be color brave.” —Mellody Hobson

“Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth.” —Shirley Chisholm

"Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another." —John C. Maxwell

Dr. Ja’Bette Lozupone received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2020 and was the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Dissertation Award Established in 2020 by Manuel A. Casiano, MBA’03, H’08. Dr. Lozupone is an educator, writer, speaker, coach and mentor who transformed her own life, from a teen mother to a successful college administrator and business owner. At Montgomery College, she has led in both the academic and student affairs divisions where she has created and fostered multiple student programs. Along with her official duties, she has led and developed employee initiatives and served as a mentor and board member for organizations benefitting youth from underrepresented populations. She launched Wishful Doing LLC (wishfuldoings.com) to share her expertise and to empower individuals and organizations to live and lead lives “wishful doing.” As a speaker and consultant, she works with non-profit organizations to global companies to translate vision into reality. Ja’Bette earned her doctorate in organizational leadership from Hood College. She also holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in communications and Hispanic American philology from Hood College. 

Education:  

M.B.A., Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2010 
B.A., Communications, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2004 

Dr. Lozupone’s dissertation is on Whom Do We Entrust to Care for Our Students: Organizational Fit to Foster an Ethical Culture of Employee and Student Success 

Dr. Sundra Mann received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2020. She has been employed with Montgomery County Public Schools for 20 years and has served at all levels, elementary, middle, and high school. Most recently, she proudly serves as the principal of Georgian Forest Elementary School. Her advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion as been widely recognized across her organization. 

While working on her DOL at Hood College, Dr. Mann also made time to share her knowledge and expertise by presenting her work at national, state, and local leadership conferences hosted by NASSP, MAESP, MCAAP, and MCABSE. Some of her session titles include: Unpacking Microagressions in the Workplace,” “The Future of Professional Development: Providing Flexibility & Freedom,” “Microaggressions in the Classroom: Our Role as School Leaders,” “Designing Professional Development to Lead Effective School Improvement, ” and “Climate, Culture, & Conduct.” 

Education:  

Post M.A., Administrative and Supervision, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, 2005 
M.A., Secondary Special Education, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., 2003 
M.S., Business Management, University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Maryland, 1999 
B.S., Business Finance, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia, 1991 

Dr. Mann’s dissertation was on Microaggressions in K-12 Schools: A Call for Culturally Proficient Leadership 

Dr.  Olaoluwasupo Ojo received his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2022.An accomplished executive with more than 20 years of domestic and international experience in business development, change management, and process improvements involving both start-up and growth organizations, Dr. Ojo is a result-oriented and decisive leader with proven success in new market identification and strategic positioning for multimillion-dollar healthcare and retail organizations. 

Dr. Ojo excels in dynamic and demanding environments while remaining pragmatic and focused. As a visionary leader and entrepreneur, he founded and successfully grew numerous businesses from zero revenue to multimillion-dollar revenue. Dr. Ojo currently serves as the minister in charge of music and the chairman of the building committee in his local church. He has also organized several contemporary Christian music concerts for his local church. 

Education: 

MSW, School of Social Work, University of Maryland 
B.S., Business Administration, University of Ilorin, Nigeria 
Certificate, Doing Business in Emerging Markets, Harvard Business School Education Program 
Certificate, Supply Chain Management and Operations, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

Dr. Ojo’s dissertation was on, Perceptions and Attitudes of Clinicians at a Private Outpatient Mental Health Clinic on Change in Treatment Approach from Individual to Team-Based Delivery 

Dr. Melany Rabideau received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2020 and is a proud native of Frederick, Maryland. Dr. Rabideau taught leadership as an Assistant Professor with a global health university in Rwanda. She views leadership as a skill that can be developed through a lifelong devotion to learning. Her time in Rwanda taught her a lot about leadership and inspired this picture book series making universal leadership lessons inviting to children. 

Education: 

MPH, Public Health in Practice and Policy, University of Maryland, College Park, 2016 
B.A., Public Health Science, University of Maryland, College Park, 2012 

Dr. Rabideu’s dissertation was on An Exploration of the Emerging Adult Woman’s Perceived Value of Primary Care 

Dr. Simarjeet Kaur Sandhu, or Dr. Simi, as she likes to be called, received her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL) in 2021. As a children’s book author, she recalls as a young child reading books in bookstores, libraries, and classrooms, but that the stories did not include characters that looked like her or that spoke of her cultural or religious background. A lifelong lover of reading and writing, she realized as an adult that she wanted to help young readers have a different experience and so she writes children’s stories to spread awareness, particularly for those of Sikh background. As a child, Dr. Simi experienced a lot of bullying and discrimination, particularly after the 9-11 attacks, by people confusing Sikhs for those related to the Taliban or Osama Bin Laden. In part, this drove her to her journey as an educator of young children, teaching English as a second language, so that she could help build a learning environment that is accepting of people of all backgrounds. 

EDUCATION: 

M.S., Instructional Technology, Towson University, 2015 
M.A., Instructional Systems Development, English as a Second Language, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2007 
B.S., Elementary Education, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 2003 
Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Technology Integration, University of Maryland, University College 
Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Distance Education, University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Instructional Systems Development, University of Maryland, Baltimore County 

Dr. Sandhu’s dissertation was on Support Services Provided to Undergraduate and Graduate English Language Learners: A Content Analysis of 100 Colleges and Universities 

Career Highlights

Matt Troutman was involved in various student organizations as an undergraduate at Indiana University Kokomo, making him feel connected to the campus and his peers. Learning of student affairs as a profession, after graduating, he worked in student activities as a programming coordinator for 4 years at his alma mater while taking graduate classes nearby in higher education. Over the past 17 years, Matt has worked in student affairs in five different states at five institutions of higher education, private and public. 

Education

M.S., Education, Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana, 2002
B.A., Social and Behavioral Sciences, Indiana University Kokomo, Indiana, 2000

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Association of College and University Housing Officers – International
Mid-Atlantic Association of College and University Housing Officers
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Donald Lane Service Award for Student Service, Indiana University Kokomo, 2004
Virginia Association of College and University Housing Officers Service Excellence Award, 2013

Personal and Professional Goals

My goal is to continue my passion of helping people grow, improving systems, and facilitating problem-solving, ultimately in the role of dean of students at a small, private liberal arts institution of higher education.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

This program is right for me because of the subject matter, the program’s cohort and scheduling structure, and geographic proximity. I enthusiastically look forward to learning with and from outstanding people. I plan to advance my career because of the credentials and educational experiences gained from obtaining my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Hood College.

Favorite Leadership Book

The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell

Favorite Leadership Quote

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.” —Eleanor Roosevelt