For nearly three decades, I have worked to bridge scholarship, practice, and leadership in higher education. Colleagues often describe me as a catalyst and collaborator—someone who brings people together, advances new ideas, and helps translate evidence into meaningful change. My work focuses on how colleges and universities create environments where all students can thrive, particularly through student belonging, equity-centered assessment, and the use of evidence to improve institutional practice.

I am a Professor of Higher Education and Director of the Doctor of Education and Master of Science in Higher Education Administration programs at New England College. In this role, I prepare the next generation of higher education leaders—scholar-practitioners equipped to use evidence, lead change, and strengthen educational organizations. I also serve as Director of the Center for Innovation in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship, where I support faculty development and advance conversations about teaching and learning.

My professional work extends beyond my institution. I served as President of ACPA – College Student Educators International, President of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), and founding president of Student Affairs Assessment Leaders (SAAL). Through these roles, I have collaborated with colleagues across the field to strengthen assessment practice, advance student learning and development, and promote continuous improvement in higher education.

My scholarship examines student belonging, assessment culture, and organizational change. I write and speak about equity-centered assessment, the role of belonging in student success, and how institutions can move beyond collecting data to using evidence to improve programs and student outcomes.

Areas of Research and Practice
• Student belonging and student success
• Equity-centered assessment and assessment culture
• Organizational learning and continuous improvement
• Leadership and professional preparation for higher education and student affairs
• Bridging scholarship and practice to improve student outcomes

I regularly collaborate with colleagues through writing, speaking, and professional engagement to improve higher education and expand opportunities for students.

For my contributions to student affairs and higher education, I have been recognized by receiving NASPA’s George D. Kuh Award for Contributions to Research and Literature, ACPA’s Annuit Coeptis Award, and ACPA’s Diamond Honoree Award.

I hold a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education Leadership and Policy Studies and a Master of Arts degree in Sociology, both from the University of New Hampshire, as well as a Master of Arts degree in College and University Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from Michigan State University.