What motivated you to enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership?
For me, it’s all about connections. I knew this program would offer the chance to learn alongside a diverse group of professionals serving in the technical college space. That meant hearing about the good work being done – both on the macro and micro levels – at each technical college and discovering new ways to apply those ideas at my own institution. I also knew I’d forge new, meaningful relationships along the way.
What was your favorite class or assignment – and why?
EDHE-736: Financial Aspects of Higher Education was my favorite course. It directly connects with what I do every day – understanding how colleges generate revenue, make budgeting decisions, and stretch limited resources to achieve big goals. As a fundraiser, I’m often at the table where those conversations happen, and I enjoy linking individual donors, private foundations, and corporate partners philanthropically to the mission of MTC.
What accomplishment or moment were you most proud of during or since completing the program?
What stands out to me the most is the network I built. The connections I made with peers across the technical college system mean a great deal to me. I now know someone in nearly every corner of the System, and we can call on each other for advice and support. That’s such a remarkable strength of this program.
What’s something you learned about yourself through this program?
I still love being a student! Balancing classes and full-time work reminded me how rewarding it is to continue learning, and that perspective also helps me better understand the students we serve.
What’s your go-to source of inspiration – a book, quote, mentor, or song that keeps you motivated?
There’s a quote that is sometimes attributed to Theodore Roosevelt: “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” That really sticks with me because it captures what philanthropy is all about. The work I do depends on relationships – listening, understanding, and caring enough to help people make a difference in the lives of students. You can have all the data and strategy in the world, but if people don’t feel your heart in it, none of it connects.
