National University | President's Circle 2024

National University President’s Circle

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Table of Contents

About National University ......................................................................... 2 National University Mission ...................................................................... 4 National University Vision ........................................................................ 4 National University President’s Circle ...................................................... 7 2024 President’s Circle Inductees ............................................................ 8

Magnus Aghe.................................................................................... 10

Crystal Jones, PhD............................................................................ 50

Nicholas Ames.................................................................................. 14

Amir Khalighi..................................................................................... 55

Tim “Ty” Becerra................................................................................ 18

Regina Manzano............................................................................... 60

Kaitlyn Buckley.................................................................................. 22

Toshana Martin-Smith...................................................................... 63

Haley Burton, PhD............................................................................. 26

S.K. McKenna.................................................................................... 66

Mark Cochran.................................................................................... 30

Theresa Melvin Roth, PhD................................................................ 70

Delmar Colorina................................................................................. 33

Charles Mize...................................................................................... 74

Latonya Dennis, PhD......................................................................... 36

Usma Mohamed................................................................................ 77

Travis Dubose.................................................................................... 40

Sabrina Randhawa............................................................................ 82

Mark Halushka.................................................................................. 43

Robin Timmons................................................................................. 86

Christa Hunt....................................................................................... 46

Kira Wrobel........................................................................................ 89

National University President’s Circle 2024 |

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About National University

Since 1971, Veteran-founded nonprofit National University has been breaking barriers in education. Our 190+ career-relevant degree programs, credentials, cer tificates, and convenient four- and eight-week courses are backed by Whole Human Education™, our holistic approach to student success. NU provides the academic, emotional, career, financial, and family suppor t needed to break barriers students face so they can stay on track, finish faster, and achieve their personal and professional goals. The NU community includes 240,000+ alums worldwide.

80K

50K

50%

240K

130,000+

Workforce and professional development students

Degree-seeking learners

Undergraduate students who are active-duty military, Veterans, and dependents

Alumni in 50 states and 20 countries

Total learners served per year

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National University President’s Circle 2024 |

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Mission

To deliver accessible, world-class student experiences by providing quality programs and ser vices that ensure student success through meaningful learning.

Vision

To be an inclusive and innovative university ser ving lifelong learners who contribute to the positive transformation of society.

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Great universities who serve the kinds of students we serve are challenged by what we call the AE-AE Balance: access and equity balanced with academic excellence We are and will always be deeply focused on access and equity. We are also deeply committed to academic excellence.

Many people think you must choose one or the other, but at NU, we choose both. ”

Dr. Mark Milliron National University President and CEO

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National University President’s Circle

National University is proud to celebrate this group of President’s Circle students from among the 2024 graduating class. An NU Legacy honor, graduating students will be named to this prestigious group yearly to celebrate academic excellence and students’ potential for positive impact.

The President’s Circle is an elite group of students from each of National University’s colleges: • Sanford College of Education • School of Arts, Letters, and Sciences • School of Health Professionals • JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences • College of Law and Public Service

The President’s Circle is our way of celebrating exemplary students as National University continues our focused commitment to access, equity, and academic excellence.”

• College of Business, Engineering, and Technology – School of Business and Economics – School of Technology and Engineering The students represent learning journeys and degree pathways from associate degrees through

Dr. Mark Milliron National University President and CEO

doctoral studies with each school and college represented.

Students may be nominated by faculty or staff. The final selection is made by the dean of each school or college.

Students are selected based on their academic excellence, leadership today and tomorrow, ability to represent NU, personal character, initiative and potential for impact, and other defining characteristics.

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2024 President’s Circle Inductees

National University is proud to name these 2024 graduating students to a prestigious group that celebrates academic excellence and students’ potential for positive impact.

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Magnus Aghe

Crystal Jones, PhD

Nicholas Ames

Amir Khalighi

Tim “Ty” Becerra

Regina Manzano

Kaitlyn Buckley

Toshana Martin-Smith

Haley Burton, PhD

S.K. McKenna

Mark Cochran

Theresa Melvin Roth, PhD

Delmar Colorina

Charles Mize

Latonya Dennis, PhD

Usma Mohamed

Travis Dubose

Sabrina Randhawa

Mark Halushka

Robin Timmons

Christa Hunt

Kira Wrobel

The 2024 President Circle inaugural graduates are all inspirations.

Many are first-generation, many are earning and learning, balancing multiple priorities. The students come from all walks of life and are walking into a myriad of professions.

These future professionals will be leading in healthcare, education, military, mental health, public service, business and innovation, IT sectors, and more.”

Dr. Mark Milliron National University President and CEO

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Magnus Aghe Master of Science in Data Science with a Specialization in AI Optimization and Machine Learning

Magnus Aghe’s impressive LinkedIn profile just got more noteworthy.

consumption and heart disease, a predictive modeling exercise on loan

He recently earned an M.S. in Data Science with a specialization in

default prediction, and a case study with predictive analysis of the rental

Artificial Intelligence Optimization and Machine Learning. Throughout the

demand for a Seoul bike-sharing program.

very rigorous program at National University, he earned all A’s — except for one A minus — and was chosen as one of 22 graduates to be inducted

College and Career in Nigeria

into the 2024 President’s Circle. His leadership was evident in his work,

Growing up in a large family in Nigeria, Aghe felt the cultural pressure

especially as the team lead for machine learning project analysis.

Through all of this, he worked full-time at Amazon and freelanced as a business data analyst and data scientist.

A Love for Data Analytics

associated with being the first son. “My mother and my father did not attend college, but these days, most people in Nigeria value education and know it is the pathway to a great career,” he said.

In Nigeria, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Ambrose Alli University, followed by a Master of

Magnus’ work is interesting and varied. His role with Amazon involves

Business Administration from the University of Lagos, where he

analyzing department metrics, performing root cause analysis, and

specialized in Production and Operations Management.

leading a team of associates. His freelance research included a data audit report with a predictive model of voluntary employee attrition

During this time, he also worked full-time, focusing on his role as

for a large client, a study of the association between heavy alcohol

a content executive and media manager for Eastend Audiovisual

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Productions, Ltd., where he oversaw client services, media planning and

analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning techniques, and

buying, strategic brand management, and acted as a key researcher,

algorithms was enticing, and he wanted to enter the data science

content writer, script and screenwriter and producer for television shows,

field. National University was his choice, and the rest, as they say,

documentaries, and radio programs. From there, he evolved his role

is history.

in media and content creation, becoming the content and business development manager for Matol Media Concepts in Nigeria’s capital,

“I want to put myself in the best position to be successful. I know that

Abuja. Here, he was able to lean into his love of numbers and analytics

if I am competing with another candidate with equal skills and we are

using data analysis to help grow the company and determine business

speaking to the same employer but one of us has only international

plans and content development. Before leaving Nigeria, he dove deep into

degrees and the other has U.S.-based university degrees, that person

business data analytics in media and content creation, including TV, radio,

with the U.S. degrees is more likely to get the job offer,” he said.

print, and the Internet. He was the publisher of Shop in Naija magazine, a shopping and lifestyle magazine for Ornament Media — a company he

Combining full-time work with schooling at National University for an

helped found in 2017.

M.S. in Data Science was not easy. Having made straight A’s across 15 courses and built an impressive portfolio of research, reports, and

Relocation to the U.S. at the Onset of COVID

publications, Aghe has become a confident data scientist ready to

He relocated to the U.S. permanently in 2020, just three weeks before

contribute positively to data science and machine learning. Today,

the COVID lockdown hit. Starting with a job at Amazon, Aghe continued his foray into business and data analytics by repeatedly acquiring certifications. He got freelance roles as well, where he continued to hone his skills.

he has a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, and 23 additional data analytics-related licenses and certificates — and counting.

Big, Audacious Goals Looking to the future, Aghe has three goals. “The challenge is,”

Positioning for Success in Data Science

he explains, “they potentially conflict with one other and it’s likely I

On top of his bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering

can only successfully execute two at a time and may have to defer

and MBA from Nigeria, he decided to get a graduate degree in data science from an accredited U.S. institution. The idea of predictive

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the third. I’m working this summer to figure out which two go first,” he said.

I love data. I’ve always loved numbers, and I’ve always done well in math. I love using data to actually gain insights to help a business grow and prosper.”

“The first big goal is: I want to be working as a professional data scientist,” he states. At the time of this writing, he had lined up three related interviews using his new master’s degree credential from NU to open doors. “The second is: I am very interested in education and learning and would like to earn a PhD in data science,” he said. “I have momentum now from the master’s degree, and a significant part of me wants to move on that now. I’m concerned if I don’t, I might put it off and never do it.” The third goal is something he’s also clearly capable of, like the first two, but even the best juggler couldn’t keep all three of these balls in the air. “The third goal I have is to open my own business,” said Aghe. “It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own company, and I have ideas where I could lean into my flair in the media space coupled with integrating AI and machine learning. But opening a business means business plans, securing capital, and more.”

Magnus Aghe

One thing is certain: while he is deciding which two of the three to pursue this fall, his resilience will serve him well, and he’ll be running numbers and building analytic models to extrapolate the possibilities. And whatever he chooses, he’ll very likely be successful.

As of the editing of this piece, Aghe has been accepted into and begun his program of study to earn his PhD in Data Science at National University.

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Nicholas Ames Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Nicholas “Nick” Ames looks like a strong and burly lumberjack and

everything he could get his hands on. Like most 19-year-olds, he had

speaks with a melodious and joyfully optimistic voice. He has an

a foggy vision of what he wanted to make of his future, but he knew

uncanny ability to connect with little kids who somehow see him as

he loved learning, sports, creativity, and art. Ames recalls that on the

a giant teddy bear. They can identify with his authenticity and genuine

same day of the same week of each semester, he would meet with his

concern for them.

counselor. “They never remembered my name or anything about me.

When I got excited about making art my main course of study, I was told

Ames is a recent National University graduate of the Master of Arts in

most of the students who graduated from that program were working in

Marriage and Family Therapy program, where he graduated with a 4.0

the grocery store. The whole experience was so deflating. But you know,

and induction into the NU 2024 President’s Circle: a prestigious group

we have good examples and bad examples of what to do in our lives, and

of 22 exceptional graduates. He also teaches jiujitsu to toddlers and has

sometimes we learn the most from the bad examples. I vowed I would

a background in sports psychology and coaching. Through a series of

NEVER coach someone in that way,” said Ames.

interesting life events, these seemingly divergent interests have come together fascinatingly.

Learning From Someone’s Bad Example

Positive Impact as a Coach And he did get a chance to coach. His high school football team needed an assistant coach, and it was something he could do after his college

After high school, Ames went to his local state university in line with

classes each day. The reality is not all kids on a high school team are

his incredible appetite for knowledge, excelled in his studies, and read

good enough to start. But Ames didn’t think that meant they had to be

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relegated to the bench as seconds. “I’d hang with those kids, and we’d do scouting plays from the team that was our next opponent. We’d have fun making the starting team better,” he said.

They found ways to be a part of something greater than themselves and feel good at being there, being part of a team they cared about. Ames stated, “When I saw the positive impact that I was having on them, it turned some lights on. I decided I wanted to help people. I wanted to help them be their best with whatever situation they were in.”

Discovering Jiu-Jitsu After getting married, Ames had to give up the coaching gig to balance his college work with family. He power-lifted at the local gym for a while and got up to 245 pounds before getting burned out. A friend invited him to check out a Brazilian jiu-jitsu class. “I knew nothing about jiu-jitsu,” he said. “I got in the ring to spar with this scrawny little 18-year-old, and I was worried, at first, I’d hurt him. In five minutes, he submitted me five times. I was completely exhausted.” I asked how he did it and he just smiled and said, “That’s jiu-jitsu, bro.’”

At the time, Ames had no idea the profound thread jiu-jitsu would weave into the fabric of his life, but Ames was intrigued and began taking classes. It was chess, not checkers, and simultaneously played to his cerebral nature and inner sports enthusiast.

Getting to be the Advisor He Wished He’d Had

The master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy gave me confidence. Now I have what I call a ‘go first’ attitude. If I see a child in distress, rather than stand around and pontificate with others, I walk on over and try to get a little chit-chat going. I’m going in. I want to help.”

After completing his bachelor’s, he accepted a job as lead academic advisor with the Art Institute of Phoenix. Recalling his horrible advising experience, he vowed to bring 100% to the table every day for the

– Nicholas Ames

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students he got to interact with. “They weren’t all the most amazing

improved. The difference was amazing. I knew I had to research if there

artists,” he said. “But they all had something amazing to contribute.”

was a connection between martial arts and Autism,” he said.

Ames stays in touch even years later and recounts how one became an art therapist, another went to work for LucasFilm, and the list

Parallelling Marriage and Family Therapy and Sports Psychology,

goes on.

Ames continued to think about his unfinished master’s degree in mental health. At the advice of the provost and dean, he worked with

Moving Into the Mental Health Field

Northcentral University – now National University – and enrolled in the

Ames then enrolled in a graduate program that offered a double

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program. He saw parallels

degree: one in sports psychology and one in mental health. He completed the sports psychology practicum and capstone and was nearly done with the mental health track when a good job offer came and he and his family had to leave Phoenix to move to San Diego, California. Unfortunately, that degree program had no portability, and Ames had to leave it shy of the finish line.

between his work with sports psychology because the ultimate team is the family unit. “I was reluctant, at first, about the online format because I am a social butterfly and love being around people,” he said. “But COVID-19 hit, and I enrolled in my first online class,” Ames said. “I ended up loving it and the personal attention I got from professors.”

The Power of Children

His family grew, and today he has three daughters. After settling into

As part of his degree program, Ames did an internship at the local

a new life in California, Nick and his wife noticed something amiss

elementary school. “It was amazing and life-changing,” he said with ample

with one daughter. “She was doing well in school but coming home

enthusiasm. “A lot of my colleagues had struggled with the very young

and having meltdowns,” he said. He worked with testing centers

kids — the toddlers through kindergarten — that were there. I agreed to

and neuropsychiatrists, and, as he suspected might be the case,

try to connect with them. It takes longer to see the effects of therapy with

received the official diagnosis that his daughter had ASD: Autism

very young kids, but you can certainly improve things for them,” he said.

Spectrum Disorder.

In that experience, Ames fell in love with “working with the littles,” as he He had been taking jiujitsu classes weekly since being thrown to

calls the youngsters. “They just gravitated toward me, and we made such

the mats years ago and saw some kids with limited social skills or

great progress,” he said. “When I met them, I would drop to a knee and

behavioral challenges respond well to jiu-jitsu, so he enrolled his

shake their tiny hand so we could look eye-to-eye. They could see I was

daughter in a class thinking some extracurricular activities might be

there for them. By using play and just being accessible, they were able

beneficial to help her social skills and confidence. “She flourished in

to open and talk.” At the end of his internship, one teacher approached

this environment. She honed her social skills. Her executive function

Ames and said they thought about resigning because of the behavior of

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one student. After Ames started working with that student, the teachers saw weekly improvement. Ames, now a jiu-jitsu instructor, expanded his practice to focus on teaching martial arts to toddlers.

Helping Families With Special Needs Children

Celebrating Success As a guy who truly loves his family with all of his big heart, the master’s degree also brought Ames a family moment he won’t soon forget.

“Whenever my kids are playing sports, I try to be there, and they know Dad is in the house. I stand up and cheer them on and applaud for

“I want to help families as much as I can. A lot of people have helped

them whether we’re winning or losing. I’m loud and proud,” he laughed.

my family over the years. I want to know more so I can contribute more.

“I had not planned on attending commencement, but my supervisor,

So, as soon as I graduated with the master’s in MFT, I immediately

who is also my mentor, suggested I go. As I walked the stage, my

enrolled in the PhD,” said Ames. “I’ve always wanted to take higher

dean reached out and gave me a big old hug. I’m a hugger, everybody

education as far as the degree pipeline goes, but I also want to be able

knows that about me, so that was a huge moment for him to speak my

to be as knowledgeable as possible so I can help kids and their parents

language — it really moved me. Then I looked out and I saw my family

or caregivers. I want to walk into the gyms in my community that are

all standing and screaming at the top of their lungs cheering for me.

doing martial arts classes and trying their best to help kids and their

My wife was crying like a baby. It was just the best day. I just loved that

families. I want to be able to offer them advice and curriculum to help

we could share that moment.”

students exhibiting certain behaviors or functions and see if we can help.

My dissertation is going to explore and expand on what is still limited

He’ll do it all again in a few years as Dr. Nicholas Ames.

research about the connection of martial arts on children with challenges like Autism and other disorders,” he said.

Today, he’s studying for his PhD early every morning and late every night while his family sleeps. He works full-time at National University, and he spends Sunday afternoons being present with his family. And he suits up and heads to teach jiu-jitsu to the “littles” every week.

The journey so far has changed him in some interesting ways. “The master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy gave me confidence,” he said. “Now I have what I call a “Go First” attitude. If I see a child in distress rather than stand around and pontificate with others, I walk on over and try to get a little chit-chat going. I’m going in. I want to help.”

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Tim “Ty” Becerra Bachelor of Arts in Sports Psychology

Recent National University graduate and 2024 President’s Circle inductee

interesting and distinct parallels between sports psychology and leading

Tim “Ty” Becerra is the battalion chief of the Napa Fire Department and

a team of firefighters. You want your team cohesive and working

has more than 25 years in the fire industry. He just completed a Bachelor

together, you want them at their best mentally and physically, and, as

of Arts in Sports Psychology.

a chief, you should always strive to be a good leader. So knowing how to motivate and support them at each step of the way is critical to the

Prioritizing What’s Important

team’s success,” he said. “I’ve been able to take things I’ve been learning

“I started the journey to a bachelor’s degree a while ago,” Becerra said.

in this program and apply them in my career in real-time.” He credits the

With the demands of firefighting coupled with the demands of raising a family, his biggest challenge has been time management and fitting everything that needs to get done into a day. But Becerra sets goals and achieves them. And he knows how to prioritize what is important at the moment.

program as an integral part of what got him promoted. “In my interviews, I was able to talk about team leadership strategies and tactics I had learned in this program that I was applying in life and work,” he said.

A Call to Service Like most in the fire industry, Becerra is driven by a deep need to serve

Sports Psychology and Fire Fighting Crew Team-Building

and give back, not only to the people in the community where he lives but

Sports psychology might seem like an unorthodox path for a veteran

also to the people in his work community, especially younger firefighters.

firefighter, but Becerra explains why it’s a good fit for him. “There are

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“I was practically a kid when I started,” he said, “and there were many

people who invested their time and talent in me. I feel a deep need to

always work to achieve them,” he said. “At any point, I can tell you short-

do that now for the men and women coming into the industry,” he said.

term, mid-range, and long-range goals I’m working on.”

“It’s a very tight-knit industry — we firefighters all know each other and care for each other. I feel so fortunate to have spent my career in this

Fighting Fires and Making Course Deadlines

industry that I love.”

For Becerra, balancing study with family and work had some challenges,

Inspiring Excellence: Family Examples and Experiences

even with clearly stated goals. “In a way, I had it easier than some,” he said. “I work days on and then days off so I can focus on my studies and

Also deep in Becerra’s hardwiring is the need to make sure whatever he

my family more when I’m not on duty. But when we get a big campaign —

does, he does it well. “My father inspired all of my brothers and sisters —

or named fire — which we get a lot of in California at certain times of the

and myself — to strive to always give our best,” he said. “My family is first-

year, teams of firefighters all go and stay and fight around the clock. It’s a

generation American. My father came here legally from Mexico, and when

bit tough when you’ve been out in the soot, and smoke, and heat, and you

he married my mom, they worked hard to make their American dream

come back for your sleep shift and you’re trying to get cell reception on

a reality. My father humbly grew up in the fields picking oranges and

your laptop to do your homework. There’s been some late nights.”

strawberries. Today, one of my sisters has a PhD, and my brother has an MBA. I have this BBA, and another sister just earned her bachelor’s degree.

Championing Mental Health for Firefighters

We are also striving to be good leaders in our professions. I attribute our

Becerra is one of those people who sees a need and then works to fill it,

desire to be successful and be of service to my parents,” he said.

Show Vs. Tell as a Leadership Style

and his next career and education goals involve a bit of a pivot. “I love the fire industry and I want to do more for the men and women working in it,” he said. “I’ve been a champion of mental health for years. I’m leading

Becerra’s leadership runs deep and is a “show” rather than a “tell” style.

projects here in California to promote mental health awareness. But it’s

He completely lacks bravado and is ridiculously humble. But he also

been especially hard in this industry. When I first started 25 years ago,

knows he is an example to those around him — from his team to his kids

there was a stigma attached to even saying someone had mental health

— and he works hard to be an example of excellence. More than anything,

concerns. As firefighters, we’re always supposed to be the never-faltering

he is ethical and goal-driven. “I like to get things done. I set goals and

heroes. But we’re human, and this job is stressful and intense, and your

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I was practically a kid when I started working as a firefighter, and there were many people who invested their time and talent in me. I feel a deep need to do that now for the men and women coming into the industry.

It’s a very tight-knit industry — we firefighters all know each other and care for each other. I feel so fortunate to have spent my career in this industry that I love.”

life is on the line every day. It affects some people and their relationships in ways that need support and repair,” he said. “Not a lot of people are talking about it, but I’m seeing studies that indicate we are losing about 100 firefighters a year to death by suicide. That’s not okay. And you can add to that number the lives that weren’t ended but got caught up in the ancillary damage of divorce, addiction, etc. when mental health issues aren’t addressed,” he said.

Pursuing a Counseling Degree “When I retire from this position as Battalion Chief, I plan to be a counselor and work exclusively with first responders.” He makes the compelling case that because the work they do is so unique, it would be of the highest value to know the person across the room offering the counseling services had been in the same boots and understood the unique pressures. Moreover, they understand and speak the lingo.

Tim “Ty” Becerra

Bringing Perspective to Help Others “I’m going to take a couple of months off and let the dust settle now that I’ve finished the bachelor’s degree,” he said. “I’m thinking of taking a nice family vacation with no homework. But soon after that, I’m enrolling in National University’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program. That way, when I retire in the future from this position, I can pivot and continue to serve and help my community and the amazing men and women in the fire industry who need someone who’s been there and understands what they are up against.”

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While Becerra credits his father, mother, and siblings with giving him the drive and inspiration to always bring his best, he offers up a big show of gratitude to God, his wife, and his children for supporting him along this educational journey. “They’ve been amazing. They see that this is important to me and that I’m giving it 100%. They were standing with me and making sacrifices so I could succeed in earning this degree. I’m so grateful to them. This degree has helped me grow as a human - as husband and dad, as well as a firefighter.”

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Kaitlyn Buckley Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

At 8:46 on the morning of September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight

while also being named to National University’s prestigious President’s

11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Media

Circle – an elite group of 22 scholars selected annually from across

immediately began to live broadcast what many assumed was a horrific

National University’s colleges and programs. “I didn’t realize it until a few

accident until a second airplane, United Airlines Flight 175 flew at almost

years ago, but when I reflected on my life so far and my career goals, that

600 mph into the South Tower 17 minutes later. Because the media

day – September 11 - burned an image in my young brain and planted a

were covering the initial crash, the second crash aired live across the

seed in my mind. As I grew up, I felt drawn to work in counterterrorism to

world. Later that morning, a young girl got off the bus from her canceled

try to stop things like this from happening,” she said.

kindergarten classes and saw her family and neighbors watching in disbelief on TV, like almost every household in the U.S. “I didn’t fully

Seeking to Bring Order to Chaos

understand what was happening, but I could tell by the way the adults

Buckley may look like a fawn but has the heart of a tiger, and while

were acting that this was not a movie or a TV show, something was happening in real life,” said Kaitlyn Buckley.

Indelible Impressions from Past Event

many people are running from things, Buckley will be the one running in.

“Starting in high school, I realized I wanted to understand how people responded to the kind of situations that 911 created. I seek to understand chaos. Whether it’s created by people or by the environment, I want to

Fast forward to 2024, and Buckley has just graduated with her Master of

understand what’s happening and work to bring things in chaos back to a

Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management with honors,

sense of order,” she said.

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After graduating high school, Buckley enrolled at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. “I knew I wanted to be in a helping profession – and specifically in criminal justice. So, I began my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice,” she said. She was active in the American Criminal Justice Association and the Criminal Justice Student Association.

Partway through her program, Buckley, a strong student, experienced some familial problems that caused her to falter in her studies. She considered dropping out, but her mom, a teacher with two graduate degrees, encouraged her to keep pushing and take as much time as she needed. Buckley graduated in 2020. Despite that success, seeing her grades take a hit, she momentarily lost some confidence in her ability to excel at school or in her profession.

Working with Police and Emergency Services Fortunately, part of her undergraduate career also involved a successful interview to intern with the Philadelphia Police Department, and she was back in her element. “It was an incredible experience and opened my eyes to so much more of the criminal justice world,” she said. She got her first job out of college in the private sector but knew she wanted to move into the public sector as soon as she acquired enough skills to qualify. After working at Social Detection as an investigative analyst for fraud cases, she had her break and became a Watch Officer with the Chester Country Department of Emergency Services, where she served for three-and-a-half years. “My job was the 24/7 all-hazards watch desk where we monitor all calls coming into and out of the emergency 911 call center. It was tied

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I didn’t realize it until a few years ago, but when I reflected on my life so far and thought about my career goals, that day – September 11, 2001 – burned an image in my young brain and planted a seed in my mind. As I grew up, I wanted to work in counterterrorism and try to stop things like this from happening.”

into the Emergency Management division. For example, there was a call I was monitoring that involved a hostage situation. I was the person who needed to activate the SWAT team to the scene. In other cases, it might be the Red Cross or other auxiliary services or police backup.”

One of her cases gained national media prominence, the escape of Chester County prisoner Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer.

Buckley was one of many working on the more than week-long manhunt that ultimately resulted in his capture and placement in a maximumsecurity prison.

Steering Career to Counterterrorism Work Realizing she wanted to steer her career more closely into work with emergency management and, specifically, counterterrorism, Buckley

Kaitlyn Buckley

searched nationally for a graduate degree program. She landed on National University, liking the delivery format and the subject matter.

“It was exactly what I wanted and would prepare me for the kind of roles I was trying to earn in my career,” she said. But coming in after faltering briefly during her baccalaureate work hit her confidence level hard. “I was second guessing myself about whether I belonged in a master’s degree program and if I could do the work,” she said. She committed to going all-in and graduated with honors, making A’s all along the way. She was one of two NU students selected to staff the 2022 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Higher Education Symposium, giving her a chance to network with notable faculty from across the country.

24 | National University President’s Circle 2024

“The FEMA experience was special because it’s an area I won’t be

the hard work,” she said. “It feels a little weird to say, but I went from

exposed to once my career in the field begins. I think there’s a real

being scared and having imposter syndrome at the beginning to being

benefit for people working in the field to know what the academic side

confident now. I’m proud of myself.”

experiences. Conversely, I’m sure the academics learned a lot about the field teams as they interviewed us during our research and dissertation

The week of that announcement included another big mile marker in

work,” she said.

her life. She also received the tentative job offer (pending the completion of Top-Secret Security Clearance) of her dreams, working as an officer

Buckley expresses great gratitude to her professors in the program for

in counterterrorism. “It’s absolutely 100% everything I’ve ever wanted

providing one-on-one support, including Dr. Kenneth Christopher, who

to do – I can’t speak about details, but the work is like a treasure hunt

encouraged her to apply for the FEMA opportunity, and Chris Bygum

where the treasure is saving lives and keeping people safe.”

who led her through her previously dreaded capstone thesis writing.

Dr. Christopher was so impressed he nominated Buckley for the 2024 President’s Circle.

Professor as Mentor and Cheerleader “Chris Bygum made every single moment of that course manageable and exciting. He was more like a boss and a friend than you might think a professor would be, helping me each step of the way. He was understanding, and he anchored me, and that allowed me to succeed.”

Her final thesis, “Implications of Domestic Terrorism,” was applauded.

Goodbye to Imposter Syndrome, Hello to Dream Career.

When Buckley received notification that her academic success and other achievements had caused her to be named to the 2024 NU President’s Circle, she cried tears of joy. “It’s just such wonderful validation for

National University President’s Circle 2024 |

25

Haley Burton, PhD PhD in Business Administration with a Specialization in Financial Management

For newly graduated doctoral student and 2024 National University

we would go to college,” said Burton. “We all knew we were going, and

President’s Circle inductee Dr. Haley Burton, the popular adage

we all knew we were going to Lubbock Christian,” she smiles. “I think I’m

“Bloom where you are planted” rings true.

the 20th member of my family to earn a bachelor’s degree there.” When Burton’s time came, she followed in the family’s footsteps and entered

Dr. Burton recently earned her PhD in Business Administration with a

LCU on a basketball scholarship. She earned her bachelor’s degree in

specialization in Financial Management. She is currently an assistant

2015 in both accounting and finance. She was a strong student and

professor teaching upper-level finance classes at Lubbock Christian

made a good impression on her professors. Immediately after earning

University in Lubbock, Texas.

her diploma, she went to work for a small accounting firm in Lubbock, doing a lot of tax preparation and bookkeeping. It wasn’t long before she

Following the Family Tradition

realized she had a problem. “I loved the people I worked with, but I didn’t

LCU is a small, private university with a tradition of academic excellence

love the work,” she said.

and a sense of collective pride that its graduates’ acceptance rates into vet schools, dental schools, physical therapy, pharmacy, physician, and

Opportunity Comes Knocking

occupational therapy schools are above the national average.

Then Burton’s career path hit an interesting turn. “About that time, the dean from LCU contacted me and said he might have an opportunity for

For Burton, it’s more than that, it’s a family tradition. “Growing up in

me. He said if I would go back and earn my master’s degree and a PhD,

Lubbock, there was never any question in our household about whether

he would like to bring me into the university as a professor,” said Burton.

26 | National University President’s Circle 2024

She was both astonished and excited. “I love education. I couldn’t wait to

spring semester of 2020. “I began teaching my first class two months

get back to the beautiful campus. It’s a place I have such a generational

before the COVID lockdown,” recalls Burton. “I remember we were

commitment to and love for,” she said. “And I thought being a professor

kind of joking about whether we’d be able to come back after spring

would be the best profession, I just had not seen a clean line into it before

break, but we realized the seriousness of it, and by the end of spring

his call,” she said.

break, we could not come back to campus classes,” said Burton.

Beginning a teaching career is always a challenge, but learning how to

Ironically, her love of education and heart’s path to teaching had been

do so effectively and remotely with no warning brings some serious

seeded years earlier by a dean who, at that time, was her finance

challenges.

professor. “He made learning finance so interesting and fun. At the time, I thought maybe someday I’d go on and earn a graduate degree in this

Benefits of Being an Online Learner

field because of him.”

“Fortunately for me,” said Burton, “I had done a significant part of my

Balancing Work and Graduate Work

graduate degree online, so I was familiar with many of the aspects of that modality.” She had already worked as a student in this context,

“I kept my job at the accounting firm and almost immediately enrolled in a

including using learning management systems like Blackboard, and

graduate degree program.” She pushed hard, and after earning her Master

she understood from a student’s perspective how to make a course

of Science in Finance and Economics in 2019 from West Texas A&M,

more compelling and less passive than just posting a PowerPoint slide

she wrapped up five years as the staff accountant at the accounting firm

deck lecture. Simultaneous to this significant event, she had gone from

and headed back to her beloved LCU. She began her first teaching job

her master’s degree program directly into her PhD. Fortunately, she had

as an instructor in January 2020 and was elated to get to work with the

planned to learn remotely for her doctoral program and was doing that

dean who inspired her educational journey. “He’s amazing. I learned so

online as well, but the workload piled up on both fronts.

much from him and still am learning from him. He’s the reason I have this dream job.”

“I had an advantage over professors who had less experience with online education,” she said, “but it was super hard on our team. The

COVID Lockdowns and Remote Learning

team is very small here, and everyone is very close. We help each other,

Anyone with a grasp of recent history recalls what happened in the

and we just dug in together to get this done for our students.”

National University President’s Circle 2024 |

27

It’s all about helping our students and our community. I genuinely care about my students, and I work very intentionally to be sure they see that and they know it. If I come to them with authenticity, it’s going to help them learn.”

Keeping Her Eyes on the PhD Prize While the complexity of her inaugural teaching year during COVID felt like it might never end, Haley tried to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel, and that was successfully earning her PhD and keeping her students engaged and on track. “I was working on my doctoral program at Northcentral University, now National University, over the weekends and evenings, it just didn’t pause for three years,” she said.

Adding another layer of complexity to her journey, Burton experienced what some doctoral students face when they enter their literature review with a keen, clear idea of what the focus of their dissertation will be, only to have the course of their research re-directed. She had planned to focus on higher education-related finance issues but, after hitting several roadblocks in the lit review process, agreed with her chair that she needed to change course.

Dr. Haley Burton

She went back to what she knows, and what she knows is Lubbock. “We are in the heart of cotton country here,” she said. “There are multigenerational farms whose lives depend on this crop. So, I decided to work with the local farmers to better understand the challenges and pitfalls they face with regard to the financial management process. It was very interesting because this is one of the rare areas that hasn’t succumbed to corporate farming – it’s family farming, and the farms go back generations.”

Her research often involved riding on a tractor for her interviews with the farmers, but she learned a lot. Her research also allowed her to learn and share some sound advice about farm financial management practices, multi-crop versus single-crop farming, profit margins versus risk management, and more that could build resilience against pests and weather emergencies.

She loved engaging with her neighbors.

28 | National University President’s Circle 2024

Support Led to Success “The reason I was able to succeed in my PhD program,” she said, “was partly because I worked in higher education at the time. I was surrounded by people who supported this effort and helped protect my time to study. Also, my professors in my program were so willing to meet on Zoom and help talk through any questions and challenges, so I had support from all sides. Everybody helped me keep this work on the tight deadline I had set for my PhD completion,” she said.

The other thing feeding Burton’s passion for the profession is watching her students’ progress through the university. Because it is small, they know each other. “I’m at the point now where students I met as freshmen are graduating and seeing them cross that stage to good-paying jobs and great career options, it’s really satisfying.”

Genuine Care for Students She also loves working at a small university. “Oh, there’s never going to be a lack of things to do and learn,” she laughs. “The moment I earned

When she was defending her dissertation, she did so solo from

my PhD, I started serving on multiple committees. We’re all so close,

an empty classroom on a Zoom call, but just down the hall, her

we’re in this together over here. It’s all about helping our students and

family and her peers were all poised and waiting to celebrate in

our community. I genuinely care about my students, and I work very

the Commons area.

intentionally to be sure they see that and know it. If I come to them with authenticity, it’s going to help them learn.”

Becoming A Confident Subject Matter Expert The experience has changed her in some very good ways. “I’ve always been persistent. If I set a goal, I hit it,” she said. “And I’ve always been aware I’m not the smartest person in the room because I try to intentionally surround myself with very smart people. But I do feel like a subject matter expert now, whereas before, I did not. I know this area, and I can teach it. The first two years of teaching are a little painful as you work out what works and what doesn’t. But now, I can see the lights go on. I’m teaching upper-level finance now, and it’s a bit in the weeds. It’s super exciting when I see a student, especially one who has been struggling, suddenly get it.”

National University President’s Circle 2024 |

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Mark Cochran Associate of Science in Business

Mark Cochran graduated high school and enlisted. He served five years

So why would Cochran decide to go back to school and pursue an

with the U.S. Marine Corps and learned valuable skills, discipline, and

associate’s degree in business and economics as a working adult with

commitment. After his service, he wanted a trade and saw a program in

a family and all kinds of life commitments, including a thriving and

National University’s polytechnic offerings. “I had been out of school for

scaling business?

a while, and I was not confident enough to go enroll in a two- or four-year degree program, though I probably secretly really wanted the credential.

“When I took the technical training, I didn’t think I was ready to commit

This course looked interesting and certified me to be an underwater

to a full degree plan,” he said. “I thought I was too busy, and it would be

welder, which pays well.” He enrolled in the course and was surprised

impossible with family and work. But the only impossible things are the

by its rigorousness. “This showed me I could do the work,” he said.

ones you label impossible.”

Opening a Ship Repair Business About this time, Cochran and a colleague decided to start a ship repair

Building His Business With Knowledge and Better Business Practices

business in San Diego. “It was just the owner and me back then,” he

So, he decided there was no time like the present and took the leap. He

recalls. “Today, we have about 120 employees. My partner still owns

had ample motivation to do so even though it wasn’t the promise of a raise

the business, and I am the general manager. Next year, we are expanding

or promotion. “I had two or three big reasons to go for it,” he said. “First,

to Hawaii, Florida, Washington, and Virginia,” he says. The business

we had been very successful with the business, but I felt I had learned as

is thriving.

much as I could from experimenting and making mistakes and needed to learn from books and best practices.”

30 | National University President’s Circle 2024

Leading by Example “The second reason was I wanted to show my employees a lesson about learning,” Cochran said. “Many of them are young and have no formal college or university experience. I wanted them to see that just because you get a good job, doesn’t mean you stop learning.

You never stop learning and trying to improve yourself and your

and say, ‘Hey, I saw that challenge in our business last week,’ and I’d have some new learning I could apply immediately to help protect us and grow our business. So much of it was immediately applicable and made me a better general manager,” he said.

University Format Suited to Working Adults

contribution. If I led the way and they saw me working toward a

He found the one-course-at-a-time format at NU to be the right recipe for

degree, they would consider it too.” He also wanted to show his

success, as it helped him lean in and focus on each topic. The work paid

daughters that just because he was an adult, a dad, a husband,

off as he found ways to apply what he was learning to his organization

and a company executive, it didn’t mean his learning had stopped.

and get recognized for his academic achievements by being just one of 22 graduates named to the 2024 President’s Circle of exemplary

Cochran enrolled in the associate degree with the help of his GI

students. When contacted a few weeks after commencement to see how

bill, and committed himself to succeed with a lot of people watching

things were going, he said he had already started a bachelor’s degree

him. “I made time to study every single day. My wife helped a lot with

program at NU in business and economics.

our two daughters, and we also made time to be a family together.

I worked full-time, but I hired and promoted some talent to take a little

“Oh yes, I rolled right into that because my credits will apply and I have

burden off me at work. And I established some priorities about what

the study habits all set up – may as well keep going,” he said. “I’ll have my

mattered. For example, I got off social media and wasn’t spending

bachelor’s degree in about 15 months this way, and then I’m going for the

hours a day scrolling, or watching TV, or streaming videos every night.

MBA. I’m not stopping until I get the graduate degree.”

The time presented itself as I made classwork a priority.”

Determination and Resilience

Relevant Coursework Helped Solve Current Business Challenges

Cochran’s energy and drive are undeniable and evident in any conversation.

Cochran was surprised and then regularly delighted by how relevant

plow right through barriers and find ways to make things work,” he says.

the subject matter was. “Throughout the program, I’d be in a class

He attributes a significant part of this drive to an early conversation with

“My father-in-law jokes with me that I’m unstoppable and limitless. I just

National University President’s Circle 2024 |

31

his mother. Growing up in Mexico before the family emigrated to the U.S., his mother frequently asked about his life and career aspirations. One day, during one of these inquiries, he didn’t have an answer for what he wanted to be, but he saw an ice cream vendor. He turned to his mother and said, “How about that — how about if I want to grow up and be an ice cream man?” She replied with great compassion, “That would be fine, as long as you are the best ice cream man you can possibly be.”

While his career took another path, he successfully kept ships and studies afloat as he led by example for his family and employees.

I wanted to show my employees a lesson about learning. Many of them are young and have no formal college or university experience.

I wanted them to see that just because you get a good job, doesn’t mean you stop learning. You never stop learning and trying to improve yourself and your contribution.

I figured if I led the way and they saw me working toward a degree, they would consider it too.”

Mark Cochran

32 | National University President’s Circle 2024

Delmar Colorina Master of Science in Health Informatics

Delmar Colorina earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from De La Salle

hospital corpsman, he spent nearly twelve years assisting healthcare

University in the Philippines in 2006. He then debated going to medical

professionals in providing medical care to Navy and Marine Corps

school or following in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in the

personnel. He was a battlefield corpsman with the Marine Corps,

U.S. Navy. “I decided I wanted to continue my father’s legacy and thought

rendering emergency medical treatment, including initial treatment

I could still attend medical school later, so I chose to be a sailor and

in a combat environment.

joined the Navy,” he said. Since then, he has earned multiple degrees, but first some background.

The incredibly stressful environment caused Colorina to rethink his original plans of becoming a physician. Upon leaving the U.S. Navy,

Colorina is a soft-spoken man of quiet confidence whose calm demeanor

he leveraged his interest in technology, leadership, and healthcare to

does not indicate the incredible pressures and leadership challenges he

join the Department of Defense.

has faced so successfully.

Military Career Takes Off Bringing Care to a Combat Environment

“From September 2020 to March 2023, I served as NMRTC (Navy

Much of Colorina’s naval career was spent serving in overseas medical

Medicine Readiness and Training Command) San Diego’s assistant

treatment facilities, including participating in Operation Enduring

site lead for MHS GENESIS (Department of Defense’s version of Oracle

Freedom in Afghanistan caring for front-line service members. As a

Health/Cerner Millenium) training,” he said. “I was also an MHS GENESIS

National University President’s Circle 2024 |

33

A year ago, I joined the VA Healthcare System as an Informatics Program Analyst. I can see daily how my education is serving me and helping me succeed while I enjoy an everincreasing number of career opportunities.”

Clinical Functions Advisor for Region San Diego and provided training and support coverage for NMRTC San Diego, NMRTC Camp Pendleton, NMRTC 29 Palms, Los Angeles Airforce Base, NMRTU Port Heuneme, and NMRTU Yuma.”

Electronic Health Records Modernization “From March to June 2023, I worked as a federal learning leader for Oracle Health and was aligned to support the Electronic Health Record (EHR) modernization efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs.” When he joined the VA a year ago, he found his niche. “I love the work in EHR modernization – it’s challenging and interesting, and I feel like my work will positively impact patient care,” said Colorina.

His work with electronic health records aligns with a national movement to modernize health records across the U.S. The Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) Mandate requires all medical records to be converted to digital format, but the EHR modernization effort goes a step farther.

Delmar Colorina

EMRs are digital information available to a single care provider, while EHRs can be shared among multiple providers.

Electronic Health Records can improve patient and care outcomes because care providers will have more accurate and up-to-date information about each patient and can see complete histories of diagnosis in a patient’s journey. In addition to providing for better communication between the doctor and the patient, they can facilitate communication between care teams, which is vital when providing complex care or working in tandem with multiple care teams. They also provide better information protection and HIPAA compliance while still allowing teams of healthcare providers and insurance companies to share data quickly and efficiently. Perhaps most important, electronic health records can give the patient more visibility and voice in their own healthcare practices.

Out of the Navy and Into Another Degree Program To excel at his work with the VA and DOD, Colorina knew he had to continue his education. He came to National University as he transitioned out of the Navy. Like many National University 34 | National University President’s Circle 2024

students, he entered his degree program while still working full-time

Discipline and Focus

and balancing his responsibilities as a spouse and parent.

When asked what advice he has for other working students, Colorina

At National University he has earned a BS in Healthcare Administration (2020 with a 3.98 GPA), a Master of Forensic Sciences with an Investigation specialization (2022 with a 3.76 GPA), and most recently, an MS in Health Informatics (2024 with a 3.97 GPA).

His exemplary academic work, his leadership, his potential impact on society, and his professionalism combine to earn him a place in the 2024 National University President’s Circle. This elite group of scholars is comprised of only 22 students a year across all University disciplines.

University Coursework Serving Him in Real-Time in His Career

suggests two things: Discipline – he sets a schedule and keeps to it. He thanks his military service for developing his ability to be disciplined and focused. Secondly, “Choose a good life partner,” he says. “My wife of 14 years is amazingly supportive, and in addition to cheering me on the whole way, she helped so much as I struggled to do this difficult coursework and still be present with my family of four children. I could not have been successful without her.” He also said the option to take one course at a time in an accelerated format was instrumental to being able to earn the three degrees. To say he is an industrious person who sets goals and achieves them is an understatement. He does what does what he sets out to do, and he does it extraordinarily well.

“A year ago, I joined the VA healthcare system as an informatics

Right now, Colorina is setting his five-year goal to successfully

program analyst. I can see every day how my education is serving

implement electronic health records with modernization at the VA. “It

me and helping me be successful while I enjoy an ever-increasing

will be so beneficial for so many people. They will get improved care.”

number of career opportunities. The leader of NU’s Health Informatics program is one of the nation’s best experts in EHR modernization. I

Work Hard and Be Kind

learned so many things that have built my confidence in my ability to

His short-term goal is a bit different. “Right now, I’m really on this big

do my job well,” he said.

You might think two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees were enough for him to decide his diploma wall was sufficiently full.

“I want to continue to learn and excel in my work, so this year I decided to apply for a PhD program,” he said. “Unfortunately, I looked at NU first and they didn’t have a doctorate program in health informatics,

kindness kick,” he said. “So much of what is wrong with the world could be fixed if we’d just be a little more compassionate and gentler with each other. I have this saying on my desk as a constant reminder at work. It just says ‘Work hard. Be kind.’ – and I think that’s really good advice. I mean, if you do those two things, you’re probably going to have a good life and a good career.”

so I searched nationally. I’ve been accepted to Rutgers.”

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Latonya Dennis, PhD PhD in Technology and Information Management with a Specialization in Computer Science

Dr. Latonya Dennis is an exceptionally competent technologist,

Her award-winning dissertation poster, “A Qualitative Study Evaluating the

program manager, entrepreneur, educator, strategist, and artificial

Crisis of Technology and Skilled Labor in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,”

intelligence expert. She also has a human-centered approach

is both a warning cry and a message of hope urging people to sit up and

to work. She cares deeply about the proliferation of robotics,

pay attention to technology trends.

artificial intelligence, automation, and their impact on lower-skilled workers, job loss, widening wage gaps, and the need for increased

The Need for Speed in Technology Training

government support.

“Despite marginal efforts to train some workers, the limited opportunities

Champion for Learning and People

for job seekers to improve their skills will be overtaken by the speed of technological change demanded by employers, which is accelerating

To be clear, she is not a Luddite advocating to resist technology. She

skills-biased technology change,” she writes in her dissertation. And the

sees the ubiquity of AI in all aspects of our lives. She is a champion

cautionary warning: “The data substantiated previous research, which

for learning, and she is a champion for helping people. Dennis just

indicated that lower-skilled workers have fewer opportunities for training

earned her PhD in Technology and Information Management with a

to remain viable in the marketplace. And if academia and corporations

specialization in Computer Science, and she did it in just three years

across industries do not intervene to provide strategies and solutions for

with a perfect 4.0, earning her induction into the prestigious 2024

this crisis, government assistance will be required to stem widespread

National University President’s Circle.

underemployment or unemployment.”

36 | National University President’s Circle 2024

I understand that corporations are implementing AI to increase speed, performance accuracy, and profits, but at the end of the day, there are people who need to work, and many are not getting the training they will need to remain viable to the organization.”

Advocating for a Human-Centered Approach to Technology Where Dennis differs from many issuing similar warnings is that she is not advocating against technology – far from it – but she is advocating for a human-centered approach to technology.

Her interest in technology began to surface when she was just ten years old and had the opportunity to see her first Macintosh computer in 5th grade. “I began to disassemble any working objects in my house to try to understand their inner workings – irons, toasters, radios,” she recalled. Not surprisingly, her teachers began to suggest IT training. “My teacher at the magnet school suggested I attend a specific college for its excellent IT programs, so I enrolled,” she said. “But once I was there, I realized I liked computers, but I also equally like humans… and literature, journalism and public speaking. I’m not a one-dimensional person.” So the multifaceted and brilliant Dennis switched her major at Stevenson University and earned a BS in Liberal Arts and Computer Technology. As she progressed in her studies, she found she had a deep interest in both technology and humanity. She decided to pursue a master’s degree and earned a Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University.

Fifth Industrial Revolution – Dr. Latonya Dennis

Her combination of degrees speaks volumes for how she is approaching where we are now in the fifth industrial revolution, which she defines in this way in her research: “The fourth industrial revolution introduced AI, the internet of things, big data, and innovation; however, the fifth industrial revolution is a collaboration between humans and machines to improve the overall delivery of the fourth industrial revolution tool. (Iqbal et al. 2022)” Her research and advocacy focus on this intersection of humanity and technology and how workers can best prepare themselves to succeed rather than become collateral damage in the acceleration of AI.

National University President’s Circle 2024 |

37

The Impact of AI on the Workplace “I’ve always felt like there’s something more that has to be done and said about how technology is evolving and the acceleration of it as far as how it impacts humanity,” she said. “Artificial intelligence is upon us and it’s impacting our work and our way of life in every single aspect.”

Dennis speaks a lot about the importance of work. “Work is foundational to life, therefore, when disparities exist, whether voluntary or involuntarily, that may impact an employee’s ability to care for themselves or their family.” Her research focuses a specific lens of concern on lower-skilled workers, whom she believes will be most vulnerable, though she says no one is immune from the impact of AI.

Humanist Concerns in The Face of Technology Shifts “I love people, and I love helping people. Work is a basic human need that creates meaning in our lives and builds community. I’ve had

“I understand that corporations are implementing AI to increase speed, performance accuracy, and profits, but at the end of the day, you still have people there that need work, and many are not getting the training they will need to remain viable to the organization.” Additionally, she warns that many workers are not aware of the trends or the company’s strategic direction concerning technology adoption, so they are not prepared to shift. They are waiting for the organization to train them, and many organizations offer too little too late in the way of training for lower-skilled workers. To protect these workers, Dennis suggests that organizations take more ownership of the upskilling process to ensure that employees remain valuable and productive.

Workplace Trends and AI Talent Microsoft Worklabs recently highlighted similar concerns in their 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report, sharing these points: • Leaders have already made their land grab for technical AI talent,

a management consulting company for years focused on project

hiring up 323% in the past eight years. Now they are turning

management, but now I am pivoting to helping people prepare

their sites to non-technical talent with AI aptitude – the skills to

themselves with skills and attitude to build resilience and to be able

use generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot.

to identify when there is a technology shift in their organization so

The report includes these statistics from their research:

they can be on the upside vs. the downside,” Dennis says.

“I plan to start advising corporations on how to shift their business model into a human-centered learning environment vs. a technology-focused

• 66% of leaders say they wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills • 71% say they would rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills than a more experienced candidate without them

workplace that excludes people from the process. There are important

While many studies have focused on perceptions of robotics, artificial

things that only humans can do,” she adds.

intelligence, and automation on employees, Dennis found insufficient

38 | National University President’s Circle 2024

work being done to address the most vulnerable populations to bolster and improve their long-term employability.

Dennis cites considerable research in her dissertation, including Harvard’s “5 Key Human Skills to Thrive in the Future Digital Workplace.”

Her work mirrors Pearson’s recent findings on the human skills that are deemed “power skills” in today’s job market. These in-demand skills, also referred to as “soft skills,” include empathy communication, adaptability, coaching, collaboration, and trust building.

Resistance to Change Has Greatest Risk While she suggests that no one’s title or role makes them completely immune, those employees resistant to technological change are likely to become the first to experience furlough, layoffs, and terminations.

Train Strategically to be Prepared “I want to point people in the direction of hope and remind them there is more we can do. We must take the bull by the horns and not rely on

“We can all still be viable workers in the marketplace, and it’s our

others to ensure we are aware of trends and are training to be necessary

responsibility to do so. While it is great when a company offers

and viable contributors to the marketplace,” Dennis exclaims.

necessary training, they don’t all do it, and we can’t rely on them or government programs,” she said. “Now more than ever, we must

“Attitude is going to matter so much,” she says. “I don’t want people to be

encourage people to take full responsibility for their own professional

Luddites. Luddites will perish – I’m sorry, but that ship is sinking. I want

and personal success.”

people to know that I absolutely love technology. I hope we will consider the uses of AI with ethics and humans at the core. There are many

She is nonetheless advocating for corporations, government, unions,

beneficial things we can do with these advancements. I want ethical

and academia to change and embed training for workers in this fifth

humans to drive it. Nothing should drive this technology except human

industrial revolution. “Academia also needs to step up and move away

needs and the benefits we can get from the tools. I don’t want to see

from the old model and teach in more innovative, project-based ways

people displaced or harmed by this revolution. We need to be strategic

that build technology and human skills in tandem,” she says.

and ethical and prepared.”

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Travis DuBose Bachelor of Business Administration with a Concentration in Logistic and Supply Chain Management

Travis DuBose recently graduated from National University, earning a BBA

very different experience. We’d take in the raw materials, and by the time

with a concentration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. DuBose

the manufacturing process was complete, we were shipping finished

is a successful entrepreneur who started his business ten years ago after

products out the door. I really liked seeing the process from start to finish,

several years in procurement as a corporate buyer. “I hated high school

and I was very successful in that job, but soon hit the ceiling on how far I

and could not wait to get done,” said DuBose. It’s a surprising statement

could elevate my role without a college credential.”

from a man who exudes intellectual curiosity. “Growing up, it took me a long time to master reading, and I just wanted to graduate and join the

Opening His Own Business

Marines. But I broke my leg in high school and had to get an alternate

He talked with his wife about a goal he had always had to one day run his

plan,” he said.

Climbing the Corporate Ladder

own business, and they decided it was a good time for him to take the plunge. “I did some research and decided to open our mobile rim repair business,” he said. “There’s no motivation like taking that leap. I woke up

That plan meant heading into corporate America, where he quickly and

that first Monday morning and asked myself how I was going to make

deftly worked his way up the corporate ladder. “I landed a supply chain

this all work. You have to really commit, and you have to be willing to live

opportunity when a friend recommended me to a tech company that he

with the stress of knowing it’s all on you to make it pay off.”

thought I’d be a good fit for,” said DuBose. “I loved it. But then our family moved from Arizona to San Diego. I got another buyer position – this

Needing a Degree for Career Mobility

time for a manufacturing company. Though I was still a buyer, it was a

Not surprisingly, DuBose was successful and is now in his eleventh year

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running the business, but it’s begun to take its toll and is keeping DuBose from having the kind of lifestyle he would like at this point in his life. “Owning your own business takes a lot of hours if you want to be successful, but I also had the added pressure of being in an ondemand business. You have to wait for folks to call, and when they need you, they need you now.” The inability to have adequate control over his schedule persuaded him to plan a return to corporate work. “I knew without a doubt that for me to have the career change I was looking for, I was going to have to get a degree.”

He, like most adult learners, doubted his ability to jump right back into schoolwork after nearly two decades out, so he decided to wade in a bit and took a few courses at a local community college. Seeing his success, he began looking at universities to transfer his credits so he could commit to a baccalaureate degree in supply chain management. “I knew I wanted to learn online,” he said. “I found NU’s Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. It was a perfect fit for my planned career trajectory.”

PhD Wife Offers Sound Advice for Academic Success But still, the looming doubts remained as he moved from community college to university work. “I confided in my wife about my concerns,” he said. “She is the smartest person I know.

Owning your own business takes many hours if you want to be successful, but I also had the added pressure of being in an on-demand business.

You have to wait for folks to call, and when they need you, they need you now.

I knew without a doubt that for me to have the career change I was looking for, I was going to have to get a degree.”

She has two bachelor’s, a master’s, and a PhD in nursing.” Her advice was to follow the bouncing ball.

– Travis DuBose

She said, “It’s easy, just follow the bouncing ball. Each instructor is going to tell you exactly what to do and what the expectations are. You’ll get instructions at each step of the way. Just do what they give you as they give it to you. Follow those through each course and do as they ask, and you’ll get to where you need to be.” With the visualization of the bouncing ball through the course syllabus, DuBose embarked upon his studies and ended up making the NU Dean’s List five out of five terms. He graduated with an impressive 3.9 GPA and was one of just 22 graduates from across the entire University inducted into the 2024 NU President’s Circle.

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Online Format with Engaging Professor Interaction “It was a great experience from my first class to my last. My first class was Marketing with Professor Adrienne Wilkerson,” he said. “She would do live virtual lectures and record them for those who could not attend— but I always attended. She interacted with everyone who made the call.

She had office hours. She was so engaging and accessible.” DuBose found the group projects more challenging because writing a research paper as a team, asynchronously with other working adults, many of whom were parents, was not without its challenges. “We made it through, each person contributing their part each week,” he said. “And when I got to the capstone project, that was all me.”

Making a Big Commitment to the Work DuBose worked hard for his grades. “It’s not easy. I read 3-4 hours a night for 18 months. But I found if I just did some work every single day, I would get everything done on time and done well. I like to read slowly and soak it in, and I’m meticulous about writing, so that took time,” he said. But he put in the time, and his wife was incredibly supportive, having been through this multiple times herself on her path to earning her PhD Now that DuBose has graduated and has the time back, he’s taking his time to be picky in his job search for just the right organization. “I still have the successful business, so there’s no pressure. And I want to take a couple of months and carefully research my options,” he said. The other thing he really wants to do? “I want to go on dates with my brilliant wife.”

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Mark Halushka Master of Arts in Human Resources Management

Mark Halushka, a recent graduate with a master’s degree from National University, was raised in a family deeply rooted in education and community service. Surrounded by role models such as his mother, a first-grade teacher, and siblings who pursued careers in education— including a high school teacher and a university professor, it was no surprise that Mark followed in their footsteps, choosing higher education as his pathway to contribute meaningfully to society.

A Passion for Service Mark’s passion for serving others led him to pursue a Bachelor of

Recovering From Tragedy and Setbacks But life had other plans. Amid a thriving career and a busy family life, Mark was confronted with an unimaginable tragedy: his eldest son, just 16 years old, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The family’s world came to a standstill, with all their focus and resources directed toward making their son’s final days as comfortable as possible. The emotional, physical, and financial toll was immense, leaving the family near bankruptcy and in deep grief after their son’s passing. It took Mark several years to recover before he could even contemplate returning to his academic pursuits.

Science in Human Resources Management from California State University, Long Beach, graduating in 1999. His career in human resources began immediately, where he found immense satisfaction in his work as an HR practitioner. “I really enjoyed the work of serving others,” he reflected. However, after several years as an HR manager, he felt the desire to further advance his career and invest in his personal growth by pursuing a master’s degree.

Reviving His Dream of a Graduate Degree In a reflective moment, Mark was reminded of his long-held dream of obtaining a master’s degree—a goal that would not only benefit him personally but also serve as an inspiration to his family. Motivated by the thought, he began researching universities and financial aid options, ultimately finding National University’s strong focus on working

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As a leader, I want to clear a good path for people and ensure they have the resources and direction they need.

Then, I want to lead from behind and have their backs, giving them those gentle nudges forward and catching them if they fall.”

adult learners appealing. The asynchronous nature of the programs allowed Mark to balance his extensive volunteer and leadership roles, including his position as director of human resources, while pursuing his education.

Leadership Contributions to His Community With over 20 years experience as an HR manager and director, Mark brought significant leadership and expertise to his studies, which he continued to share with his baccalaureate alma mater by serving as a member and chair of the HR Advisory Board for California State University, Long Beach. Additionally, he holds the position of chair of the board of directors for the Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) Long Beach.

Mark thrived in his master’s program at National University, graduating with a 3.9 GPA and earning distinctions such as inclusion on the Dean’s List, the Omega Lambda Nu Honor Society, and the National Society for Leadership and Success. He was also honored as one of just 22 graduates named to the prestigious 2024 National University President’s Circle.

– Mark Halushka

Leadership Long Beach With his lifelong goal achieved, Mark is now focused on further refining his career. In August 2023, he joined Leadership Long Beach, a selective 10-month program designed to hone critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills while fostering lifelong networks and developing innovative ways to improve the Long Beach community. His next ambition is to obtain the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) credential, which will add further to his professional profile.

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“At this point in my career, I want to be selective,” Mark states.

“I’m looking to take the next big leap and lead an HR team at a large organization that’s deeply committed to high values, ethics, and integrity.

This master’s degree is a critical credential to achieving that dream, and the SHRM credential will further enhance my qualifications.”

49 Under 49 Award In addition to receiving the NU distinction of being named to the prestigious President’s Circle, California State University, Long Beach, Halushka’s undergraduate alma mater, recently awarded him its 49 Under 49 award, a distinction for alumni who make significant contributions to improving and uplifting their communities.

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Christa Hunt Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Christa Hunt has been commended by her professors as someone

She knows she’s developing the tools she needs to lead those

who is a strong, caring advocate for students and their families. She

conversations, and she’s learning things she can also use in her

recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at

personal life.

National University and spent much of her capstone project having the privilege of observing parent-teacher conferences. Her research

Instant Motherhood and Role Modeling

on the importance of fostering strong relationships between teachers,

When she was 19, Hunt married her boyfriend and immediately

students, and their families resulted in her building a toolbox for the purpose. The box includes digital assessment tools, newsletter content, email content, and inclusive practices for working parents to participate in their child’s education from home.

This learning was important for Hunt because one of the things she was most apprehensive about in her role as a teacher was the parent-teacher conferences, hoping the parents would take her seriously without her being too meek or authoritative. The hours she spent observing and researching this aspect of teaching built her understanding and her confidence as well as her quiet calm.

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became the stepmom to a three-year-old who split her time between the father’s and mother’s homes. “In high school, several of my relatives and friends came from homes that were split like that, and it can be hard. Things are not always just right at each house. I wanted to create a safe place for my stepdaughter like I had growing up, where she could grow and learn and feel valued and loved for who she is. Unfortunately, at that time, I had no idea what I was doing,” she said. “However, I can’t thank my parents enough for being the best role models to me, so I can pay that forward to her and love her just as I was loved and cared for. They’ve taught me so much about life—how to love, work hard, and inspire others.”

Understanding the Science of Learning In the years that followed, Hunt began trying to help her daughter with language acquisition and reading skills, and found herself at a loss.

Always curious for knowledge, Hunt had familiarity with National University because her aunt teaches at NU. She looked at programs in the School of Education and saw Early Childhood Education. “I thought, this will be great! I can take a few courses and learn how to help her learn.” What followed was essentially a living lab, as Hunt would be reading about learning science and saying to herself, “I just saw that happen!” Her confidence in parenting grew, as did her interest in being an educator. She had found her calling and enthusiastically went after her bachelor’s degree.

Earlier in life, several people, including family members, had said Hunt would be a teacher someday, though she didn’t see it for herself at the time. She undeniably exudes empathy, curiosity, and warmth, and now realizes this is her work to do. “I want to make sure every child feels seen. I want them to know I care. I want them to know they are safe. I want them to love learning,” she states.

Making Connections at School With her daughter now in 4th grade, Hunt is substitute teaching at her school as she works to complete her master’s degree. “I decided to go straight from my bachelor’s to the master’s degree,” said Hunt. “I had a good rhythm and I wanted to go all in and get it done. Then, when

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I want to make sure every child feels seen. I want them to know I care. I want them to know they are safe. I want them to love learning.”

I start teaching full-time, I will be knowledgeable and prepared to fully help my students. I want to make my kids see school as more than just a place of academic learning; I want them to want to come because I make learning fun for them.” One of her favorite things in her current work as a substitute teacher is making that connection and experiencing the children call out to her with excitement when they see her again days or weeks later.

On days when she’s substituting, her daughter goes in early with her and hangs out in her class until it’s time to go to her own classroom. The two have established a very tight loving and learning relationship.

– Christa Hunt

Classroom Learning at School and Home “It was wonderful in my undergraduate studies to learn things that I can use not only in my classroom but in my home to help my daughter excel,” said Hunt. She’s currently interested in learning more about classroom management and the best ways to engage parents in their children’s educational journey while exploring all the opportunities to hone her craft in her graduate work.

Hunt took her learning journey in a step-by-step process. “I wasn’t sure what to expect with my bachelor’s degree, but I did what was asked and just took it one step at a time. It was intense because I was doing the one-course-a-month option, so I had four weeks per course. You really must jump in and stay in,” she said. Part of her motivation beyond helping

her own young family is knowing she will have a profound impact on

Secondly, the global executives earning doctoral degrees started

the future lives of her students. And for those who don’t feel completely

where I am. You just keep learning and getting new experiences.

seen or safe at home, she can provide an island of safety.

It was very inspirational.” Hunt was sharing the big day with her mom and Dr. Sheila Hunt, her aunt who teaches at NU. “I’ve never had an

The Importance of a Colleague Network

experience like this, and I probably never will again, so I just let myself

One of the many smart things Hunt is doing to support her teaching

soak it all in,” she recalls. “When I walked the stage at commencement,

career is building a network of colleagues. She has many friends who are teachers now, and they discuss strategies and share stories of what’s working and what needs honing. She also had a special bond with her mentor teacher from the transitional kindergarten work she did as part of her bachelor’s degree. “I swear by the teacher I worked with. I simply cannot praise her enough, but I did praise her every day,” she smiled. “She was amazing! Her mom was a teacher, and my sister was actually in her mom’s class, so it was fun to have an extended shared history between our families. I learned so much from her and we continue to stay in touch.

I felt the significance of this achievement. It was a magical day that I will never forget.”

Until the next time she crosses the commencement stage, Hunt is busy learning and gaining experiences as she earns her teaching credential and her Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Teaching credential. Most evenings, she and her daughter are studying around the kitchen table together.

It was such a supportive learning environment.”

Finding Inspiration As for being named to the prestigious 2024 President’s Circle, Hunt said she was surprised and elated when she found out. “I cried tears of joy.

I went to the President’s Circle Luncheon at commencement, and I have to tell you, I was nervous. Here were these people with global careers doing dissertations and research that was cutting-edge and amazing. But as we went around the room and each person told their story, I realized two things: We are all different—every story is different and inspiring.

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Crystal Jones, PhD Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Dr. Crystal Jones has served in the United States Army for 26 years,

with her aunt and then applied for and received a scholarship to attend

first enlisting active duty as a paralegal specialist in 1998, then serving

Montana State University Billings. She went home on Christmas vacation,

as enlisted in the United States Army Reserve (USAR), and later in

where she was discussing the United States Army with her cousin, Leon

the USAR as a cadet in the Simultaneous Membership Program until

Brower, who was enlisting. She accompanied him to see his recruiter. She

commissioning active duty as an Adjutant General Corps officer in 2006.

knew she wanted to be the first college graduate in her immediate family,

In civilian terms, she is a senior human resources officer.

but also realized the value of professional experience when searching for a career after college. Conversations led her to decide the Army provided

She is responsible for leading and taking care of seven Army Recruiting

her the best of both pathways she sought – she could get education and

Companies and 42 Army Recruiting Stations, comprising of approximately

experience at the same time.

300 personnel that recruit throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Southern Illinois. Over the last year, her team has outperformed every month since

On the Move in Career and Personal Life

2020, and quadrupled monthly how many future soldiers enlist in their

The next decade presented a flurry of activity and life events, ranging

area of responsibility in comparison to the previous fiscal year.

U.S. Army Brought Experience and Education Opportunities

from finding her cadence in the service, an international move to Germany, having her two daughters, leaving active duty, and serving in the USAR and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. She eventually earned a

Jones has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Immediately

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Military Science,

after graduating high school at 17 years old, she drove to Montana to live

graduating magna cum laude with honors as a Distinguished Military

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Graduate, Distinguished Military Student, and University Honors Program

(deployed forward), overseeing unit programs in more than 20 countries;

Graduate, while also working several part-time jobs, being on the Ranger

the Kansas City Military Entrance Processing Station Commander; the

Challenge Team, and becoming a Division 1 Cross-Country Runner for

Executive Officer for the Directorate of Military Personnel Management

East Carolina University. After graduation in 2006, she commissioned on

at Headquarters, Department of the Army; and the Senior Accessions

active duty.

Analyst for the Secretary of the Army’s Recruiting and Retention Task Force. She has also served in many key civilian roles, such as

Exploring Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace and Life

the Secretary for the Council of College and Military Educators and a

Simultaneously, her desire to learn only grew stronger. She says she

University Student Advisory Board Member.

has been in some form of formal education, training, or certification program since she was four years old. She went on to earn a Master of

Hardship Drives Future Research

Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Human Resource

At age 31, shortly before beginning her PhD, Crystal gave birth to her third

Management, feeding her deep desire to better understand emotional

daughter, Grace Faith Jones, approximately a decade after her second

intelligence and its role in the workplace and life. About ten years ago,

daughter. She experienced what she refers to as one of the worst and

she was selected to attend the resident Command and General Staff

best experiences of her life: postpartum depression, which fueled her

College – an education process majors go through where many of them

current passion for work-life harmony and work-fun balance, not only for

pursue a master’s degree, or in some cases, a second master’s degree.

her own life but also to help others achieve these essential life elements.

Her Section Leader, Dr. Rick Olsen, recommended that she pursue

This experience was a driving force for her to complete her PhD in

her doctoral degree. Together, they found the PhD in Industrial and

Industrial and Organizational Psychology, become certified as a RETAIN

Organizational Psychology at Northcentral University – now merged with

Parental Leave Coach, compete for her current battalion command, and

National University. It was a perfect fit for her interests and skills.

be an advocate and agent of change in the civilian and military sectors.

Exemplary Leadership Across Many Roles

Identify Transformation for Working Mothers

Jones has been selected and served in many high visibility leadership

Jones has done extensive research and writing about the identity

roles in the United States Army, including the program manager for

transformation phases and transition stages that occur when a working

the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Prevention Program

woman evolves into a working mother. She used an interpretative

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People understanding, embracing, and applying the strengths gained from motherhood will inevitably be a game changer for mothers and the future workforce in the United States”

phenomenological approach, manually coding and using NVivo for three different data analysis methods. Her study included seven unofficial test runs, and three field experts vetted her procedures before collecting data. Her study procedures for journal entries and semi-structured interviews focus on behavioral events and the identities that accompany them. Key experiences include an employer finding out about the pregnancy when transforming from a working woman to a working pregnant woman, the first time at home alone with the baby when transforming from a working pregnant woman to a mother on maternity leave, and the first day back to work when transforming from a mother on maternity leave to a working mother. While some research existed on segments of this

– Dr. Crystal Jones

major transformation process, few had looked at these transitions holistically, while others focused on the impact on the workplace or baby rather than the identity transformation of the mother.

And very few studied the role of emotional intelligence during the transformation to a mother.

Affected Team Dynamics With her deep interest in individual, team, and organizational development, she also dove deep into the team dynamics and the impact before, during, and after the first-time mom takes maternity leave. Her work weaving transition theory with identity research and emotional intelligence can significantly bolster support, improve workplaces, help ensure comprehensive wellness for working mothers, and leave a positive impact on fathers and families.

This research ended up timely for many reasons in her work today.

time, and later seeking out help again at a point where the impact was

The United States Army typically gives six to eight weeks for convalescent

undeniable. Looking back, knowing what I know now, I should have

medical leave to the mother after childbirth, which, coupled with the

pushed harder for help early on. With that said, it is the experience in

Department of Defense now providing three months of parental leave,

its entirety that has made me so driven in my field of research.”

can place the mother out of the workplace for five or more months, potentially making this transitionary period challenging for all involved.

Supporting First-Time Mothers

Emotional Intelligence as a Difference Maker Dr. Jones says she has come to understand there’s a fine line between what we see as impossible and what is actually possible. She says

In addition to her passion for helping all people find their purpose and

nurturing and building healthy emotional intelligence can be the

pathway in life, Jones feels a special call to support first-time moms

difference maker. “People understanding, embracing, and applying the

in her work. “I have this deep passion for helping first-time moms be

strengths gained from motherhood will inevitably be a game changer

successful. Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in their self-

for mothers and the future workforce in the United States,” she said.

leadership, self-reflection, and self-awareness,” she said. “There’s a tendency for people to think emotions they experience are good or bad.

Critical Community Support

But really, they’re just pleasant or unpleasant, and they all matter and

She is especially grateful to her community for the support she received

have value. They are all telling us something we need to understand, and they are going to affect our behavior, our health, and our results.

So I’m passionate about getting to an even deeper understanding of that,” she said.

Crystal’s postpartum depression fueled her work. She recalls, “I didn’t have this with my first two children, but I later realized from my research that every pregnancy and every postpartum has its own set of transition stages and creates a new series of identity transformation phases. At the time, my identity felt shattered in small bits, and I wasn’t sure if I could put myself back together. I sought help early, being turned away the first

in the more than nine years she dedicated to her doctoral program and research, specifically thanking God first, and then her family, all the study participants, the dissertation committee, field test experts, the RETAIN Coaching team, Army family, and friends. “My daughter, Zoey, is in college (and in ROTC), and we would tell each other our study commitments. I’d text her to say I was going to study that night until 10:30 after work. At 9:30, she’d text me saying she knew I was tired but urged me to keep going and aim for the finish line. My husband used to find me asleep sitting on the couch, laptop in hand, late at night after our youngest went to bed, and he’d gently fold the laptop and usher me off to get some rest.

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“One day, I came into the office in our home, and my youngest - who always referred to herself as Dr. Jones –was very young at that time and had surrounded herself in articles, appearing to be reading them with a serious look on her face. I playfully said, ‘Well hello, Dr. Jones!’ And she turned around with the cutest smile and said, ‘Yes, Mommy, give me a minute. I’m organizing these by topic for you, then alphabetizing them.’ I could not have become Dr. Jones or achieved any of the other accomplishments without God, the support of my family, the many teams I have served on, and the many communities who cheered me on when I didn’t think I could keep going anymore.”

Her chair, Dr. Michelle Ackerman, said this about Lieutenant Colonel Crystal Jones, PhD: “She holds herself to the highest of standards and is committed to making the world a better place through teaching, writing, speaking, coaching, and research. She is a certified RETAIN Parental Leave Coach. She has the perseverance, initiative, and intellectual creativity necessary to make vital contributions to empirical research, to the military, and to improving the experience of working mothers in the United States.”

“I learned that how you look at life changes how you experience life. You are more in control of life than it is in control of you once you understand the power of mindset and develop the ability to change it.”

– Dr. Crystal Jones

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Amir Khalighi, DHA, MD Doctor of Health Administration

Dr. Amir Khalighi just earned his second doctorate in the middle of a

outside of the U.S. There, Khalighi made his way through the university

successful healthcare career, adding a Doctor of Health Administration

to complete medical school in 1996. He became a practicing physician

to his Doctor of Medicine. His educational life has been an interesting

and healthcare administrator – an exemplary career he held for 22 years.

journey, and in many ways, it’s just getting started as this new chapter

During this time, he also engaged heavily with research and education

begins to unfold.

organizations and developed a specialization in infectious disease. In 2013, he won the prestigious Best in Infectious Disease award.

Born to Persian parents, Dr. Khalighi was raised in Virginia, where he attended school. He knew he would attend a university after high

A Move Into Healthcare Administration

school because education was highly valued in his family. His father

In 2016, he had a career opportunity to return to the U.S. and was

was a Georgetown doctoral program graduate and worked as a pharmacologist. His brother is a dentist. His sister is a pediatrician.

Healthcare was seen by his family as a way to serve others, and that sense of service is deeply apparent in any conversation with Dr. Khalighi.

He had envisioned going to an American university after high school, but his father had a career offer that caused the family to move

delighted to come back with an eye on moving more into healthcare administration and management. He wanted to return to the States and see his young daughter spend her school years here as he had.

Because of his family’s history with healthcare education, he is the epitome of a life-long learner who longed for more education. He developed a specific interest in healthcare administration and data analytics, a burgeoning field in the U.S. as machine learning becomes deeply embedded into integrated healthcare practices. He explored

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It’s an amazing and highly rigorous program that still fits the lifestyle of working healthcare professionals with families.”

many programs and was most impressed by the program at Northcentral University, now merged with National University. “Forbes Advisors list this Doctor of Healthcare Administration as one of the top ten in the nation,” said Khalighi. “It’s an amazing and highly rigorous program that still fits the lifestyle of working healthcare professionals with families. When the two schools merged, everything that was very good got even better. They’ve developed what I think is the greatest program in the nation,” he said.

Striving Thriving Adult Learner It took the first few weeks to find his stride after returning to doctoral level curriculum and work,

– Amir Khalighi

but he found it and became an esteemed graduate of the program whose performance earned him membership in the National Honor Society and a 3.75 GPA in an exceptionally difficult field of study. In 2024, Dr. Khalighi was named to the President’s Circle, an elite group of 22 graduates from Associate to Doctoral level across the six National University schools and colleges. “Being named to this group at this school is one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said.

Reducing Injuries From Sharps His dissertation topic is especially interesting, given his background in infectious disease. He studied sharp injuries among healthcare professionals, which may seem mundane at first glance but is a pervasive problem in healthcare. Anyone who has ever been in a healthcare setting has seen professionals handling needle sticks, scalpels, and other sharp instruments. What they may not have seen is the propensity for injuries resulting from these “sharps,” as they are commonly referred to in hospitals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024), “Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens from needlesticks and other sharps injuries is a serious problem, resulting in approximately 385,000 needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries to

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hospital-based healthcare personnel each year.” This is a conservative estimate compared to some of the data available. According to OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration), healthcare workers at risk from these injuries may be exposed to bloodborne diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, among others.

The NIH (National Institute of Health) said last fall that the highest number of needlestick and sharps injury cases were reported among nurses (52.4%), followed by cleaners (22.3%), physicians (8.5%), and technicians (6.9%) during a six-year period. “With my work in infectious disease, I had the least exposure to patients and sharps, but I still sustained a few injuries,” said Khalighi. He wanted to know what he could do to protect workers from this quiet but significantly large threat that affects so many working in healthcare settings.

Khalighi’s research included extensive survey interviews with healthcare professionals to understand the impact of and resistance to a simple act of precaution – double-gloving. He learned a great deal about this solution, as well as the reasons more workers are not employing this method which research has shown can reduce the likelihood of injuries anywhere from 71- 85%. His goal now is to be a national advocate for double-gloving and to build awareness of the benefits of this simple but effective preventive measure to protect healthcare workers.

Beyond his dissertation and university work, his career has him active with a large group of hospitals across Southern California, managing medical claims and clinical appeals.

Infection Prevention and Control In his heart, Khalighi is a humanitarian who longs to do his best for the largest number of people possible. His long-held interest in infection prevention was boosted by this new doctorate. “Now, with this combination of my medical experience and M.D., my new knowledge about healthcare administration and DHA, and my expertise in infectious disease, I’m considering expanding my career into national management work with infection prevention and control,” said Khalighi.

Going back for a degree as a working professional is tough, but going back for a doctorate in healthcare as a working healthcare professional is really tough.

“I had the benefit of tremendous support in this doctoral program, not only from the faculty but also from my family. My wife, Dr. Shabnam Kouhestani, who is an internist and an ultrasound vascular sonographer, always encouraged me to be the best of the best,” he said. “Together with my daughter, Sharin, they were very excited and supportive when I went back for this second doctorate.”

Does his daughter feel tremendous pressure to be a doctor, too? “She doesn’t have to be a doctor,” he smiled, adding that he is happy to be a role model for her and wants her to find her calling and way to serve others. “As a U.S. citizen, I take the part of the Constitution that begins ‘We the People’ very seriously. We are in this together – all of us with our many varied backgrounds and stories. We need to help each other.”

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A true “people person,” Khalighi helps in many ways beyond healthcare administration these days. He is an enthusiastic mentor to those around him. While in his doctorate program, he was an active participant and contributor to events, including the DHA Topic Tackle sessions, the Dean’s Town Hall and all-school forums, the Dissertation Boot Camp, and many other university-sponsored educational events. He also recently completed a Fellowship in Health Data Management from the American College of Health Data Management. He is now active with National University’s alumni affairs and hopes to provide an enviable role model to young students looking to follow in his footsteps. He is especially interested that members of the Persian community see that their dreams for career success and meaningful, purpose-filled lives are still achievable. It’s also not hard to imagine a possible future for him as

With this combination of my medical experience and M.D., my new knowledge about healthcare administration and my DHA, and my expertise in infectious disease, I’m considering expanding my career into national management work with infection prevention and control.”

– Amir Khalighi

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a professor, given his love of education, something he hasn’t ruled out in this next chapter.

In his early 50s, his career is far from over, and he is taking some very exciting new turns. While he works to limit infectious disease, there is no boundary to the health administration enthusiasm and passion he brings to his work in healthcare and in helping people.

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Regina Manzano, JD Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies

Regina Manzano recently completed her Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies. The payoff was almost instant. She got a raise at the law firm where she has more than a decade of legal experience. Additionally, she found her place in her firm, which had been a bit nebulous as titles go, because she also has a Juris Doctor degree but is not yet a practicing attorney. She had more knowledge, experience, and credentials than were needed to be a clerk but less than an attorney. Today, Manzano is a paralegal, and the identity crisis she juggled at work is resolved.

Lifelong Interest in the Law

Earning Her Juris Doctor While serving four years in the Navy, she worked in the legal offices and had a chance to put her feet into the waters of a legal career. “I loved it.

I got to work with the JAG officers. It was interesting work and a way for me to help other people,” she said. While serving, she almost finished her bachelor’s degree. After leaving the Navy, she quickly finished the remaining four or five courses to earn her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She immediately applied to the Southern California Institute of Law to earn her Juris Doctor degree.

Like many people across the U.S., Regina sat for the Bar exam after

Manzano earned her Juris Doctor after serving in the military.

graduating but did not pass on her first attempt. The degree still helps

“I knew from a very early age I wanted to be a lawyer. I have

her enormously in her job, but she’ll need to pass the Bar to practice

always loved the law,” she said. “But the cost of law school was

law and fulfill her lifelong dream. She’s not worried and exudes a quiet

prohibitive. So, I joined the U.S. Navy to qualify for the GI Bill®

determination but is grateful for the added credential of the Paralegal

so I could pay for my tuition.”

degree, which gave her a significant pay boost in the interim.

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According to JurisEducation, California is the toughest Bar exam to

important education is to me. They saw me spending weekends at the

pass, with only a 34% pass rate on first attempts. Manzano lives in

kitchen table studying. They see that if something is important to you,

California. In general, the recommendation is to study for 40 hours a

you may have to take time away from other things to get the payoff

week for ten weeks before taking the exam. Many people take a couple

you want,” she said.

of months off after completing law school and do nothing but study for the exam.

Paralegal Credential Supports Her Single Parenthood

A Determined, Committed Approach to Schoolwork “If you really want something, anything’s possible,” she said. “That’s been my experience with this. The professors were very helpful and

“It’s different for me,” said Regina. “I’m a single mom. I don’t have 40

understanding. If you have kids and you’re honest and open about it, they

hours a week to study for the Bar. Nobody else can pick up the slack

want to see you succeed and know it’s challenging. They were there to

and take care of the family and the bills. I can’t say I’m not going to

help me along the way. You just have to do your best, and you have to

work for a few months and still buy groceries or pay the mortgage.

show up.”

I’m supporting three kids, so I’ll try again, but right now, this Paralegal degree did just what I needed and earned me a raise. I’m making good

Manzano is the first in her family to earn a university degree. “I think as a

money at the firm now. It’s taken a lot of pressure off me, which will

single mom, you have to be extra determined and committed,” she said.

help me focus as I take what time I can to study. It’s nice that, in the

“When I joined the military, there were three core values we worked and

meantime, I know I can provide for my family, and I’m doing work I love.”

lived by: Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Even though I’m no longer on active duty, those values remain a part of who I am and how I live my life.

Regina sees several other advantages to earning her Paralegal degree.

If I’m going to commit myself to doing something, I’m going to do it, even

It showed her she could find the extra time to study even though she

if it’s harder than I thought or takes longer than I anticipated. I’m going to

was working full-time and then racing home to care for three kids. It

bring my best and do what I committed to do.”

also served as a nice subject matter refresher since it’s been a while since she graduated with the J.D.

Setting a Great Example for Her Children

Finding Success at Balancing Work, School, and Parenting “Earning this degree proved to me that I can do the work and I can carve out the time, even with cooking for and caring for three kids and all

And of importance to Manzano, it allowed her to set a great example

their after-school schedules and homework. It took a year, and I did it,”

for her children, ages 13, 11, and 6. “They had a chance to see how

Manzano said.

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When I joined the military, there were three core values we worked and lived by: Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Even though I’m no longer on active duty, those values remain a part of who I am and how I live my life. If I’m going to commit myself to doing something, I’m going to do it, even if it’s harder than I thought or takes longer than I anticipated.”

What’s next for her? There was no hesitation when asked about a fiveyear goal. “My daughters will be graduating high school, and I will be an attorney at the firm where I work now,” she said. Her current supervisor has offered her a place as an attorney in the firm when she passes the Bar, so she has all the motivation she could need. She’s studying now for the Bar and looking forward to bringing all her knowledge and expertise together with the credentials that will let her fulfill her dream of being a practicing attorney.

Advice for Other Parents Returning to College Her advice to other single parents heading back to school is to remember their various roles. “It’s about good time management,” she said. “You must go to work during the day, and that’s your role. But when that’s over, it’s over, and your role changes to parent, and you must do that job. Then

– Regina Manzano

there’s the student role late at night and on weekends. You just must make time for each of the people you need to be that day. The military helped a lot with that, too,” she said. “You’re on the clock 24/7 but must be able to distinguish between your military life and your personal life.

Of course, having three children, I get reminded about my personal life because they aren’t going to let me forget,” she smiled.

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Toshana Martin-Smith Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration

Growing up, Toshana Martin-Smith knew it would be a tough journey to reach her dream of attending a commencement ceremony to celebrate earning a bachelor’s degree, let alone find herself enrolling almost immediately in a graduate degree program. She made some great decisions along life’s path, and when opportunity knocked, she opened the door.

Former Navy, Now Department of Defense

Seeing the Lifestyle Education Affords Martin-Smith’s story began when she moved in with her aunt during high school in Jamaica. “I recall going to her apartment and being immediately struck by how she lived so differently from the way my family was living,” she said. “Neither of my parents had a college education, and we often struggled to pay the bills. My aunt was one of the first in our family to earn a college degree. I saw that she had a very different lifestyle, and I wanted the same.”

Today, she is a skilled, top-performing human resource professional working for the U.S. Department of Defense as a Civil Servant serving the U.S. Navy. She has recently retired from active duty, where she served for over seven years. Not only did she graduate with honors while managing all of these responsibilities, she also did so while being a wife and mother to a young son. Since earning her bachelor’s degree, she has been accepted into a graduate program and is working toward her M.A. in Human Resource Management at American Military University.

Winning a Scholarship to Attend U.S. Based College After finishing high school, Martin-Smith started working as a telemarketer. “My aunt called and said I was not going to thrive just working out of high school, and I needed to go to college. I said I couldn’t afford it. She told me a friend of hers had a scholarship for students to come to the U.S. as part of a study abroad program that brought in international students. So, I wrote the essay and sent the application.

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I’m so grateful to National University for providing me with the opportunity to live my dream of earning a bachelor’s degree.

It resulted in an immediate pay raise, all while I was able to be a wife, mom, and serve the finest fleet in the world. I hope this shows others that even if you think you don’t have the resources to go to college, you can still find a way to make your dreams come true.”

They said my writing was impressive, and I was accepted! That’s how I got to the U.S.,” she said.

Exploring University Benefits From Military Service The year was 2011, and she was beginning her associate degree in Criminal Justice from CUNY Bronx Community College. Her dream had begun to materialize. She graduated in 2014 and was transferred to CUNY’s John Jay College to work toward her bachelor’s degree when she became a military spouse and stopped school. She never really forgot her goal to earn her bachelor’s degree. One day she was speaking about her dream with her cousin, who was also in the military. “I remember him saying I should join the Army and have them pay for my college. I said, ‘WHAT? The military will pay for me to go to school?’ He said yes. I looked at different branches and enlisted in the U.S. Navy because I liked what I saw about the experience enlisted women were having there.”

Juggling Military With School and High-risk Pregnancy Toshana Martin-Smith

Unfortunately, like many active-duty military students, she faced complications when her university was on one coast and her work was stationed on the opposite coast. A friend then told her about National University and how she could attend classes from anywhere. “They told me I could take one class at a time, really focus, and dig in while being on active duty. I applied and enrolled in their Criminal Justice program so I could finish the degree I started,” she said. As with most adult learners, life continued to unfold, and Martin-Smith remarried after her first

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marriage ended. Next, she added another title to her Human Resources Supervisor, U.S. Navy, and wife roles. She became a mother. “It was a very high-risk pregnancy, so I had to take a break from school for a while,” she said. “For several months, I focused on preparing to bring my baby boy into the world and keeping us both healthy during that process. But I was motivated to finish – earning a university degree is why I came to the U.S. - and as soon as I could, I got back into my studies,” she said.

“To succeed at this, I had to gain really good time management skills to balance military service and work with school and family,” she said, “but I’m here to tell you, it can be done.”

Advice to know your limits

From U.S. Navy to civil servant and a graduate degree pathway In 2024, she had to leave her service to the U.S. Navy due to medical reasons but received an offer from the U.S. Department of Defense to serve as a Civil Servant in a similar capacity, assisting the Navy with Human Resources. “I’m using my experience to help streamline processes,” she said. Additionally, she was offered the incredible opportunity to have her tuition paid for at American Military University if she chose to continue to a graduate degree in her field, so she is now matriculating in a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management/ Personnel Administration, with a target graduation date of May 2025.

Toshana also advises people to know their limits. If they need to stop for

“I’m so grateful to National University for providing me with the

a month, they should do so, but commit to get back in before stepping

opportunity to live my dream of earning a bachelor’s degree. It resulted

out. She did pause another time, but in December of 2023, Martin-

in an immediate pay raise, all while I was able to be a wife and a mom

Smith graduated with an impressive 3.5 GPA and was named into the

and serve the finest fleet in the world,” Martin-Smith said. “I hope this

prestigious 2024 President’s Circle – a small group of 22 exemplary

shows others that even if you grew up in a family that didn’t have

graduates honored for a variety of accomplishments including academic

resources to send you to college, you can still find a way to make your

achievement, service to their community, and leadership.

dreams come true.”

Building a successful career while earning a degree and raising a child While all of this was happening, this excellent student and busy mom was also building a successful career. She had worked her way up to Human Resources Supervisor where she developed and trained a team of 35 personnel.

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S.K. McKenna Master of Arts in Human Behavioral Psychology

S. K. McKenna chose the Master of Arts in Human Behavioral Psychology program at National University because, as a highly self-reflective leader, he wanted to better understand himself and others.

Self-Reflective: Learning to Become a Catalyst for Change

Military Service and Academic Accolades Some of this call to service is evidenced by the accolades McKenna received while serving as a U.S. Army infantry paratrooper. As a young man — just 18 years old when he joined — he encountered challenges related to diversity and faced closed mindsets or preconceived notions

He wanted to understand how the various cultural aspects he

about individuals who resembled or spoke like him. However, these

experienced in his youth influenced him. He wanted to understand how

experiences significantly shaped his character, enhanced his discipline,

his service to the nation and what he learned helped inform who he was

and fostered his desire to collaborate and communicate effectively

becoming. “I want to always improve the way I serve my community.

with others, thereby honing his leadership skills. His exemplary service

By better understanding myself and my thought process through those

was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal, in addition to

life events, interactions, and moments, I hope to be able to be of greater

other achievements.

service to an ever-expanding number of individuals,” said McKenna.

“When reflecting on challenging life experiences or hardships, I aspire

His academic achievements are no less meritorious, as he earned a

not to be merely a product of such environments but to transform

4.0 on his rigorous master’s degree program and was inducted into the

them. I seek to be a catalyst for change, actively creating and improving

prestigious NU President’s Circle, an honor bestowed upon 22 graduates

circumstances when opportunities arise,” he stated.

in 2024.

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Driven to Create Positive Social Impact Many people interested in community and service often ask, “What am I to do?” McKenna, however, paints the answer with a broader brush and adds perspective. Driven by a profound desire for positive societal impact, his commitment to serving and leading with tolerance and kindness is deeply rooted in his abiding faith, which influences his decision-making and outlook on life. Currently working in public service, McKenna emphasizes a great deal on the service-oriented components of his profession. He finds that focusing on a more personable interaction creates open-minded dialogue more often. McKenna

he stated. “I am especially thankful to a handful of truly great leaders who demonstrated what it means to lead. Their inspiration has shown me that I have much more to learn and experience, allowing me to contribute even more to society.” McKenna fondly recalls a teacher in grade school who would consistently write on his report cards, “Has so much potential,” underlining it several times. “This message serves me to this day,” he noted. “It reminds me that we can all continue to learn and develop, achieving our full potential, which expands as we grow as individuals.”

Taking the Next Step Toward Earning His PhD

exemplifies the qualities desired in public servants: tolerance, intelligence,

On his current career trajectory, McKenna’s next significant personal and

empathy, a willingness to listen, a deep appreciation for individualism,

professional development goal is to earn a PhD. “I applied to several

and advocacy for the less strong.

schools and have been accepted. I want to earn my PhD in Psychology,” he stated. For McKenna, the pursuit of a doctoral degree is not driven by

The Hopeful Optimist Though his hopeful optimism permeates every conversation, McKenna’s journey has been fraught with challenges. “Growing up with a diversified upbringing, we often weren’t sure where the next meal was coming from,”

a desire to lead a practice or become a university professor, although he acknowledges the potential for excelling in such roles.

Building a Platform for Influence

McKenna reflected. “Leaving my home and facing difficult situations in

“My aim is to become qualified in a manner that enables me to utilize

my early 20s was incredibly challenging. I remember an instance where

the doctoral platform — those credentials — to engage with individuals

someone in a leadership role discriminated against me publicly, leaving

of greater influence. This would allow me to initiate dialogues,

me feeling indifferent.” However, McKenna views these hardships,

conversations, or open forums on what we can achieve collectively.

along with his journey overseas and subsequent military service, as

I seek to change perceptions about individuals who are not well-off,

instrumental in shaping his character. “These experiences fortified

come from less affluent communities, look a certain way, or are subject

me and helped create the man I am today, for which I am grateful,”

to specific life circumstances. I aspire to collaborate on policy creation

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When reflecting on challenging life experiences or hardships, I do not wish to merely be a product of that environment; rather, I aim to transform it. My goal is to act as a catalyst for change, improving conditions whenever opportunities arise.”

that can fundamentally change not only how we approach and interact with one another but also how we perceive each other as individuals,” McKenna explained.

He is a compelling and passionate speaker on the topic of societal change. “I don’t have an aristocratic name, nor do I come from money or power, but I have something valuable to offer. My contribution is the opportunity for the world to improve by seeing and acting differently. I believe that by working together, we can enact the change we desire. Attaining a PhD will enable me to be heard more and to be present in discussions where we can create conversations, laws, and frameworks that benefit society,” he stated.

Transformation Advocacy “I aspire to transform the way we teach and approach individuals within departments, institutions, and organizations. While we have followed certain practices for years, the world has evolved, and there are now better ways to proceed. No one should feel like three-eighths of an individual, be

S.K. McKenna

limited in their choices, or feel confined to associating only with ‘their kind,’” he asserted. “I always advocate for open-mindedness, acceptance, and a commitment to quality toward a better future.

This conversation is how I intend to use my credentials: to learn, grow, and contribute to society moving forward,” he concluded.

Choosing One’s Sacrifices to Reach Success It’s important to acknowledge that McKenna does not anticipate an easy journey. Achieving a 4.0 GPA in his graduate studies while working fulltime was a significant challenge. His advice to others is to cultivate discipline, maintain focus, and recognize that life will inevitably present obstacles.

“I advocate for consciously choosing one’s sacrifices,” he explained. “For instance, during my undergraduate studies while serving in the military, I was unable to engage in social activities with

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peers. I deliberately chose to forgo those opportunities in favor of pursuing goals that I valued more highly.”

McKenna emphasizes that life continuously presents the equation of values and sacrifices. “What do you value? What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve that goal or dream? As long as you come to terms with that, most objectives become attainable,” he noted. Despite the anticipated challenges of balancing full-time work with his PhD program, McKenna remains resolute.

An Attitude of Gratitude In keeping with his characteristic optimism, McKenna remarked, “I feel blessed and fortunate to pursue this endeavor. The most beautiful diamonds endure the greatest pressure. Anything worth having generally does not come easily.”

The Impact of Mentorship As he advances on his journey, McKenna intends to serve as a mentor to those he can guide and to seek mentorship from individuals who can offer valuable insights. “The impact of mentorship is exponential,” he remarked.

“The leaders in my life have demonstrated how transformative mentorship can be. It has profoundly affected my own life. I wish, particularly within my profession, that we devoted more attention to understanding the effectiveness of exceptional mentorship. Consider any notable individual; they invariably attribute their success to someone from whom they learned.

We all require someone to inspire us toward greatness while also helping us remain grounded.”

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Theresa Melvin Roth, JD, PhD PhD in Data Science With a Specialization in Quantum Machine Learning

Dr. Theresa Melvin Roth was the first in her family to earn a college degree. Her bachelor’s was a liberal arts degree concentrating on Japanese, with a minor in computer science. With this grand achievement, she was just getting started and went on to earn a graduate degree, shortly followed by a juris doctor law degree with a specialization in data privacy.

Quantum Machine Learning as Second Doctoral Degree Focus

Successful Global Executive Her impressive career includes leading-edge roles with data analytics, data privacy, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and highperformance computing, including quantum computing. Her most recent role before enrolling in a doctorate program in data science was serving Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) as the Global Chief AI solutions architect.

So, with a résumé like this, why pursue a second doctoral degree and

This could’ve been enough educational achievement for a lifetime,

put in the years of research and writing while sacrificing family and

but Dr. Roth wasn’t done. She is forever curious and tenacious, so

personal time to gain the credential when her career was already off-

it’s not a huge surprise she came back for a second doctoral degree

the-charts successful? “I had a unique position at HPE,” said Roth. “My

and recently earned a PhD in Data Science with a specialization in

lab fell under HP Labs while I reported to the vice president of Artificial

quantum machine learning. Her dissertation, “Achieving Quantum

Intelligence (AI) on the business side, and since I supported HPE’s top

Speed and Scale in Full Stack Quantum Computing Designs Using

strategic accounts, I was also customer-facing, so those sales teams

Quantum Machine Learning,” earned her the university’s Dissertation

could drag me all over the world. And with ties to HP Labs, a PhD

of the Year award and a place in the 2024 National University

became important,” she explained.

President’s Circle.

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After her long university career getting to and through a law degree,

and studies.” When the dissertation time came, she resigned from her

she had not made any lofty plans for a second doctoral program. But

job at HPE. “I was effectively unemployed for 24 hours before I found

she wanted to continue to own her lab and continue the research. She

myself accepting an offer from another company,” she laughs. “They

searched the country for data science doctoral programs and found they

were starting up a new AI program and said they needed someone with

were scarce. Unwilling to move her family to Reno, Nevada for an on-

my exact skill set. I found myself saying yes, so I was working through

ground program, she was delighted to find that Northcentral University

my dissertation after all.”

(now merged with National University) offered a remote online doctoral program in data science. “It was perfect, I applied,” she said.

Intense, Leading-Edge Research, Writing, and Experimentation

Quantum Computing Revolution Speaking of her dissertation, in case you’re not following the quantum computing revolution, here are a few interesting things to note.

According to the International Data Corporation, the global quantum

Thus began five years of incredibly intense research, writing, and

computing field will grow from $412 million in 2020 to $8.6 billion

experimentation. “I was able to remain employed with HPE while I did my

by 2027. The next three years will see explosive growth. This is in

coursework,” said Roth. “You can’t do a doctoral program like this alone,”

part because problems that currently take the world’s most powerful

advises Roth, who has a husband and a two-year-old daughter when

supercomputers years to solve can be done in minutes or even seconds

getting started. “You need a support system. I am incredibly fortunate to

by quantum computers. In addition to being able to potentially solve

have an amazing husband as well as a mother-in-law who came to stay

the huge, wicked problems the planet faces from world hunger to

while I traveled abroad for my job. My mother would also come help as

climate change, quantum computing is also key to national security.

much as she could.”

Mainstream media has been comparing quantum computing to other huge historical societal shifts, including the Space Race of the Kennedy

AI Skills in High Demand Roth’s strategy was to continue working fulltime for HPE until she

era, the introduction of the Internet, and the Industrial Revolution.

reached the pivotal point of dissertation development and writing. “Then

Accessing Quantum Computing Hardware

COVID-19 hit, and the world shut down as far as global travel, so I found

The tricky part for Roth in doing her dissertation’s required experiments

myself working completely remotely, which allowed more time for family

was she needed to run them on quantum computers, which aren’t

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If you think of generative AI, for example, we have a huge issue right now with capacity. It’s high-performance computing and there just is not enough classical computing power in the world to power all the computing that is going to be required to drive these large language models a decade out. So, we’re looking for new and improved ways that quantum computers can facilitate these use cases.”

Theresa Melvin Roth

everywhere you might look. “Google and IBM have some free quantum

The RSA encryption in use today in banking, satellites, and other

computing simulations for research purposes, but for me to run the

protected communications can be fairly easily decrypted by quantum

code I was creating and testing for training machine learning algorithms,

computing. “I don’t work in the cybersecurity aspects of quantum

I needed quantum hardware with more capacity and complexity than

computing,” she said, “So I won’t go too deep into that, but the reality is

the free solutions,” she said. There is some larger capacity quantum

quantum computers are just infinitely faster than our classical computer

computing technology for lease. The resilient Roth was able to load

and so quantum key decryption (QKD) is actually a quantum use case

her experiment on some of Google’s quantum computing resources.

that is already close to being commercially viable. The U.S. is in that

Unfortunately, an upgrade to their system caused their systems to fail

race and currently behind other countries with regard to quantum key

and she had no time to wait. She was forced to migrate all of her data

decryption — so there’s a lot of interest in that aspect of quantum

and her experiments to pay-for-lease quantum computing at IBM. She

computing,” she said.

estimates that she spent at least 40 hours a week writing, researching, running experiments, and coding, but she succeeded in the end and now

Roth’s work focuses on other types of quantum computers and important

is positioned as a credentialed leader in an industry set to take the world

use cases. The first is on error correction on superconducting quantum

by storm.

machines. By virtue of their design, machine learning algorithms don’t start out producing perfect results. They must be trained and repeatedly

Drivers in Quantum Computing

corrected. The longer and larger data sets they run, the smarter they get.

One of the big drivers in the quantum computing revolution is security.

Right now, the world is already seeing incredible solutions and insights

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come forward with quantum machine learning but according to Roth, it’s

and quickly processe massive data sets that would stall on the classic

only touching the tip of the surface of what is possible. It’s tracking at

compute capacity. “It’s very specific to natural language processing and

single-digit correction/accuracy on output from superconducting qubit

exascale hyper-performance computing use cases — think astrophysics,

quantum machines. “It’s correct at about 1%-2% percent and I want to

for example,” she explains. “You typically find these in your Fortune 2000

see us get to 5% quickly. It sounds small, but with the power of quantum

companies who have multimillion-$2 billion HPC infrastructures on their

at even 5%, we could make discoveries and solve for problems in ways

data center floors and are deeply focused on next-generation problems.

our brains simply cannot imagine today,” she said.

We run the sidecars to help offset their computational load, working to figure out where this excess scale overlaps well with quantum to make

Natural Language Processing Her second area of focus is in the rapidly growing field of quantum natural language processing (QNLP), which aligns with the current work with large language models. “If you think of generative AI, for example, we have a huge issue right now with capacity,” said Roth. “It’s

it economically justifiable to build out the quantum use.”

Examples of good use cases for quantum sidecars today would be computational chemistry and health and life sciences.

high-performance computing and there just is not enough classical

Increasing Young Female Interest in STEM Careers

computing power in the world to power all the computing that is going

It’s hard to understand how she sleeps at night for fear of losing ground

to be required to drive these large language models a decade out. So,

as fast as this industry is evolving, but she is out in front of this wave

we’re looking for new and improved ways that quantum computers can

and still able to look to her future career goals. She plans to stay in this

facilitate these use cases.”

line of work for now, but eventually open a consultancy so she can have more time with her daughter. She is keen on mentoring and providing

Quantum Sidecars

educational resources, especially to girls, to try to spark their interest in

One interesting improvement to capacity is in fusing classic computing

data science and STEM fields. “I want to whet their appetite a bit for this

with quantum AI pipelines, and Roth is working right in the heart of this. She finds the optimal use cases to implement quantum sidecars, which take on part of the compute load from classic compute functions

work early in their lives,” she says. “We desperately need more women in STEM. I want to mentor this next generation. They will come in already able to code faster and better than the last.”

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Charles Mize Associate of Science, General Education

Charles Mize grew up in Mandan, North Dakota, known for its slogan

Mize was placed in a communications role with the Marines, working

“Where the West Begins.” Mandan’s website information touts it as a

as a network administrator. He thought that might be the direction he

former village for the Mandan tribe, a cavalry fort, a railroad town, and

would take when completing his five years, but found IT work didn’t

today a gathering place for area farmers and ranchers. Mize realized in

interest him as a long-term pathway despite the good employment

high school he did not want to go into a blue-collar job like many in his

opportunities it afforded. Then he hit on it: He had always been good at

town, but he wasn’t sure what he wanted. His two older sisters did not

science and wanted to be a doctor but didn’t want to be a physician or

complete high school. His mom and dad both completed high school

dentist. He decided to make a career goal of becoming an optometrist.

but never attended college. His mom works in housekeeping and his

“I’ve always been fascinated with the human eye — it’s actually pretty

dad is a mechanic.

amazing. And I think optometrists provide a service that has a huge impact on people’s lives. It’s interesting, it pays well, and you’re helping

Looking Beyond Blue-Collar Career Options “My dad was always on me, asking me what I wanted to do,” explained

people,” he said.

Mize. “I knew I didn’t want to be a mechanic even though he liked it.

Beginning the Journey to Become an Optometrist

My uncle was a recruiter with the Marines and after we talked, that

Two years ago, he started an Associate Degree in General Education

seemed like a good next step while I decided what I want for a career

at National University. He recently completed the degree, and his

path. So, I enlisted right out of high school.”

work earned him one of only 22 seats on the NU 2024 President’s

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Circle: an elite group of exemplary graduates. Upon graduation, he immediately transferred into the bachelor’s degree program while he had a good study cadence going. He has advice for others looking to pursue their education.

Study Planning and Preparation It took a few stressful weekends of hitting deadlines after procrastinating, but he discovered the power of a committed schedule. “I got great at scheduling, he said. “Each week I map out when every assignment is due, and I keep a print copy of the calendar where I can see it all the time. I study and do schoolwork every single night. I try to get my assignments done the day before so there’s no last-minute pressure.”

His service with the Marines also helped him prepare for online learning.

“I had only done face-to-face education before joining the USMC, but I was given training in a hybrid environment where part of the day we were expected to be in our rooms on our computers doing the reading, training, PowerPoints etc., and then part of the day we’d come together in a classroom. That proved to be a good bridge to the online learning in my associate’s degree.”

The Importance of Asking for Help He also knows how to ask for help. “My family can be very stubborn about asking for help. One of many things I’ve learned in the Marines is to ask for help when you need it — it’s not a sign of weakness. It made

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I think optometrists provide a service that has a huge impact on people’s lives. It’s interesting, it pays well, and you’re helping people.”

me realize there aren’t stupid questions if you ask them in advance of something, but there are situations where you can look unprepared later if you didn’t get help,” said Mize. “I used all the resources National University offered as far as math labs, writing, tutors, etc. At first, I was not confident in my ability to write essays, so I worked with tutors and I feel strong about my abilities now. I’m a better writer. I used math support, and in fact, my tutor also showed me Khan Academy for additional help. They are high-quality, no-cost help that comes in handy when you’re taking a hard physics class, for example.”

Stacking Credentials Pathway Charles Mize

He’ll be well into his bachelor’s when he finishes his service in the Marines in a year. “I don’t have to have a bachelor’s degree to go to optometrist school — I need a set number of college credit hours and I need certain prerequisites. But I’m going for the bachelor’s degree because it will make me more marketable. It’s just like I decided to earn the associate degree first, so I have that credential to lean on and build my confidence and my credentials as I go,” said Mize.

Clear Long- and Short-Term Goals His five-year goals are clear. “I will be close to completion of my degree work and doing some clinical practices in optometry, getting ready to fully launch my great career.” When he’s not studying, he’s thinking about what kind of optometrist he might want to be. “There’s the option to work in a family environment, or just with adults, or specialize, or go into research, even to work with the military. I’m not sure yet.”

His short-term goal? “I have an optometrist appointment myself in a month I’m looking forward to.

I’m going to ask them a lot of questions and look at everything I can. I’m going to see if they’ll let me come sometimes to watch and learn.”

Mize’s vision for the future is clear. He wants to help people, and he’s found a way to be a doctor that feels like a good fit for him and his love of science.

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Usma Mohamed, EdD Doctorate in Education

It takes less than two minutes of conversation with Dr. Usma Mohamed

education, from birth to five years old, and began to want a deeper

to see that her passion for education runs broad and deep. She came

understanding of that space in the education landscape.

to the doctoral program in education after a decade as a successful global marketing executive for the International Baccalaureate Program

Mohamed moved to the U.S. from the U.K., where she was raised by

(IB), with rigorous academic standards in a student-centric learning

Sri Lankan parents. When she and her husband settled into their middle-

model for students aged 3-19 years old. Before her work as the head of

class life in Maryland and had their first daughter, they decided to seek

global marketing for IB, Mohamed worked for the nonprofit GuideStar

childcare, as both parents worked in demanding jobs.

and led the initiative millions of people interact with today that ranks nonprofits with a transparent rubric that holds them accountable to

Pre-K Daycare Discovery

potential donors.

“We were young, and like a lot of young parents, we didn’t know how to

Understanding Early, Formative Year Learning

vet a daycare. We had two primary questions: can we get in and can we afford it?” she said. She found a center close to home and enrolled her

She chose to take on the commitment, time, and research an EdD

daughter Sabeena in the program. Evenings at home were busy without

requires because while working for the IB program, she realized she had

a lot of time for additional study. “I’ll never forget my first parent-teacher

a good understanding of K-12 but lacked deep knowledge about the

conference when Sabeena was in kindergarten,” said Mohamed. “The

early, very formative year of life: five years old. Ever intellectually curious,

teacher said, ‘Sabeena reads very well. She has a great grasp of cognitive

she would get queries about why there wasn’t a track for early childhood

skills. Her social-emotional learning is apparent, and she connects well

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emotionally with the other students.’ Then she asked me where she had been the last few years — were we teaching her at home or was she at a daycare center or school? I said the name of the center and the teacher smiled and said, ‘Oh, that explains it. The teachers at that center all are CDA-credentialed.’ I had no idea what that meant but could tell this teacher thought it was important and good for my daughter.”

Confirming efficacy of the Child Development Associate Credential, Mohamed began to think more about early education in children.

Meanwhile, her second daughter, Yazmin, was born and went through the same center program and had an almost identical parent-teacher conference in kindergarten. This confirmed for Mohamed the CDA credential had merit and early childhood education could have an impact in very young children. A seed was planted in her mind as she began to daydream about changing from her successful, established career into something unknown that might be more focused on education during the first five years of life.

Fate Plays Its Hand And then, she says, fate played its hand. About this time, a recruiter reached out to her about a nonprofit they thought she might be interested in given her background. It was for a position at the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C., and she would be working in early childhood education. Elated and a bit anxious, Mohammed went home and researched the organization. To her amazement, she found

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out they are a nonprofit specializing in early childhood credentialing,

— they are hired because they love kids and want to contribute to their

but more importantly, they are the organization that issues the CDA

communities, but so many of them don’t know what they don’t know.”

credential her daughters benefitted from. She told the recruiter to please make the introduction. She was hired shortly after.

While working at the council, she decided to pursue her doctorate and wanted to focus her research on lower-income communities to

“What troubles me about early childhood education,” she said, “Is that

understand the challenges they faced in early childhood education as

it is often an afterthought and not considered an integral part of the

well as perceptions about credentialed early childhood teaching. She was

education system. Pre-K or childcare centers are sometimes viewed

intrigued that the NU early childhood education degree pathway includes

more as babysitting places, which does an injustice during these

the CDA credential as part of the curriculum.

incredibly formative years. Teaching standards can vary from state to state and program to program. There needs to be a recognized baseline

Researching Hidalgo County

level of early childhood education teaching competency, nationwide.”

She looked at several regions for her research and landed on Hidalgo

Advocating for a Baseline Level of Skills and Knowledge in Pre-K

County in Texas because of the challenges it faces. She chose McAllen in Hidalgo County, on the southern tip of the state in the Rio-Grande Valley that lies on the Mexico-U.S. border. According to 24/7 WallStreet, McAllen

“The CDA credential equips teachers with a baseline level of the

has a higher-than-average poverty rate with an estimated 29.3% of the

skills and knowledge necessary to create a positive, nurturing, and

metro area population living below the poverty line. Open Data Network

educational environment for young children,” she said. “Anyone

findings show 24% of residents did not finish the 9th grade, and the high

who is working with children birth to five would benefit from a CDA

school graduation rate is 61.8%.

credential attainment.” The credential process can match the pace of the individuals who are seeking the credential. “Typical completion

She flew to McAllen to observe the potential center where she would do

is between 12-18 months. The credential can even be attained while

her research. At first, the optics were scary to her coming from a major

working in a childcare setting. I witnessed firsthand the difference this

metro just outside the Washington, D.C. beltway. “But I was barely off the

can make in my daughters as they entered K-12 education prepared.

plane before I was greeted by warm and friendly people. The schools and

So often these center’s teachers are well-intentioned, but not prepared

center in the town were dismal compared to many urban districts, but

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What troubles me about early childhood education is that it is often an afterthought and not considered an integral part of the education system.”

with the Dean of the School of Education at National University, Dr. Robert Lee, and there are some postgraduation joint initiatives National University and the Council for Professional Development will be embarking on in fall 2024.

What she found in her research is telling. At a high level, teachers in the childcare center expressed great joy and love for their job. They

Usma Mohamed

felt they were helping their community. They were neighbors or relatives of many of the families who came through the center. Other employment choices for them right out of high school were often limited to food service.

I watched children coming out as the bell rang, all laughing and smiling.

I also saw parents who were economically challenged, many day laborers and migrant farm workers. These parents were working their fingers to the bone in hopes of their children having a better life. I knew I found the right place to do my research.”

Successful Research and Writing

Why Daycare Workers Need to Understand Learning Science What they didn’t express was an understanding of learning science.

“They had so many of the pieces in place — books and structural things ­— but they didn’t know how to use them in a sequence that creates the necessary scaffolding for learning to take place and take hold,” she said.

“These teachers felt confident in what they were doing, but when I asked them if they were the same as the kindergarten teachers they said, ‘Oh no,

Mohamed’s dissertation chair has pointed to her research as both

not at all.’ They all recognized that the K-12 teachers had much greater

extensive and excellent, citing a world-renowned expert in qualitative

knowledge about childhood education. But many thought that what they

research as one of her subject matter experts. Throughout her intensive

had was enough because they had cared for younger siblings or family

program, Mohamed maintained a 4.0 GPA. Her dissertation was lauded

members.” A problem she saw over and over in her research was the

as one of the best her chair had seen in a long time, and he called her one

undervaluing of the importance of high-quality, credentialed teaching in

of his “superstars.” Mohamed was privileged to meet and collaborate

the years before kindergarten.

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Mohamed was able to contextualize a learning sequence to help them understand how the formative years of a child’s education are very much a scaffolding where key critical pieces need to be in place for reading and language acquisition as well as social emotional learning and life skills to root. “I talked to them about brain development, and they didn’t have any idea how that learning scaffolding works in practice and the critical role it plays in that child’s future.”

Exploring Pathways to Credentials They were very interested in learning more but didn’t think there was a way for them to gain education beyond high school other than what was perceived as a cost-prohibitive college education. She was able to explain how higher education has stacking credentials and they could start with the CDA credential, which might qualify them for a lead teacher role or perhaps prepare them to become a center director.

From there, they could apply for scholarships at their local community college, where they could earn an associate’s degree. Many community colleges, have partnerships with universities where the educator could continue with scholarships and Pell Grants to become a licensed or credentialed teacher. From there, even master’s degrees and PhDs

Gaining a Growth Mindset One of the key takeaways for Mohamed in her doctoral program was to get comfortable with what she doesn’t know. “I have a growth mindset.

I may come upon educational or social challenges I don’t know the answer to yet, but I know now that I can research, ask questions, collaborate, and find the answers to solve big, complex problems.

I’m confident of that.”

Education as Social Justice Education and social justice are intertwined. Mohamed plans to use her doctorate to continue to advocate for better and more consistent baseline credentials for early childhood education and is deeply committed to ensuring that this happens in areas that are impacted by low economic attainment. “One of my initiatives at the council now is to customize our approaches to introducing and elevating the value and benefits of a credential to certain communities and key stakeholders in a contextual way that unlocks some of the barriers to learning we are seeing and to bring forth a more qualified early childhood education workforce,” said Mohamed.

were even on the horizon. “I see my role as not only helping the children by better preparing early childhood educators, but I also want to give back by helping the educators to take advantage of professional development and advancement opportunities that can enhance their careers and open doors,” she said.

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Sabrina Randhawa Juris Doctor

Thinking back to her childhood, Sabrina Randhawa recalls being very

suggested she start taking college classes while in high school. “At

young as she was watching Dateline with her parents. She would make

first, I took one course and loved it. Then two, then more. By the time

comments that had her father turn and say, “You know, you might be a

I graduated high school, I had an associate’s degree and two years of

really good attorney someday.”

college already done,” said Randhawa.

Early Aspirations Plant Seeds

Family Support for Achieving Education

As she grew, so did her interest in law. In her early teens, her father

Her parents never completed a college degree but always told

advised her that her long-held aspirations to be a lawyer might benefit

Randhawa and her siblings they had their parents’ full support to

from seeing what the life of a lawyer was actually like, so he introduced

continue their education. “I felt support to learn every moment of my

her to his lawyer friend, a criminal defense attorney. Randhawa spent

life. Maybe because they didn’t get the chance to pursue a college

many hours sitting in a courtroom shadowing that attorney and watching

degree, but they always instilled in us the value of a higher education,

the process of his work. It was riveting and fascinating for Randhawa and

and offered their support to help us attain that higher education.

assured her that her instincts since she was very little were spot-on. She

Encouraged us.”

loved the law and felt destined to become an attorney.

Randhawa recently graduated with honors from the School of Law Her dad continued to offer great advice as she entered high school.

at National University and was named to the prestigious 2024

Seeing her intellectual curiosity and great academic success, he

President’s Circle among other accolades. She is the first in her

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family to earn a university degree, much less a doctorate. And as she

Nicole Mills from NU’s JFK School of Law said, “Sabrina Randhawa came

sensed as a very young girl she was born to be an attorney.

to the JFK School of Law having already tried law school elsewhere.

Instead of letting that negatively define her, she chose to let that propel

Interestingly, her baccalaureate degree was not law-related. “As I went

her success. She took a good, hard, and, most importantly, honest look

off to college at California State University, Sacramento, I knew my father

at what happened and made some big life changes to make sure it didn’t

wanted me to become a lawyer, and a large part of me did as well. But I

happen again — and it didn’t. She has not just succeeded but thrived.

was at the age where you want to challenge your parents’ wishes for you

She is one of our top students and has demonstrated not only grit

and find your own way. I was 18 and wanted to be sure to not do what

and determination, but also a growth mindset that is nothing short

my parents wanted of me,” she recalls. “I was also very interested

of inspirational.”

in clinical psychology and ended up majoring in that,” she said. “What I knew without question was I wanted to help people. After graduating,

One of the big decisions Randhawa made that led to her success was

I realized that my skills and inclination to help was better aligned to law

deciding what modality she wanted for her law school. “Deciding to learn

than psychology.”

with National University was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said. In addition to the support she cites from professors, she also

An Indirect Path to Her Dream

says it fits her life. “I was still working as much as 30 hours per week

Her next steps required a path through law school, which ended up being

and would work all day, then attend classes in the evening after work,

neither direct nor easy.

and then read and study until after midnight,” she said. “There is no way

She did not immediately apply to law school but chose instead to

face-to-face traditional school I had to drive to and attend during the day.

work in a law firm and get a feel for how she felt at a desk. She intended to only do so briefly but, as often happens to young career starters, the work absorbs the focus and attention. “I ended up working for the firm for two to three years before applying to law school,” she said. Her first attempt was at another school and was a bit of a false start with life

I would be sitting in front of you with a JD with honors if I had attended a I would have had to drop out with life events that happened.”

And as many adult learners will cite from their own experiences, life doesn’t stop happening just because you enroll in a degree program.

In her first year of law school, her grandfather, whom she is very close

and work distractions.

to became ill and had to be hospitalized. Randhawa relocated to be near

Grit, Determination, and a Growth Mindset

not only remained on track with her studies — she excelled. Her professor

A while longer passed, and she turned to National University and entered law school a second time. Her professor, mentor, and Assistant Dean

him and stayed with him in the hospital for weeks. During this time, she commended her relentless commitment to not miss class and make the deadline for every assignment.

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Committing Fully to the Degree “I told myself when I began my degree at NU that I was going to commit to this 110%,” she said. “The longer you are out of school, the more your confidence as an adult learner wanes. I wasn’t very confident when I enrolled in NU, but I told myself, ‘Sabrina, you’re going to do everything that is required of you whether you like it or not. If there’s 100 pages for you to read that night, you’re reading all 100 pages.’ And honestly, that was my approach.”

Warriors Keep Fighting Until They Win In her second year, things got tougher and there were times she wanted to give up, but her longtime partner, who worked as a practicing attorney, would encourage her to not give up. “Anytime I would encounter obstacles,” she said, “He would tell me, ‘You are a warrior and there is no defeating you. Keep fighting.’ And I would persevere.” She did so well that her impressed professors offered her a spot as a teaching assistant.

Then Randhawa was faced with her life’s greatest tragedy and challenge.

Her beloved partner, who appeared to be in optimal health, passed suddenly without warning and her whole life turned inside out and upside down. She moved out of the house they shared, lived with her parents for a few weeks, then realized she knew what she had to do. She returned home and threw herself headlong into her studies, and in the hardest times heard his voice calling her a warrior. She fought her way through it, and thanks to incredible support from her family and her professors,

would hit her target graduation date. “I told myself I had to keep going. I had to do this. I had to finish and be successful at this.” She did it for him, she did it for herself, and she did it for the family that always believed in her and supported her. And she did it for the people she has not met yet that she knows she will help.

In speaking with her, it’s easy to see where the warrior references come from. She has a direct gaze and a quiet confidence that requires one’s attention and respect. She speaks with intention and has a commanding but soft-spoken presence free from bravado or ego. All of this will serve her well in the courtroom.

Preparing for the Bar Exam Since graduating, she did what is often advised of recent JD graduates and took time off from work to focus solely on studying for the Bar. She did nothing but prepare for 10 weeks. Her exam dates are July 30-31, and then her plans are to treat herself to a mental wellness holiday in France and Switzerland. “It just looks so beautiful and green and healthy there.

I’m giving myself this as a reward for my hard work and to decompress from this incredibly hard last year.” Then she returns to the personal injury law firm where she has been working for the past few years, and she waits more than 90 days for the exam results. She loves the work and sees how she is feeding her passion to help people.

Community Impact

especially Nicole Mills, she was incredibly successful. She was offered

Community is important to Randhawa, and one of the ways she wants

a chance to take a break, but she took on extra classes to ensure she

to have a positive impact on her community is through pro bono work as

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a practicing attorney. “Once I’m working as an attorney, I want to do pro bono work for the Punjabi community,” she said. “I am a Punjabi Sikh, and I feel that many individuals in our community lack access to legal help. I am committed to doing whatever I can to assist them with their legal needs.” she said. Sikhism is a religion founded in the Punjab region of India. It emphasizes belief in one God, equality, selfless service, and devotion. The principle of “Chardi Kala”— maintaining a fearless, brave, and optimistic attitude even in the most challenging circumstances — defines Randhawa’s outlook on life.

The Little Girl Who Dreamed of Being a Lawyer She misses her partner greatly, but can still hear him coaching her ever onward, inspiring her to be the warrior he saw in her. There’s no doubt many people will benefit from her help. That little girl who dreamed of being a lawyer will find herself standing in a courtroom defending her clients successfully and with passion.

I told myself when I began my degree at NU that I was going to commit to this 110%. The longer you are out of school, the more your confidence as an adult learner can wane. I wasn’t very confident when I enrolled in NU, but I told myself, ‘Sabrina, you’re going to do everything that is required of you whether you like it or not. If there’s 100 pages for you to read that night, you’re reading all 100 pages.’ And honestly, that was my approach.”

Sabrina Randhawa

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Robin Timmons Associate of Science in Human Biology

Many people find their “spark” or passion for their career through a

“I was taking a class here and a class there but just didn’t step into the

pivotal life event. For Robin Timmons, this was the case. Timmons

decision to own this as my career,” said Timmons. That was until her

recently graduated with an Associate of Science in Human Biology from

mother passed. She lost her mom in 2022. They were very close and

National University, which she is adding to her Licensed Vocational Nurse

that, coupled with a nursing experience she had during COVID-19, sealed

credential. She’s set her sights on continuing on to earn her Bachelor of

her fate: She decided to fully commit to becoming a registered nurse.

Science in Nursing.

A Mother’s Love and Influence

Becoming a Frontline Worker During COVID-19 at Cedars Sinai

Growing up, her mother would always nudge her toward becoming a

We all remember 2020 as we sat at home during the COVID-19 lockdown,

registered nurse. Her mother saw a compassion and nurturing capacity

watching the news in fear and disbelief. Timmons was no different,

in Timmons that, coupled with aptitude in science, laid a nice foundation

but when she saw news coverage of the outpouring of patients and

for a successful nursing career.

lack of nurses to even admit them, she knew she wanted to help and courageously joined the other frontline workers at hospitals nationwide.

Timmons wasn’t as sold on the idea and vacillated for a few years about what to do with her life. She did earn her LVN degree, and it came in very

“I went to work in the urgent care of Cedars Sinai as an LVN and was the

useful as she later became the primary caregiver for her mother when

first point of contact as potential COVID cases checked in,” she recalls.

she became ill.

“I operated the machines responsible for conducting COVID, FLU, and

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RSV tests (Xpert Xpress CoV-2/FLU/RSV Plus), and every time someone

academic achievements and leadership by being named to the 2024

tested positive the machine emitted a beeping noise, and something in

National University President’s Circle, an elite group of 22 graduates

your head couldn’t help but wonder if you were exposed or adequately

selected yearly.

protected.” This crisis represented a particularly intense and stressful environment in hospitals across the country.

A Wake Up to Her Career Calling

Priceless Advice and Mentorship She is grateful to all the people who helped her along the way, especially Adriana Vargas, who helped advise her on which courses

“That was my wake-up call,” Timmons said. “That experience of feeling

to take that will feed directly into her bachelor’s degree. Vargas

how much I wanted to help people made me realize this is my career

also offered some other priceless advice. “I wasn’t going to go to

and I need to own this. I can do this.” Fortunately for Timmons, she has

commencement,” said Timmons. “I just didn’t think I needed to

a cousin (Dorothy Sedacy) and an aunt (Linda Tescum) she is close with

do that. But in speaking with Adriana, she said she didn’t go and

who are both registered nurses. They can serve as mentors, offering

wished she did.” Timmons got to thinking about the limited number

advice and answering career-related questions as she prepares to join

of times a person gets to hear their name called and cross the

them in this field.

commencement stage and she booked her trip and got her cap and gown. “It was such a memorable experience. I’m so

“I can’t wait to go back to Cedars Sinai, but as a registered nurse,” she

glad I did it,” she said.

said. “I can do so much more good for people in that role. And while the urgent care was an amazing opportunity and experience, I also know

Like most graduates, when she reflects on who she was before

now that that is not what I want. I want to specialize in dementia care or

she started her program and who she is now, she sees changes.

cardiac care, I’m deciding which.” When she left the hospital to go back

Most students say their confidence has grown and Timmons is no

to school fulltime, she put a statement in her letter of resignation that she

exception. But so has her humility.

would be back with her RN credential.

With Knowledge Comes Humility Having successfully completed the associate degree, she is well on her way to realizing her goal. She has been recognized for her

“Life has humbled me,” she said. “When I first earned my LVN, I walked into the nursing station and announced to all of the nurses

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there that I wouldn’t be there long because I wasn’t going to just stay an LVN, I had bigger plans and dreams,” she said. “I regret saying that and I’m sure it was triggering for some of the LVNs who had been providing superior care in that role for 15 or more years. I was young, and like many young people, I thought I knew everything, and I was vocal about that. As you grow in experience you realize how much you don’t know.

I didn’t know then that although I applied to National University for the associate’s degree, I would have many roadblocks along the way and have to defer my studies several times. It’s humbling to look back on that.

It certainly changed my viewpoints and the way I speak to others.”

Superior Care With Compassion She reflects on her chosen profession and thinks the most important

I went to work in the urgent care of Cedars Sinai as an LVN and was the first point of contact as potential COVID-19 cases checked in. That was my wake-up call. That experience of feeling how much I wanted to help people made me realize this is my career, and I need to own this. I can do this.”

thing a nurse can bring to a patient in addition to superior care is compassion. She intends to see each patient as a person, not a chart.

She is, by nature, a nurturing person and will no doubt help many throughout her career.

Honoring Her Mother With Her Work and Service to Others “But first, I need to finish what I started and earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I am doing this for my mom. This is how I am choosing to honor her and her life, and all the love she gave me,” said Timmons.

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Robin Timmons

Kira Wrobel Bachelor of Science Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Kira Wrobel can be defined in many ways. She’s a recent graduate of

would have done after graduating. He urged Kira to think about which

National University with a B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science and a

career path she would choose that would bring meaning and purpose to

3.6+ GPA, and one of 22 graduates across the entire university named

her life while serving others. Kira acted on the advice of both role models.

to the 2024 President’s Circle. She is a U.S. Navy Reserves electronics Technician, a military spouse, and a mom of a toddler. She formerly

Today, what she sees as her career path is clinical laboratory sciences

worked as a behavioral health technician for the Center for Autism and

— and she’s passionate about it. “I think I found my calling in a chemistry

Related Disorders, and as a hospital psychiatric technician before that.

class in college. It was a really hard class,” she said. “My professor was a nuclear engineer in the U.S. Navy (retired) and he was so knowledgeable.

Role Models and Career Inspiration

He put us through the wringer, and I had to study all hours of the day

She describes herself as someone who wasn’t a great student in high

and night, but I succeeded and I loved it. I ended up doing well in all my

school, though she always loved her biology and chemistry courses.

She was more concerned with hanging out with friends than studying, but her mother, who has a Bachelor of Science in Radiology Sciences,

classes after that. I felt like I was thriving in those science classes and decided to steer toward a career in lab sciences.”

kept reminding Kira of the value of a college education. Her dad, on

Using Clinical Lab Work to Have Positive Societal Impact

the other hand, had one year of college and opted to join the Navy

“I’ve always been interested in having a positive impact on my community

because he could get paid to have a successful career doing what he

and I think being a clinical laboratory scientist will let me do that. Clinical

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lab work is one of the biggest parts of making healthcare decisions that

child needs constant attention. Luckily, I could complete about 90% of

people and their care providers turn to. It’s a determining factor in the kind

my degree online — just excluding necessary labs and assessments.”

of care they are going to receive and their path forward toward — or back to — wellness. I see being a good clinical laboratory scientist as a very

Pride in Her Accomplishments

important role in bettering healthcare outcomes for people,” she said.

Wrobel is proud of what she accomplished, and rightly so. “I had to

“I just really love the lab environment, and can’t wait to expand and explore my career in that space.”

Security Operations With the U.S. Navy

develop discipline to keep all of these balls in the air. I thank the military for that. I wasn’t the most responsible student when I started community college, but seeing my progress now and how I’ve learned, gained more discipline, and ended up very successful in my studies — I’m proud

In the meantime, she has enough to expand and explore as she works

of that. And it’s great having people recognize my accomplishments,

to raise her son while also working and studying. Her job with the Navy

like being named to the President’s Circle and making the Dean’s List,”

is performing security operations such as ensuring no one tries to

she said.

harm or damage the aircraft carrier you may see pulling out of the bay in San Diego.

“There were times when I was so tired with a baby at home and wanted to quit, but the military teaches you to keep going. I won’t quit. And my

She can volunteer to take a deployment next year or wait until 2026, and

husband and our family all provided great support,” she said. “All of these

in the meantime, her husband’s successful career in the military will likely

experiences shaped my behavior to help me perform better.” She admits

have the young family relocating to the Pacific Northwest soon. “He’ll be

she’s faced some serious adversity in her life and is glad to see that she’s

on shore duty so he will be staying there if I deploy,” she said.

grown so resilient that she knows she can face whatever comes her way.

Bachelor’s Degree and a Baby

Excited for a Career in Clinical Lab Services

Wrobel had her son in 2022, shortly after transferring into her

Today, Wrobel is excited about making herself as marketable as possible

baccalaureate degree from her program at Thomas Nelson Community

and diving into a new career in clinical lab sciences. She’s happy she can

College, where she focused on pre-health courses. “It was hard. A young

tell her son when he gets a little older that she’s a university graduate.

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There were times when I was so tired with a baby at home and wanted to quit, but the military teaches you to keep going. I don’t quit. And my husband and our family all provided great support.

All of these experiences shaped my behavior to help me perform better.

Seeing my progress now and how I’ve learned, gained more discipline, and ended up very successful in my studies — I’m proud of that.”

Kira Wrobel

92 | National University President’s Circle 2024

Her home life is beginning to mirror her upbringing with her mother advocating for college and her dad advocating for successful career service in the military.

“The way my husband and I see it, our son has two role models now. He can see his dad being very successful in the military and he can go that route, or he can see my love for education and using a degree to go after the kind of career you’re passionate about. Either way, it’s great to be able to show him the benefit of hard work and service to others,” she said.

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