Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor of Education
Where did you obtain your degrees?
- Bowling Green State University – Bachelor of Science in Education, Sport Management
- College of William and Mary – Master of Education, Higher Education Administration
- United States Sports University – Doctor of Education, Sport Management
What did you get your degree in, and what inspired that choice?
Tennis has always been a huge impact on my life, and early on I envisioned a career in tennis club management. I played varsity tennis at Bowling Green State University and worked in tennis clubs throughout high school and college, gaining practical experience both on and off the court. With that background, pursuing club management felt like a natural and logical next step.
Looking back, I never would have imagined the professional path I would ultimately take. While my career unfolded in ways I didn’t expect, I have no regrets, only appreciation for the unexpected opportunities that led me to my current role as an Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor of Education.
While searching for a doctoral program, I was deeply interested in the global impact of sport, particularly how sport shapes cultures, communities, and educational opportunities around the world. This curiosity led me to apply to the United States Sports University, drawn by its international mission and work with countries focused on training coaches and educators who might not otherwise have access to high-level professional preparation.
A day after submitting my application, I was called to see if I would be willing to teach in Malaysia for two months. I said yes without hesitation. That experience became one of the most meaningful and transformative chapters of my life, offering firsthand insight into the power of sport as a tool for education, leadership, and cultural connection.
Upon my return, I was honored to be awarded the Presidential Scholarship and officially began my doctoral studies, an experience that further solidified my commitment to understanding and advancing the global impact of sport.
Since then I have been fortunate to have consulted with coaches, teachers, and administrators from Abu Dhabi, China, Iran, Thailand, Trinidad, and Zimbabwe.
I hope to encourage students to embrace the journey, not just the destination. Along the way, you may discover new paths that lead you to places you never imagined possible.
Tell us about your first job after you graduated from college.
The summer before my junior year of high school, I attended a tennis camp on Hilton Head Island, an experience that sparked an immediate connection to the island and its tennis culture. During my undergraduate program, I was required to complete an internship, and I was thrilled to be accepted at the Sea Pines Racquet Club. That summer became one of my most formative professional experiences, offering hands-on insight into the pro shop and management of a racquet club.
After graduating, I was hired full time as an Assistant Pro Shop Buyer, where I oversaw both soft and hard goods, merchandised the shop, assisted with camps and special events, and even had the opportunity to design my own hats. It was not only a rewarding position professionally, but also an environment shaped by fun and supportive colleagues that formed a strong sense of community, one that made the experience truly exceptional and left a lasting impression on my career journey.
This experience reinforced for me the powerful role internships play in bridging education and career. Internships provide more than résumé lines, they offer mentorship, real-world skill development, and a pathway to professional networks. In my case, that internship directly led to my first full-time position, underscoring how intentional, hands-on experiences can open doors and shape long-term career trajectories.
How did your career path lead you to teaching at Tiffin University?
I have been fortunate to travel and pursue a variety of career opportunities that have built upon one another in meaningful and unexpected ways. If you had told me at age 20 that I would one day earn my doctorate and serve as both an administrator and professor, I never would have believed it.
My career path evolved from aspiring to manage a tennis club, to coaching at the collegiate and high school levels, to working in higher education administration, and ultimately to teaching as a professor. Each of these experiences informs my work in the classroom and allows me to bring real-world perspective to my students.
I hope to encourage students to embrace the journey, not just the destination. Along the way, you may discover new paths that lead you to places you never imagined possible.
How do you prepare students for challenges they’ll face in their careers/after graduation?
Even when you believe you have a clear path and specific goals toward a particular career, that clarity is only part of the journey. Having direction is important—but so is remaining open to unexpected opportunities when they arise. Some of the most meaningful experiences and career turns come from moments you never planned for, and you never know where they might lead.
What makes Tiffin University stand out to you as a faculty member?
I originally joined Tiffin University as the Executive Assistant to the Provost and Chief Operating Officer, a role that aligned well with my prior experience in higher education. That position gave me a unique opportunity to learn the institution from a holistic perspective—understanding how departments function, how decisions are made, who the people are, and how the university truly operates. I was also fortunate to work closely with an exceptional mentor during that time.
A transition at TU allowed me to return to teaching and engage more directly with students, which has been incredibly rewarding. While working in the Provost’s Office, I found administrators, staff, and faculty to be welcoming and collaborative, though my interaction with students was limited. In my current role, I have the best of both worlds: a strong institutional understanding, the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding faculty and staff, confidence in our leadership, and meaningful, daily interaction with students.
What truly makes TU stand out to me is the ability to teach topics I am passionate about while experiencing genuine student engagement. Being part of a community, that values collaboration, mentorship, and student connection makes Tiffin University a truly special place to work.
How do you incorporate TU’s motto – “Without risk, there is no gain” – into your own life or classroom?
While it’s important to keep an eye on your future career path, don’t rush through your college years. Enjoy your independence, your friendships, and the new adventures that come with this season of life. This is a unique time to explore, take risks, and truly get to know who you are—both personally and professionally.
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you – or an interesting hobby?
I became certified to teach Zumba in 2012. I’ve always loved dancing—especially salsa, merengue, and reggaetón—the rhythms are vibrant, energizing, and full of life. At the time I didn’t have a dance partner, but the movement and community filled that space in meaningful ways.
A few years later, I met my dance partner and husband for life, who shares that same love of dancing. I still teach Zumba because it keeps me creative, active, and connected to others. It’s a joyful way to create a welcoming space where people can move, feel energized, and show up for themselves.
What’s your favorite book, film, or quote – and why does it resonate with you?
One of my favorite quotes comes from Kung Fu Panda, spoken by Master Oogway: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”
While it is not always easy to live by, it reinforces an important truth: we cannot change the past—only learn from it. We cannot predict the future—only prepare and hope for the best. But we can choose to live fully and gratefully in the present, appreciating what we have and showing up with intention each day. Plus, I’m fairly certain my spirit animal is a panda— a little goofy at times and a reminder that strength doesn’t always have to be loud to be lasting.