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Communication Faculty
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Purdue Global Leadership
Sara Sander, PhD
Academic Dean and Vice President
Sara Sander began her career with Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 1997. She has served in a variety of positions including professor of communications and languages and program coordinator for the School of Arts and Sciences, now known as the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Her experience includes over 15 years of teaching adult learners, with a focus in the last 10 years in online education and administration.
Education: PhD, Capella University; MA and BA, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Research Interests: Emotional intelligence, faculty performance and behaviors, communication in the online classroom
Sara Sander Link Sara Sander, PhD
Academic Dean and Vice President
Lynn Massenzio, PhD
Associate Dean
For many years, Lynn Massenzio's focus has been administrative, including strategic planning, accreditation, state approvals, and new program development. She previously served the University as an adjunct faculty member and assistant dean of faculty. Prior to entering the education field, Massenzio built on her experience as a former college athlete to start a small business as a fitness consultant and personal trainer. She earned her teaching certification through an alternative certification route at Oglethorpe University. After teaching high school science, she transitioned to higher education where she was a clinical instructor at Georgia State University and an assistant professor at LaGrange College. Both institutions, as well as Purdue Global, have enabled her to work with career changers entering the field of education through both traditional and alternative routes to certification.
Education: PhD, Georgia State University; MS, Georgia Institute of Technology; BA, Rutgers Universit
Lynn Massenzio Link Lynn Massenzio, PhD
Associate Dean
Tessa Holst, MS
Assistant Dean
Tessa Holst currently serves as the assistant dean of students within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences where she oversees and generates initiatives to develop student engagement and improve student retention. She is also responsible for problem identification and resolution for second-level student complaints and conflicts. Prior to her current role, Holst served as the graduation director and event planner within the Provost Office. She was responsible for bi-annual graduation event ceremonies, celebrations, and faculty retreats. She has worked in higher education for over 25 years and recently completed her second term as school board member for her local school district, having served for 4 years as president.
Education: MS, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global)
Honors and Achievements: 2017 Social and Behavioral Sciences Outstanding Non-Academic Support Team Award (Kaplan University), 2005 Hero Award (Kaplan University), 2003 Extra Mile Award (Kaplan Higher Education)
Tessa Holst Link Tessa Holst, MS
Assistant Dean
Purdue Global Full-Time Faculty
Tyler Sorg, MA
University Faculty
Tyler Sorg started his career at Purdue Global as a part-time adjunct, teaching communication courses in 2020. Sorg has moved to teaching a wide variety of courses full-time and contributing to the growth of Purdue Global via course development and mentoring. For 9 years, he has worked in academics, teaching at community colleges, small D-1 schools to larger R1 institutions. Since 2018, he has expanded his academic career by teaching online. Sorg also has 8 years of sales experience and owns his own communication consulting company.
Education: PhD (ABD) University of Missouri; MA, Purdue University Fort Wayne; BA, Purdue University Fort Wayne
Publications: Sexual Harassment, Communication, and the Bystander
Setting an Applied Agenda: #MeToo, sexual harassment: an article, a forum, and a dream for the future
Certifications: Online Teaching Certification from the University of Missouri
Research Interests: Organizational communication, organizational culture, sexual harassment, leadership, power, strategic communication
Tyler Sorg Link Tyler Sorg, MA
University Faculty
Jason Waldow, MS
University Faculty
Jason Waldow teaches various undergraduate communication courses at Purdue Global. Previously, Waldow served as a journalist, PR consultant, and recently as an organizational communication consultant for international organizations. He has lectured on organizational culture, leadership, and public speaking for students furthering their professional journey in various fields.
Education: MS, City University of Seattle; BA, The Evergreen State College
Publications: Jarvie, Lindsey, & Waldow, Jason (2021). Professional Learning Communities: An Inclusive Solution for Engagement and Collaboration. IGI Global.
Waldow, Jason, & Aucoin, Dena (2021). Moving Virtual into Reality: Bringing the Real World into the Online Classroom. IGI Global
Honors and Achievements: Outstanding Professor - Student Nominated 2021; Outstanding Professor – Student Nominated 2020; Outstanding Mentor – Faculty Nominated 2021; Encouragement and Inspiration Award – student Nominated 2020; Outstanding Classroom Innovation – 2020
Memberships: National Communication Association, International Communication Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington, ACLU
Research Interests: Cultural and organizational communication and cognitive executive function in higher education
Jason Waldow Link Jason Waldow, MS
University Faculty
Dorothy Williams, PhD
University Faculty
Dorothy Williams has been with Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) for more than 10 years, where she teaches a variety of communication courses and serves as course lead. She has served as a senior manager and director at the university level, and has also taught adult students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate level for over 27 years, including over 18 years online. Williams has also served as a consultant for developing learning platforms that will best serve student learning.
Education: PhD, Walden University; MS, San Jose State University; BS, University of Colorado
Publications: “Do Graduate Students Who Set Formal Goals Really Graduate at Higher Rates?” (Building Sustainable Futures for Adult Learners), “Using Writing Admission Essays or a Basic English Course to Predict Success in Adult Undergraduate Students
Honors and Achievements: 2017 Outstanding FT Adjunct Award (Kaplan University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences), 2011 Outstanding FT Adjunct of the Year (Kaplan University), 2011 Colorado Springs Business Journal Women of Influence
Memberships: Association for Continuing Higher Education, Educating Children of Color
Research Interests: Student retention, course development, strategic development, change management
Dorothy Williams Link Dorothy Williams, PhD
University Faculty