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Purdue Global Leadership

Miranda Brand, EDD
Academic Dean and Vice PresidentMiranda Brand, EDD
Academic Dean and Vice President
Miranda Brand is the dean and vice president of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and School of Aviation at Purdue Global. Brand's areas of expertise are in leadership development, industry partnerships, faculty mentoring and new program development. As dean, Brand oversees more than 700 faculty members across 45 academic programs and five academic departments. She also cultivates the more than 1,000 college-industry partnerships that the college maintains. Brand’s experience in education allows her to focus on student success while serving almost 11,000 students who are pursuing degrees at the doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, associate and certificate levels.
Since 2011, Brand has served as the associate dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. In this role, she facilitated the development and launch of twelve degree programs in the college, served on numerous university cross-functional action teams to promote institutional improvements and worked with then Dean Sander for over a decade to create and implement a strong college-industry partnership program for students and employer partners. Additionally, she has served in faculty and department chair positions within the college since joining the University in 2006. Prior professional experience includes 20 years of public education service in various roles including teacher, curriculum coordinator, district staff development presenter, and school administrator.
Education: EdD, Nova Southeastern University; MA, Educational Leadership, Fayetteville State University; BS, Education, Methodist University

Maggie Morgan, PhD
Associate DeanMaggie Morgan, PhD
Associate Dean
Maggie Morgan joined the university as an adjunct faculty member in 2006 before transitioning to a full-time role in 2007. Morgan has almost two decades of progressive leadership experience in higher education driving strategic initiatives, fostering program innovation, and enhancing student and faculty persistence. Most recently, she has led initiatives focused on integrating service learning and AI into the curriculum, developed the College’s first departmental YouTube channel, and integrated employment competencies into assessments. Morgan previously provided operational oversight for the Graduate School of Education, directing faculty management, the development of programs, authored accreditation standards, and established the school’s first assessment committee. Morgan is a dedicated advocate committed to advancing the educational success of military-affiliated learners and their families. In the Fall of 2024, Morgan was chosen as the keynote speaker for a dinner honoring military and military-affiliated graduates. She has also represented Purdue Global at two White House events related to her work focused on military children.
Education: PhD, Capella University; MEd, Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Memberships: American Psychological Association (APA); Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education (ALHE), and the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS)
Research Interests: Assessment in higher education, resilience, educational outcomes in military children

Tessa Holst, MS
Assistant DeanTessa 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)

April Hrabar, EdD
Assistant DeanApril Hrabar, EdD
Assistant Dean
April Hrabar has been with Purdue Global since 2020 as an instructor with the School of Nursing. Before joining the Purdue Global team, Hrabar was the administrator of an online undergraduate health sciences program and the senior leader of a multi-leveled nursing department. In her 15 years’ experience in higher education, she has focused on adult and non-traditional learners, online instruction, program development and expansion, and institutional and programmatic accreditation.
As part of her passion for connecting students with global initiatives, she was previously the founder and executive director of an organization providing aid and medical care for Indigenous people of the Amazon Rainforest. Through this foundation, she has immersed students and faculty in life-changing cultural experiences to make a positive impact in these fragile communities. She continues to pursue community outreach in promotion of global health and wellness.
Education: EdD in Educational Leadership, Liberty University; MSN in Nursing Education, Liberty University; BS in Nursing, University of Maryland
Honors and Achievements: Nurse Leadership Institution Fellow (2010); Corporation for National Service National Service Award (2002)
Research Interests: Professional behaviors, writing skills, faculty and student engagement in online environments

Carol Laman, MA
Assistant Academic ChairCarol Laman, MA
Assistant Academic Chair
Carol Laman is an assistant academic department chair and full-time instructor and teaches a variety of early childhood education courses including early childhood development, child nutrition, and current issues in administration. She has experience as a director of an early childhood facility, teaching in the early childhood and elementary school age environment as well as working with children and young adults with autism. Laman holds teaching certification in the state of Texas for general edcuation as well as special education.
Education: MA, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global); MS, University of North Dakota

Dena AuCoin, EdD
Department ChairDena AuCoin, EdD
Department Chair
Dena AuCoin began her career with Purdue Global in 2013 as an adjunct and now serves as the department chair. In the past decade, she has held multiple positions including academic department chair. She holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching and has over 20 years of experience in education from early childhood to higher education. During her time with Purdue Global, AuCoin has supported many initiatives to build dynamic learning environments, encourage critical thinking, and mentor students and colleagues to successful outcomes. Outside of Purdue Global, she is a PATH equine therapy instructor for children with special needs and a board member of her county farmer's market.
Education: EdD, Northcentral University
Publications: Information Resources Management Association (2023) Chapter author: AuCoin, D. & Waldow, J. Computer to community: Fostering the online classroom environment.
Fudge, T. (2021). Chapter author: AuCoin, D. & Waldow, J. Curriculum Development and Online Instruction for the 21st Century. IGI Global Publications.
AuCoin, D. (2020). Chapter author: AuCoin, D. & Berger B. Building Integrated Collaborative Relationships for Inclusive Learning Settings. IGI Global Publications.
AuCoin, D., & Berger, B. (2021). An expansion of practice: Special education and Montessori public school. International Journal of Inclusive Education. doi: 10.1080/13603116.2021.1931717
AuCoin, D. J., & Wright, L. A. (2021). Student perceptions in online higher education toward faculty mentoring. E-Learning and Digital Media. https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530211022927
Epstein, A. (2020). Chapter author: AuCoin, D. & Berger B. Following the Child: A Montessori Approach to Inclusion. Parent-Child Press.
AuCoin, D., LaCouer, M., Fitzgerald, E., Boone, J., Dees, L. (2019). “Perceptions of students and faculty using ePortfolio to complete undergraduate degree program”. Arkansas Association of Teacher Educators Electronic Journal, 9(2), p. 23-31.
Certifications: PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor; Arizona Teaching License: early childhood, special education, general education; Michigan Teaching License: special education, general education
Honors and Achievements: Purdue GLOBAL Distinction Awards: Organizational Builders Group Award & Accomplished Learners Group Award 2022; Consultant and Special Education program founder, Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy; Member-at-Large board member, Southern Arizona NAEYC affiliate 2020-2021; Grant winner, leading to College curriculum project with Northern Michigan Community College: Fulfillament
Memberships: National Association for the Education of Young Children
Research Interests: Collaboration education, inclusivity and intellectual diversity, faculty mentoring, and student well-being in higher education
Purdue Global Full-Time Faculty

Rhonda Figueroa, MS
University FacultyRhonda Figueroa, MS
University Faculty
Dena AuCoin began her career with Purdue Global in 2013 as an adjunct and now serves as the department chair. In the past decade, she has held multiple positions including academic department chair. She holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching and has over 20 years of experience in education from early childhood to higher education. During her time with Purdue Global, AuCoin has supported many initiatives to build dynamic learning environments, encourage critical thinking, and mentor students and colleagues to successful outcomes. Outside of Purdue Global, she is a PATH equine therapy instructor for children with special needs and a board member of her county farmer's market.
Education: EdD, Northcentral University
Publications: Information Resources Management Association (2023) Chapter author: AuCoin, D. & Waldow, J. Computer to community: Fostering the online classroom environment.
Fudge, T. (2021). Chapter author: AuCoin, D. & Waldow, J. Curriculum Development and Online Instruction for the 21st Century. IGI Global Publications.
AuCoin, D. (2020). Chapter author: AuCoin, D. & Berger B. Building Integrated Collaborative Relationships for Inclusive Learning Settings. IGI Global Publications.
AuCoin, D., & Berger, B. (2021). An expansion of practice: Special education and Montessori public school. International Journal of Inclusive Education. doi: 10.1080/13603116.2021.1931717
AuCoin, D. J., & Wright, L. A. (2021). Student perceptions in online higher education toward faculty mentoring. E-Learning and Digital Media. https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530211022927
Epstein, A. (2020). Chapter author: AuCoin, D. & Berger B. Following the Child: A Montessori Approach to Inclusion. Parent-Child Press.
AuCoin, D., LaCouer, M., Fitzgerald, E., Boone, J., Dees, L. (2019). “Perceptions of students and faculty using ePortfolio to complete undergraduate degree program”. Arkansas Association of Teacher Educators Electronic Journal, 9(2), p. 23-31.
Certifications: PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor; Arizona Teaching License: early childhood, special education, general education; Michigan Teaching License: special education, general education
Honors and Achievements: Purdue GLOBAL Distinction Awards: Organizational Builders Group Award & Accomplished Learners Group Award 2022; Consultant and Special Education program founder, Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy; Member-at-Large board member, Southern Arizona NAEYC affiliate 2020-2021; Grant winner, leading to College curriculum project with Northern Michigan Community College: Fulfillament
Memberships: National Association for the Education of Young Children
Research Interests: Collaboration education, inclusivity and intellectual diversity, faculty mentoring, and student well-being in higher education

Carolyn McKeon, PhD
University FacultyCarolyn McKeon, PhD
University Faculty
Carolyn McKeon has been teaching in higher education for 11 years, at Purdue Global she teaches Early Childhood Education classes and has been with Purdue Global since 2007. McKeon has presented professional for KU Village as well as other educational organizations. She has also been a subject matter expert and written several courses for two different colleges. McKeon founded and ran a small, non-public school in Pennsylvania in 2009.
McKeon has served on the faculty senate and been a course lead. She is a course life-long learning course evaluator and faculty advisor. She also holds two Master's degrees, two Bachelor's degrees, and is finishing her sixth degree in Criminology.
Education: PhD in K-12 Teaching and Learning, Capella University
Publications: "The 6 R’s of a Positive Facilitator" in the Journal of eLearning and Online Teaching.
Research Interests: Alternative education with a strong emphasis in autodidactic learning

Kristina Noriega, EdD
University FacultyKristina Noriega, EdD
University Faculty
Kristina Noriega is a dedicated full-time professor specializing in psychology, teaching a diverse range of undergraduate courses. With over 20 years of experience, she has made a significant impact in various fields within the federal government, particularly in education. Her expertise extends to areas such as education liaison, policy development, and education services. During her tenure in the federal government, Noriega honed her skills in adult education, focusing on bridging the gap between different sectors and fostering seamless transitions. Her work centers on enhancing the user experience in instructional design and higher education. Noriega’s newfound passion for research and user experience in educational settings has allowed her to further excel in her teaching and educational roles, leveraging UX principles to create more engaging and effective learning experiences for students.
Education: EdD in Educational Psychology and Technology; MS in Counseling Psychology, Chaminade University of Honolulu; MSIDT in Instructional Design and Technology; BA in Social Sciences, University of Hawaii - West Oahu
Certifications: Certificate of Data Science; Texas Educator Certificate: School Counselor Grades (EC-12); Association of College and University Educators: Effective Teaching Practice; Nielson Norman Group: User Experience
Publications: Army Transition Manual
Ergonomics in an Online Environment: How can user experience inform instructional design
Honors and Achievements: NISOD Excellence Award; Department of the Army Civilian Award; Pacific Command Outstanding Contributor award; the House of Representatives outstanding for contributions to the education community
Memberships: Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
Research Interests: Dynamic interplay between User Experience (UX) and instructional design within the context of higher education; data-driven insights to inform the continuous improvement of instructional design in higher education; evidence-based strategies that empower educators and institutions to create more impactful and inclusive educational experience

Julia Nyberg, EdD
University FacultyJulia Nyberg, EdD
University Faculty
Julia Nyberg is a professor at Purdue Global in the Department of Education. Nyberg was a K-6 classroom teacher and professional development expert in the US and Asia before entering higher education. Nyberg’s research focuses on curriculum and instructional design, artificial intelligence pedagogies, gifted and talented students, and curriculum strategies to value, integrate, and culturally sustain populations who have been marginalized in education. Nyberg speaks at state and national conferences and provides demonstration lessons for school districts related to her expertise in curriculum design, artificial intelligence pedagogies, and differentiated instruction. Nyberg served as the lead for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Curriculum Guide and the Artificial Intelligence Curriculum Guide for Purdue Global. She is the co-developer of the Home and Community Connections Model, an instructional strategy that integrates the student’s family and community into the curriculum. In addition, Nyberg serves on numerous professional organizations.
Education: EdD, Teacher Education in Multicultural Societies, University of Southern California
Publications: Whiting, G. W., & Nyberg, J. L. (2024). Why We Can’t Wait: A Guide for Black Student Achievement Programs. Education Sciences, 14(1), 72.
Nyberg, J., & Manzone, J. (2023). How to Create Home and Community Connections in the Classroom to Connect Content to Curriculum. Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) Library.
Manzone, J. A., & Nyberg, J. L. (2022). Creating Culturally Sustainable Literacy Experiences Through Home and Community Connections. In L. Haas, & J. Tussey (Ed.), Disciplinary Literacy as a Support for Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching and Learning (pp. 15-40). IGI Global.
Kaplan, S.N., Manzone, J., & Nyberg, J. (2022). Professional learning standards. In S. Johnsen, D. Dailey, & A. Cotabish (Eds.). NAGC Pre-K-through-Grade 12 Gifted Education Programming Standards: A Guide to Planning and Implementing Quality Services for Gifted Students. (pp. 214-229). Routledge: New York.
Nyberg, J. L., & Manzone, J. A. (2022). The Home and Community Connections Model: Shifting the Power From Teacher Differentiation to Learner Personalization. In Handbook of Research on Challenging Deficit Thinking for Exceptional Education Improvement (pp. 436-455). IGI Global.
Honors and Achievements: Outstanding Faculty (2024, 2018, 2015); Impact Award, 3rd place (2024); Purdue Global Distinction Award: Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation Program Team (2023); Purdue Global Distinction Award: Accomplished Learners for the Student Persistence Plus Project (2022); Purdue Global Distinction Award: Organizational Builders for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Curriculum Guide (2022); College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award (2021); Champion for Change Award, Program Evaluation Committee (2020); Outstanding Team Award (2019); Curricular Revision Award (2017)
Memberships: California Association for the Gifted; National Association for the Gifted; National Black Student Achievement Association
Research Interests: Curriculum and instructional design, artificial intelligence pedagogies, gifted and talented students, and curriculum strategies to value, integrate, and culturally sustain populations who have been marginalized in education

Linda Simon, EdD
University FacultyLinda Simon, EdD
University Faculty
Linda Simon teaches classes in the Human Services Department. She began her career as a probation officer. After working in this field for a few years, she decided to obtain her counseling degree. Simon has over 19 years of experience working with couples, families, and children/adolescents in different settings. She has served as a peer reviewer and is the faculty advisor for the Tau Upsilon Alpha honor society. Simon is currently licensed as a Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia and is also a National Certified Counselor.
Education: EdD, Argosy University; MS, Jacksonville State University; BA, Shorter College
Honors and Achievements: Numerous presentations on stress, burnout, and academic success in the elementary and middle school setting
Research Interests: Stress, burnout, bullying, prevention

Dorothy Williams, PhD
University FacultyDorothy Williams, PhD
University Faculty
Dorothy Williams has been with Purdue Global 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

Lisa Wright, PhD
University FacultyLisa Wright, PhD
University Faculty
Lisa Wright has worked at Purdue Global for 10 years, where she is a professor in early childhood and teaches a wide variety of undergraduate courses in early childhood, with a special emphasis on assessment and autism spectrum disorders. She has designed and revised curriculum in numerous early childhood courses. She began her academic career in the physical therapy department at the University of Missouri, where she was a full-time clinical assistant professor. Wright has experience working in early intervention, rehabilitation hospitals, public schools, and the home environment. She is a licensed physical therapist and volunteer Guardian Ad Litem for the state of Florida, and is certified to teach K-12 children with exceptionalities.
Education: PhD, University of Missouri; MA, University of Missouri; BS, University of Missouri; Post-Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global)
Publications: Research on interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders; reviews several professional organizations and journals
Honors and Achievements: Regular international conference presentations
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