Human Services Faculty

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

Miranda Brand has served as associate dean in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences since 2011. She joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2006 as an adjunct instructor in the School of Graduate Education and subsequently led the Department of Educational Studies as academic chair from 2008 to 2011. Prior to joining Purdue Global, she served 20 years in public education in various roles including teacher, curriculum coordinator, staff development presenter, and school administrator.

Education: EdD, Nova Southeastern University

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 University 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)

At Purdue University Global, Betsy Tomei has served as adjunct instructor, Assistant Chair of the Department of Professional Studies, scheduling manager, and assistant dean for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. In her role as assistant dean, Tomei oversees the scheduling team responsible for the College of Social Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, and Concord Law School. She also manages special projects and provides data management and operational support to the department chairs, associate deans, and dean of the College. Tomei is an active member of the Purdue University Global Learning and Leadership Advisory Committee and a PG Ambassador.

Tomei has been in the education field both as an educator and administrator since 1995. She started her career with Johnson & Wales University as a financial planning counselor and financial aid officer. After receiving her MA in education, Tomei joined the Chicago Public School Department where she served as a teacher and technology coordinator. She returned to the field of higher education when she joined Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University) as an adjunct instructor teaching Academic Strategies for the Business Professional.

Education: MBA, Johnson & Wales University; MA, Saint Xavier University

Certifications: Project Management Certificate, Kaplan University, School of Professional and Continuing Education

Honors and Achievements: 2020 Organization Builders—Honorable Mention, Purdue University Global; 2016 College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Kaplan Way Award nominee; 2016 College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Outstanding University Service nominee; 2014 School of Social and Behavioral Science Kaplan Way Award winner

Memberships: University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

Maggie Morgan has served as the program chair for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences since February 2020. She joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2006, as an adjunct instructor and subsequently worked as an assistant chair in the School of General Education until her promotion to assistant dean. She has over 25 years of experience in human services with a specific focus on military families.

Education: PhD, Capella University; MEd, Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Research Interests: Assessment in higher education, resilience, educational outcomes in military children

Jessie Budzinski has served as the assistant department chair for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ Human Services department since March 2021. She joined Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2009, as an adjunct instructor. In 2011, she added course leader to her role and in 2015, she became a full-time adjunct instructor and faculty mentor.

Before teaching in higher education, Budzinski was a field instructor for the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina where she supervised and evaluated social work students in the master’s degree program. Budzinski worked with young children with special needs and their families and has presented at state Head Start conferences and national Birth-to-Three Institutes.

Education: MSW, University of Michigan

Honors and Achievements: Human Services Faculty Member of the Year, Outstanding Professor Nomination, Outstanding Course Leader, Outstanding Full-time Adjunt Faculty Member

Research Interests: Student retention and innovation in the online classroom