Public Policy Faculty

Sara Sander began her career with Purdue Global 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

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)

Holli Vah Seliskar assists Purdue Global faculty in learning more about the effective use of technology within their classrooms and oversees the publication of the internal departmental newsletter, “The Public Safety and Legal Times.” She began her academic career at the University in 2005, and has since served as assistant academic department chair for the undergraduate criminal justice programs and currently serves as interim academic department chair for the graduate public safety and public administration programs as well as the fire science programs. Vah Seliskar is also the Public Safety Club faculty advisor and has served on numerous University committees.

Education: PhD, Kent State University; MS, Tiffin University; BA, Cleveland State University

Publications: American Society of Criminology’s The Criminologist, the Academy of Criminal Justice Science’s Dialogue, Restorative and Community Justice newsletter

Honors and Achievements: 2017 University Service Award (Kaplan University), 2016 Spirit of Kaplan Award (Kaplan University), 2015 Kaplan Way Leadership Award (Kaplan University), 2014 Kaplan Way Awad (Kaplan University)

Research Interests: Restorative justice practices within schools; the implementation, development, and sustainment of restorative practices within multiple educational and workplace settings

Karla Drenner began her career with Purdue Global in 2013. Her experience includes over 20 years of teaching where she has taught both graduate and undergraduate courses with the last 9 years in online education.

Education: PhD, Saint Louis University; PhD, LaSalle University; MBA, Fontbonne College, MS, Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville; BS, West Virginia University

Publications: Research Anthology on Inclusivity and Equity for the LGBTQ+ Community (pp. 34-42). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-3674-5 (2022).

Public Accommodations: Discrimination and Sexual Orientation. In Information Resource Management Association (Ed.), Research Anthology on Inclusivity and Equity for the LGBTQ+ Community (pp. 13-33). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-3674-5 (2022).

Social Change: The Power of Place. In Information Resource Management Association (Ed.), Research Anthology on Inclusivity and Equity for the LGBTQ+ Community (pp. 43-68). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-3674-5 (2021).

Faith-based influences on legislative Decision Making: Emerging research and opportunities. Information Science Reference. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-6807-1 (2021).

The Implications of Religious Liberty. In Information Resource Management Association (Ed.), Research Anthology on Religious Impacts on Society (pp. 455-468). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-3435-9.

Certifications: Human Resource Management, Purdue Global, 2016; Healthcare Policy, Georgia State University, 2013; Advanced Instructor Driving Safety Certificate Program, Smith System, 2002; International Environmental Management System Auditor ISO 14001, Det Norske Veritas, 2000; Certified Environmental Specialist, Environmental Assessment Association

Honors and Achievements: “Faculty Scholarship Award” Purdue Global, 2022; “Engagement and Inspiration Award” Purdue Global University, 2021; “Outstanding Professor Award” Purdue Global University, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017; “Outstanding Service Award” Purdue Global University, 2019; “Above and Beyond – Academic Recognition”, 2017; “Women of Excellence Award” National Foundation for Women Legislators, 2016; “Clean Water Champion” Georgia Water Coalition, 2014-2016; “Heroes & Heroine” Atlanta Freedom Band, 2015; “Excellence in Community Service” ANIZ, 2013; “Environmental Leadership Award” Georgia League of Conservation Voters, 2001-2012; “Champions for Equality Award” Georgia Equality, 2011; “Legislator of the Year” Organization of DeKalb Educators, 2006; “Courageous Service Award” Stonewall Bar Association, 2005; “Dan Bradley Humanitarian Award” Human Rights Campaign, 2004.

Research Interests: Women in public service, legislative studies including environmental policy, religion, and social equity issues.