Stories of Impact

After 35 years running restaurants and hotels, I didn't expect a graduate program to change me. It did.

Hospitality leadership teaches you confidence. NLU taught me humility. The special education coursework, the focus on asset-based teaching, the push to meet every learner where they are — none of that came from the boardrooms and kitchens I'd spent my career in. It came from NLU.

My industry experience fills the room. My NLU education shapes what I do with it.Now I teach Restaurant Mathematics and Introduction to Hospitality at Kendall College, part of the NLU family. That full circle — from student to instructor, under the same roof — is something I don't take lightly.

My journey with National Louis University began in 2003 as a new Latin teacher, taking graduate classes while working at Baker Demonstration School. This early exposure to NLU's commitment to educational excellence shaped my teaching philosophy. After transitioning to public K-12 education, I continued my growth at NLU, earning my first master's degree in 2017 — deepening my understanding of how education transforms lives.

After 20 years in the classroom, I discovered my next calling: helping other educators pursue their own growth. Today, as part of NLU's enrollment team, I guide teachers on their educational journeys, creating a full-circle moment of transformative education.

My NLU degree has shaped my personal journey by helping me become the best person and leader I can be. Through my participation in Campus Leadership Board meetings as Secretary and Lisle Campus Representative, as well as being a proud member of the National Society of Leadership and Success chapter and the Golden Eagle Leader Program, my journey has truly made me reflect on how I can help make a difference — in my own community and across the world.

National Louis University has been a life-changing chapter in my journey–shaping not only my academic growth, but also my identity as a leader and community member. Coming from a completely different background, NLU gave me a purpose and the confidence to dream bigger than I ever imagined. The mentorship, opportunities, and unwavering support from faculty and peers helped me turn challenges into strengths. NLU didn’t just educate me, it empowered me to lead, serve, and inspire others. I will always carry its values with me as I build my future.

My experience at NLU as a UVM/NLU student was truly transformative. It challenged me to grow academically and personally beyond my expectations. The support and dedication from faculty made a lasting difference in my development. I gained not only strong analytical skills, but also confidence and discipline. NLU instilled in me a mindset of excellence that I carry with me every day.

NLU has made me want to push myself and realize that even when I think I'm at my limits I can always push past that and accomplish more. NLU has taught me to never become satisfied with whatever it is I’m passionate about.

As I learned more about my major with human services I've become a lot more open minded when interacting with people. It's taught me to consider people's learning capabilities as well as emotional and mental wellbeing.

It’s the students. After years of teaching, I learned their stories, I admired their growth. And I decided to give one student each year a full travel scholarship to attend my writing seminars in Paris. It is such a joy for me.

During my 22 years teaching at NLU, I advanced from Assistant Professor in the graduate writing program to Director and Professor of the Master of Science in Written Communication. Being part of the NLU community profoundly shaped my professional life and sense of purpose; its mission and students continually reaffirmed my commitment to intellectually engaging education. Among my most rewarding responsibilities was inviting Pulitzer Prize–winning guest speakers to engage with our students and faculty. These occasions allowed me to spend meaningful time with distinguished writers and to build lasting connections with colleagues, students, and visiting scholars that have continued to enrich my life.

I always say — NLU is a great place to work AND go to school. I'm a double alumna, holding a Master's in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. I've worked at NLU full-time for about 12 years — 16 if you count my adjunct service — across three campuses, online, and in four roles. I truly love NLU: its mission, its student-centered approach, its people, and its collective commitment to making a difference. As a student, I gained skills I use daily to transform the lives of early childhood educators. I believe in NLU the same way I believe in education and community as catalysts for change. NLU is in my DNA.

I first came across NLU during my freshman year after leaving my previous university during a really difficult time. I was struggling with severe anxiety, scared I wouldn't find another school or that the transfer process would be too overwhelming. NLU turned out to be exactly what I needed — the process was smooth, the staff incredibly supportive, and they met me where I was. Since arriving, I've discovered my passion for digital marketing and writing, interned at CNW, and become a podcast producer. These experiences have built my confidence and given me direction. NLU didn't just continue my education; it gave me purpose and space to grow into myself.

I am a proud graduate of National Louis University! My time as a student at NLU was truly the best educational experience I’ve had as a student. From start to finish of my doctoral journey the staff was amazing. I enthusiastically recommend NLU to anyone seeking to continue their studies.