The Faculty Speaker Series presentations are delivered by our own faculty at both Aspen University and United States University. Each series covers four presentations that relate to a broader topic in the faculty member's area of expertise or interest. 

1.     The Importance of Financial Literacy- Introducing the challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces when it comes to personal finances which include the pay gap, access to housing, credit, family planning, cost of living, and retirement.

November 3, 2022 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link 

2.     How do LGBTQ+ individuals' financial literacy compare to those of their straight peers with regard to financial security, financial habits, working life, and family life?

November 15, 2022 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link   

3.     Opportunities for financial professionals to make their practices more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community.

December 6, 2022 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link    

Abstract of the Speaker Series

Financial literacy is an important skill set for individuals to possess in order to navigate the various financial challenges and decisions they face throughout life. LGBTQ+ Americans often have a harder time maintaining financial stability due to the various challenges and discrimination they face throughout the United States. Recent events, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted these disparities within personal finance and the LGBTQ+ community. This speaker series will highlight the financial challenges the community faces, a comparison of financial literacy/opportunity between the LGBTQ+ community and their straight peers, opportunities for financial professionals to make a more inclusive practice, and opportunities for educators to integrate LGBTQ+ inclusive financial education into their classrooms.

Brief Bio of the Speaker

Stephen Molchan goes by the pronouns he/him/his. He lives in the Orlando, FL, area with his spouse and their two dogs. Stephen holds a BS in Accounting from Ramapo College and an MS in Taxation from Florida Atlantic University. His professional background is in accounting, and he currently works in taxation at a big 4 accounting firm where he manages various tax compliance related projects. Stephen also works with clients by helping them with tax and cash flow planning. Through this work, he has found a passion for financial literacy and teaching others how to properly manage their money. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he understands the unique financial challenges the community faces and he is a strong advocate for financial inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community. Outside of work, Stephen is currently doing research in financial literacy and has published in peer-reviewed journals on how the pandemic has impacted personal finances and what educators can do to implement financial literacy concepts into their classrooms.

Benefits of Attending the Series

Individuals will gain a better perspective of the financial challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces. By gaining a better perspective, educators and financial professionals will be better equipped on how to help their LGBTQ+ clients and students. The LGBTQ+ community currently faces these issues due to discrimination throughout the U.S. By bringing light to this topic, it will work towards creating a more inclusive space for all communities, no matter how they identify.

1.     What is JEDI?

January 10, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link   

2.     What do JEDI warriors do?

January 24, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link     

3.     What barriers do JEDI warriors face?

February 7, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link (passcode: 645Q%9Sl)

4.     What successes do JEDI warriors have?

February 21, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link    

Abstract of the Speaker Series

Are you a JEDI warrior? What are you doing to promote social justice, equity, diversity, inclusion (JEDI) and a sense of belonging where you work and live? Attend this interactive, scholarly discussion to explore the challenges and successes of "JEDI" warriors who seek to make positive social change. Leave the thought-provoking discussions inspired to make changes! This series will first define the terms of JEDI, then describe the work of JEDI advocates, followed by a discussion of the barriers they face, and end with a high note about the successes they can produce.

Brief Bio of the Speaker

Dr. Beaman is the daughter of a U.S. diplomat, who grew up in diverse countries among diverse cultures (Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Philippines, Malta, Greece, Italy, and France). She has studied several foreign languages and holds a bachelor's degree in French with Asian Studies emphasis and a degree from the University of Nice, France. She is an active advocate for survivors of violence and trauma. Dr. Beaman is the Chairperson of the Aspen University JEDI Committee and a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing DEI Leadership Committee. Having children of indigenous descent, she is particularly interested in the history of indigenous tribes. She loves to travel and learn about other cultures.

Benefits of Attending the Series

In order to become a more inclusive culture at Aspen and United States University, faculty and students need to grapple with inequities in the social fabric of our nation. By facing the challenges, we can seek to build systems and make changes that will make the universities places where everyone feels a sense of belonging and are inspired to spread that sense of belonging to the workplace and community.

1.     Early Career Burnout in Nursing

March 7, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link 

2.     Senior Career Burnout in Nursing

March 21, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link 

3.     Recent Factors for Career Burnout in Nursing

April 4, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link  

4.     Recommendation for Career Burnout in Nursing

April 18, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link   (passcode: +Z4a4.FP)

Abstract of the Speaker Series

Burnout syndrome within the career nursing population is an issue that impacts not only the individual but also impacts the workforce, the organization, and patient care. Burnout is associated with several main areas and the contributing factors to burnout can be addressed at the individual, organizational, and institutional levels. Efforts to reduce the contributing factors and improve work satisfaction within the nursing population will have a lasting effect on career nurses' commitment to the profession.

Brief Bio of the Speaker

Dr. Tracy Lookingbill has practiced within the nursing profession for the past 20 years as a registered nurse. She has experience in graduate and undergraduate degree programs within online platforms as well as on-ground programs. Dr. Lookingbill has earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from Aspen University, a Master’s of Science in Nursing, Leadership and Management, and a Bachelor’s of Nursing degree from Western Governors University. Since 2010, Dr. Lookingbill has supported online higher education programs as faculty and program leadership roles.

Dr. Lookingbill believes education creates knowledge empowerment helping to advance individual professional goals. Additionally, she supports a basis for life-long learning and professional engagement. She began her nursing career as an LPN and supported various specialties within nursing. Dr. Lookingbill’s previous experience includes emergency nursing, labor and delivery, and healthcare administration leadership. Much of her career has focused on aspects of community and public health, advocating for vulnerable populations and at-risk communities. She has a passion for the ongoing advancement of healthcare policy and innovation. Dr. Lookingbill is a member of the National League of Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau.

Benefits of Attending the Series

This series will inform the audience about the factors associated with the various types of career burnout in nursing. The information presented will help individual nursing professionals, leaders and organizations make better decisions in efforts to focus on retention and work satisfaction improvements.

1.     What is Alzheimer's Disease?

May 2, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link 

2.     After the Diagnosis

May 16, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link 

3.     The Realities of Informal Caregiving

May 30, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link 

4.     The Research Results of Informal Sandwich Generation Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Disease Parents in Palliative Care and the Longitudinal 

Effects on Them and Their Children

June 13, 2023 @ 9:00 am PST- Recording Link 

Abstract of the Speaker Series

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and the fifth leading cause of death in adults older than 65 years. The estimated total healthcare costs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in 2020 was estimated at $305 billion, with the cost expected to increase to more than $1 trillion as the population ages. Indirect costs of care, including quality of life and informal caregiving, are likely underestimated and are associated with significant negative societal and personal burdens.

Brief Bio of the Speaker

Dr. Caron Leid has been in private practice as a mental health professional for several years. Caron recently completed her Doctorate in Education from Aspen University where she also completed her M.B.A specializing in Project Management. Caron received her undergraduate degree from the University of Windsor (Canada) In 2000, two life-changing events transpired… her son was born and her mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She has dedicated the last 22 years to Alzheimer's disease advocacy and the informal sandwich generation caregiver. Caron has spoken internationally on living with the disease and hopes to continue spreading awareness now that this huge academic achievement has been reached. Caron is also the published author of four books, with two focusing on the topic of Alzheimer's disease. She states, "My biggest achievements will always be, caring for my mom (Marlene Leid) and raising my son." Dr. Leid currently sits on several committees assisting informal caregivers.

Benefits of Attending the Series

The audience will learn about many of the struggles experienced by family members of Alzheimer’s patients. People with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are usually cared for by family members or friends. The majority (80%) of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are receiving care in their homes. Each year, more than 16 million Americans provide more than 17 billion hours of unpaid care for family and friends with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias provide care for a longer duration than caregivers of people with other types of conditions (79% versus 66%). The demands of caregiving can limit a caregiver’s ability to take care of themselves. Family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and poorer quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions.