Nikki is a mathematician and has devoted most of her academic career to improving the retention and recruitment of underprivileged students in STEM fields. She has written several successful grants that have resulted in scholarships, computers and other equipment, and summer camps. She spends most of her time organizing and planning events in all aspects of her life. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, attending food and wine festivals, traveling, and helping others to see the world. She is active with her sorority, teaches Sunday school, and organizes an annual 5K to bring awareness to heart health and stroke.  

Jamie Thornton graduated from the University of Texas with a B.A. in Political Science, and then continued to Texas Christian University, where she obtained her master’s degree in Education, and her Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition. She currently works for Purdue Global, where she continues to be a part of the educational community as a full-time professor in the English and Rhetoric department. 

Lisa Teitler is a full-time faculty member in the English and Rhetoric Department dedicated to transforming education through intentional, student-centered teaching. Her professional interests center on integrating joy and calm into the learning process. 

Nancy Szwydek is an Assistant Dean at Purdue Global. She is responsible for managing and monitoring compliance and programmatic accreditation processes and documentation within the School of Health Sciences. She has previously served as the academic program chair for the health information management, health informatics, and billing and coding programs, and spearheaded PCAP approval for the billing and coding program, accreditation for the BSHIM, Digital Health Leader, and Digital Health Professional programs, and AEP designation for the master of health informatics and health information management programs. Prior to working in education, she worked as a registered nurse for over 30 years. Nancy is the editor of the Kaplan Test Prep Medical Assisting Review Text and serves as an item and module writer for electrocardiography, phlebotomy, and medical assisting exams through the National Healthcareer Association. She is an accreditation peer reviewer for the Commission of Accreditation for Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) and Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) and was elected to the MAERB board in 2019 where she currently serves as a Co-Chair.

Dr. Carolyn Stevenson is a full-time faculty member for the Professional Studies Department, Department of Multidisciplinary and Professional Studies (MaPS) at Purdue University Global. She completed her Ed.D. from Roosevelt University, M.B.A. from Kaplan University, M.A. in Communications from Governor’s State University and B.A. in English from Northern Illinois University.  She has been cited for her expertise in online learning, qualitative research, open educational resources, AI, and prior learning. She is also a regular reviewer for conference papers and textbooks and has served on various offices and committees for the American Education Research Association. Dr. Stevenson has over 25 years teaching and administrative experience in higher education at both the undergraduate and graduate level and has been serving the organization for over 20 years.  She has published texts and chapters on technical communication, ethical use of AI, professionalism, adult education, qualitative research, competency-based education, credit for prior learning, building online communities, open educational resources, and environmental education. 

Sr. Event Manager with a passion for orchestrating memorable experiences within the academic community. Over two decades of experience in planning and executing diverse events, Beth has become a driving force behind the success of numerous university functions. Her meticulous attention to detail, creative vision, and adept coordination skills have consistently led to the seamless execution of large-scale conferences, graduation ceremonies, and various leadership events. Recognized for her ability to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, students, and staff alike, Beth continually strives to create engaging and inclusive environments that enrich the university experience for all. As an avid advocate for innovation, she remains dedicated to promoting an atmosphere that celebrates diversity, collaboration, and academic excellence within the university community. 

Amy Smith is a Full-Time Faculty Professor at Purdue University Global in the Science Department.  She earned a MS from Colorado State University in Forest Ecology and Management, a MS from Purdue Global in Environmental Policy, and a BS in Environmental Science and Freshwater Ecology.  She has been teaching general science and environmental science at PG since 2010, and her research interests are in urban forestry, ecology, and sustainability.  Amy serves on the Committee of Accreditation for the Society of American Foresters and is a board member for the North Carolina Urban Forest Council.  She formerly served as the Chair of the Urban Forestry Commission in Asheville, NC where she lives with her husband and child.  In her free time Amy likes to spend time outdoors with her family and dog, practice yoga and play tennis, hang out in beautiful Asheville, and dabble in real estate. 

Dr. Tamika Russell is a passionate educator, lifelong learner, and advocate for student success with nearly two decades of experience in higher education, public administration, and community service. She is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Legal Studies at Purdue Global, where she teaches Public Administration courses. She holds a doctorate in Public Policy and Administration and has extensive experience teaching and mentoring students, primarily at the graduate and doctoral levels, including serving on dissertation committees.

Her diverse professional background includes federal government consulting in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, as well as nonprofit and social services work. Known for her engaging teaching style and enthusiasm for connecting with others, Dr. Russell is passionate about innovative teaching strategies, meaningful student engagement, and creating inclusive learning environments. She believes education should do more than inform; it should inspire, empower, and encourage lifelong learning.

Dawn Mikalatos believes every career path is a unique journey—a philosophy reflected in her own rich background. As a Senior Career Specialist at Purdue Global, she bridges talent and opportunity by supporting military-affiliated students, building employer partnerships, and guiding career transitions. 

Holley Linkous joined Purdue Global in 2021 as an adjunct faculty member and now serves as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Professional Studies. She has experience in advising and student success at Clemson University and the University of Tennessee. Holley holds a B.S. in Communication with an emphasis on Speech from East Tennessee State University, as well as her MBA and PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Tennessee. Her research includes a focus on self-directed learning, self-regulation, and motivation.  

Leslie Johnson is the Assistant Department Chair of Mathematics at Purdue Global and an advocate for innovative, human-centered digital learning. Her professional interests include partnering with AI tools in education, microlearning, student engagement, recognition, and retention strategies. Leslie enjoys exploring creative ways instructors can use emerging technologies to foster connection, curiosity, and community in online learning environments. 

Dr. Carla Harris is an experienced educator, researcher, and higher education professional committed to student success, professional growth, and leadership development. She has experience serving as an adjunct professor, online facilitator, and doctoral student facilitator, supporting learners in their academic and professional journeys.

Her professional experience includes facilitating academic discussions, supporting scholarly writing, encouraging student engagement, and creating supportive learning environments. She is passionate about helping individuals build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Dr. Harris’s research interests include workplace wellness, employee well-being, organizational culture, and leadership development. As a facilitator, she strives to create an engaging, inclusive, and collaborative environment where participants feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to learn and grow.

Laurie Hansen has served in multiple roles with Purdue Global. Her current role is Campaign Manager working with the Graduation teams and Purdue Global Ambassadors and as an adjunct instructor in the School of Multidisciplinary and Professional Studies. Ms. Hansen thrives in environments fostering engagement and belonging, health and wellness, and collaboration. Ms. Hansen looks forward to the future of working in the ever-changing landscape of online teaching and learning and is truly fascinated by the power and possibilities of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Vanessa Wyche Graham is an adjunct faculty member in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Purdue Global and a proud member of the Purdue Global Conference Crew. With more than thirty years of holistic care experience in military and civilian settings, Dr. Graham holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and master's degrees in Counseling and Nursing. She is dually credentialed as a Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with advanced certifications in functional medicine and ministry credentials as a Licensed Ecclesiastical Holistic Practitioner. As the founder of GrapeVine Innovations LLC, Dr. Graham focuses on whole-person care, autonomic regulation, and cognitive resilience, championing the deep connection between mental, physical, and neurological health within higher education and clinical practice.

Dr. Carol T. Edwards is a dedicated educator, academic leader, author, and student success advocate with over 20 years of experience in education. As a faculty member in Purdue University Global’s School of Business and Information Technology, she is passionate about empowering individuals, fostering meaningful connections, and creating opportunities for growth and success.

An enthusiastic member of the PUG Village Conference Crew, Dr. Carol brings energy, creativity, and a welcoming spirit to the conference experience. Guided by her philosophy of “Start Strong. Finish Strong,” she believes in inspiring others, celebrating achievements, and making every connection count.

Jessi is the Manager of Student Life at Purdue Global and has more than twenty years' experience in student affairs. She has held positions in student communications, activities, and leadership development, and her EdD research focused on belonging among adult online learners. Her other academic interests include student engagement, generational differences, and women in higher education. Jessi is an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.  

Kim Dunn teaches various undergraduate courses in the health care administration and medical assisting program at Purdue Global over 15 years ago. In addition to teaching, Dunn works in the medical field, where she has over 30 years of experience in a number of positions and sub-specialty practices. Currently, she serves as a consultant for a large regional health information exchange as well as a member of the readmission coalition for her community.   

Kim Bracey, MS, Mathematics, is a full-time faculty member in the mathematics department. In addition to teaching, she serves as a portfolio evaluator, Course Lead for MM265, accessibility coordinator for the math department, and SME. Kim enjoys helping her math students achieve their goals. She has taught mathematics both at the high school and college level for over 30 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family.  

Dr. Wesley Benton is a Professor in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue University Global, where he has taught since 2008. A licensed chiropractic physician, he holds graduate degrees in counseling and education, bringing together clinical experience, instructional technology, and a practical understanding of the human side of teaching. 

Emily Baumler is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the owner of Stellar Supervision, a company that provides virtual supervision for individuals pursuing their BCBA and BCaBA certification. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Purdue University Global. Emily currently serves as the President of the Wisconsin Association for Behavior Analysis.

Emily has a passion for science and working with children, which naturally led her to the field of ABA. She earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Michigan State University (2015) and her M.S. in Behavior Analysis from Simmons University (2019), becoming a BCBA later that same year. She has broad experience in center-based, in-home, and intensive ABA services across Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Emily holds behavior analyst state licenses (LBA) in both Georgia and Wisconsin. In her free time, she is spending time with her husband and three young children, which typically involves camping, cooking, reading a good book, or exploring.

Dr. Meleah Ackley is a full-time faculty member for the Applied Behavior Analysis program at Purdue University Global, who teaches courses in the ABA Master's program. Dr. Ackley completed a PhD in School Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Research interests include, but are not limited to, increasing choice and engagement in higher education settings using behavior-analytic strategies.