University of Phoenix Experts
Experts available for interview
University of Phoenix’s experts and thought leaders are available to provide perspective and commentary across topics in higher education, workforce and career trends, health and well-being, technology, business and more. Our leaders, faculty, and career advisors are available to share context on the issues shaping learners, workers and employers today. Contact the Media Relations team to connect with the right expert for your story.
Leadership experience and expertise
With decades of experience leading institutions that serve working adult learners, our executives regularly contribute informed perspectives on the trends shaping today’s learning and talent landscape, including insights on higher education innovation, access, technology, workforce alignment and the future of education.
Chris Lynne
President
higher education Innovation Institutional transformation
Education:
- MBA, Booth School of Business, University of Chicago
- BS, Accounting, Purdue
University
Chris Lynne is CEO of University of Phoenix parent company Phoenix Education Partners, Inc., and serves as President and Trustee of the University, following a four-year tenure as CFO. His background spans senior executive roles across education and education services, along with earlier financial leadership positions.
Chris brings a data-driven perspective on workforce-aligned learning, institutional innovation, and how higher education can better serve today’s learners and employers. His insights have been featured at ASU+GSV and in Forbes. He was recognized by AZBigMedia as one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Arizona Business for 2025.
Cheryl Naumann
Chief Human Resources Officer
executive & hr leadership
organizational culture
Education:
- BBA, Human Resources, The University of Texas at San Antonio
- BA, English, The University of Texas at San Antonio
As Chief Human Resources Officer, Cheryl Naumann is responsible for talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, talent management, employee engagement, performance management, talent and succession planning, learning services, HR information systems and employee services, internal communications and ethics, compliance and data privacy—all of which serve to align people strategies with University goals.
Cheryl’s insights in HR leadership have appeared in outlets including Fortune, HR.com, HRO Today, Fast Company, HR Daily Advisor, and Motherly.
Raghu Krishnaiah
Chief Operating Officer
Workforce agility, AI & Strategic Upskilling for a Changing Economy
Education:
- MBA, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
- MS, Electrical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- BS, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT
As Chief Operating Officer of University of Phoenix, Raghu Krishnaiah drives ongoing transformation and is accountable for operating strategy and results. Raghu leads Workforce Solutions’ corporate, tribal and community college relationships and oversees the systems that shape student experience including enrollment, financial aid, product development, and operational analytics.
Raghu has shared thought leadership at ASU/GSV, SXSW EDU, ATD, World Summit AI, and Higher Education SSOW, and in Forbes, Industry Week, Chief Executive, Executive Networks, and Training Industry.
John Woods
Chief Academic Officer and Provost
workforce & career sentiment
higher ed leadership & strategy
Education:
- PhD, Higher Education Administration, Bowling Green State University
- MA, Carleton University
- BA, Carleton University
John Woods is Chief Academic Officer and Provost for University of Phoenix, responsible for the University’s academic mission and academic programs, including assessment of student learning, instructional innovation, accreditation, and institutional reporting. He is the Founding Director of the University of Phoenix Career Institute® and spokesperson for the Career Optimism Index®.
In addition to speaking at events including ASU+GSV, the Reagan Institute Summit and Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s Workforce Summit, John has provided insights that have appeared in Forbes, Inc., Fortune, and HR Dive.
Ruth Veloria
Chief Strategy and Customer Service Officer
working moms & career growth
customer experience strategy
Education:
- MBA, Finance, Marketing, and Organizational Behavior , Kellogg Graduate School of Management
- MA, Chemistry, Oxford University
As Chief Strategy and Customer Service Officer, Ruth Veloria leads organization-wide efforts on University objectives. In addition to aligning investment options to financial plans, assessing competitive intelligence, and optimizing customer experience, Veloria leads efforts to leverage data to enhance and optimize the student experience.
Ruth is spokesperson for the Career Optimism Special Report™ Series: Moms in the Sandwich Generation, and her insights have appeared in Forbes, Fast Company, HR Executive, SHRM, Investopedia, BenefitsPro, Employe Benefit News, Scary Mommy, and Motherly.
Jamie Smith
Chief Information Officer
it leadership development
Technology Strategy in higher ed
Education:
- BBA, Marketing, Iowa State University
As University of Phoenix’s Chief Information Officer, Jamie Smith brings his deep knowledge of strategic IT leadership, cloud-based solutions, Agile methodologies, and stakeholder engagement to a role dedicated to aligning technological solutions with student experience and operational efficiency. His efforts in digital transformation span multiple major eras of fast-paced change.
Jamie’s insights on IT leadership have been featured regularly in CIO.com, as well as Entrepreneur, Forbes, Information Week, CIO Review, ComputerWorld, and CIO Dive.
Blair Westblom
Chief Financial Officer
financial leadership
business strategy
Education:
- BA, Economics with a minor in Business Administration, Vanderbilt University
As Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Blair Westblom leads the finance, real estate, and facilities functions, partnering with executive leadership and the Board of Trustees to support the University’s mission. She has has more than 24 years of finance experience across higher education, biotechnology, investment banking and real estate investment trusts. In 2025, Blair guided the University’s financial transition into an initial public offering.
Blair has been recognized as a finalist for FEI Arizona’s CFO of the Year Award.
Steve Gross
Chief Marketing Officer
marketing leadership
brand strategy in Higher ed
Education:
- MBA, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
- BS, Economics and Political Science, State University of New York at Albany
As Chief Marketing Officer at University of Phoenix, Steve Gross oversees brand strategy and enrollment marketing, including content, social, analytics, advertising, public relations and the digital experience for working adult learners. Since joining the University in 2019, he has led a shift toward data-driven, upper-funnel storytelling and performance marketing earning multiple ADDY® Awards from Phoenix Chapter of American Advertising Foundation.
Steve has spoken at Advertising Week New York and appeared on Knotch’s Data-Driven CMO podcast.
Workforce trends and career mobility
University of Phoenix leaders and faculty experts are prepared to lead the conversation on topics such as national workforce research and career sentiment, workforce engagement and upskilling and the role of higher education in developing a competitive workforce.
Leo Goncalves
Vice President, Workforce Solutions Group
talent development strategy
internal workforce mobility
Education:
- MBA, The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania
- MA, International Studies, The Lauder Institute at University of Pennsylvania
- BS, Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
As the Vice President of the Workforce Solutions Group at University of Phoenix, Leo Goncalves leads a national team focused on corporate, government, community college, and tribal segments.
Leo’s insights have appeared in HR Executive, Ed Tech Innovation Hub, IndustryWeek, CEO Magazine, Chief Executive, Industry Today, and BenefitsPro. Goncalves has also spoken at industry conferences including JFF Horizons Summit and Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation Workforce Summit.
Jay Titus
Vice President & General Manager, Workforce Solutions Group
workforce upskilling
employer-ed Partnerships
Education:
- MS, Management, Lasell University
- BS, Business Administration, Bryant University
As Vice President and General Manager of Workforce Solutions, Jay Titus provides leadership and strategic oversight of the teams supporting workforce development and upskilling solutions to employers nationwide. His experience has helped hundreds of employers re-frame tuition reimbursement benefits to positively impact recruitment, retention and employee engagement.
Jay’s insights have been featured in outlets including Forbes, CFO.com, Human Resource Executive, BizTech, Inc., HRMorning, Chief Talent Officer, TechRepublic, Training Industry, and FOX Business.
Nathan Jones
Vice President of Product, Workforce Solutions Group
skills intelligence
Learning & development strategy
Education:
- MBA, The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania
- MS, Electrical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- BS, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT
Nathan Jones is Vice President of Product for Workforce Solutions at University of Phoenix. His work on programs and resources enables organizations to access emerging talent pipelines created through innovative partnerships among higher education, employers and alternative-training providers.
Nathan has spoken at panel events including SXSW EDU, as well as provided insights to publications such as HR Executive.
Sandip Bhakta
Vice President of Product Management, Student Career Services
career navigation technology
student career planning tools
Education:
- BS Finance, Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business
- MBA, University of Phoenix
As Vice President of Product Management for Student Career Services teams, Sandip Bhakta leads multiple product teams to leverages user-centric product methodologies to develop digitals solutions so students and alumni can take charge of their career goals. Sandip began his career at UOPX as a financial advisor and has served in numerous roles, such as Director of Financial Services and VP of Financial Services.
In 2017, Sandip earned the UOPX Presidents award for recognition for his continued efforts to find creative solutions. In addition to thought leadership in outlets such as EdTech Innovation Hub and Phoenix Business Radio X, Sandip has led forums such as the JFF Horizons Summit.
Lisa Severy
Career Advisor
Hybrid Work & Career Strategy
Generational Career Preferences
Education:
- PhD, Counselor Education, University of Florida
- BA, Indiana University Bloomington
Lisa Severy is an NCDA Certified Career Counselor and has worked with students and alumni across multiple institutions and in private practice. She was President of NCDA in 2013-2014 and served as the NCDA Rep to the ACA Governing Council from 2017-2023.
Lisa has co-authored two books, Making Career Decisions that Count and Turning Points, and has made contributions to the journals including Encyclopedia of Counseling, the Counselor's Guide to Career Assessment Instruments, and Emerging Adulthood & Higher Education.
Jamie Johnson
Career Advisor
Job Search Strategy
Résumé Writing
Interview Preparation
Education:
- BS, Business/Marketing, University of Phoenix
As a Career Advisor and Coach, Jamie Johnson helps others with their career/life goals, and is a specialist in career exploration, the impact of AI and other technology on the job market, entrepreneurship,and careers in healthcare, science, education and nonprofits. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Career Counselor, MBTYI Master Practitioner, as well as certified in the Strong Interest Inventory.
Jamie’s insights have appeared in SHRM, HR Daily Advisor, and AARP, as well as CBS and NBC affiliates.
Sheri Bardot
Career Advisor
confidence Coaching for Job Seekers
Values-Based Career Planning
Education:
- MA, Psychology and Career Counseling, University of Arizona Global Campus
- MA, Organizational Management and Leadership, University of Arizona Global Campus
- BA, Psychology, Dowling College
Sheri Bardot is a Career Advisor at University of Phoenix. As a certified EQ Life Coach and a Positive Intelligence Coach, Sheri works to empower job seekers to find clarity and pursue careers aligned with their interests, strengths, and values. She has expertise in effective use of AI tools during job searches, LinkedIn and branding strategies, and can support those who are focused on entrepreneurial pursuits.
Sheri’s insights have appeared in AllWork and Good Housekeeping.
Greg Lewis
Career Advisor
Career Coaching for adult learners, military & veteran career Transitions
Education:
- MA, Postsecondary Educational Leadership with Emphasis in Student Affairs, Sand Diego State University-California State University
- BA, History, Santa Clara University
Greg Lewis is a University of Phoenix Career Advisor with over 10 years of career development experience, including direct support of adult learners and transitioning military and spouses. He received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Santa Clara University and a Master of Arts in Postsecondary Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. Greg’s career started as a middle school teacher, coach and athletic director and included many years as a consultant in the educational publishing industry.
Greg’s insights have appeared in U.S. News and World Report, The Alpine Sun, and Recruit Military.
Laci Baker
Career Advisor
Seasonal Jobs
Resume Building with AI
Education:
- M.Ed., Human Development (Clinical Mental Health) Counseling, Vanderbilt University
- BS, Psychology, and BA, English, East Tennessee State University
- AS, English, Columbia State Community College
Laci Baker is an experienced Career Advisor/Coach who has worked at educational institutions across the country. Laci is a Certified Career Management Coach, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert, and Strong Interest Inventory Practitioner. She is passionate about helping professionals effectively market their skills, education, and experiences to achieve success in current and future job markets.
Laci has contributed to GOBankingRates, Sunday Riley, and Modern Professional.
Technology and innovation
As a majority online institution—and one of the first to enter the online learning space—University of Phoenix’s thought leaders are available to address the continual evolution of digital business, including AI in education and the workforce, cybersecurity and cybercrime and digital tools for training needs.
J.L. Graff
Associate Dean, College of Business and Information Technology
it workforce trends
digital transformation in Ed
Education:
- Ed.D., Higher Education/Higher Education Administration, University of Phoenix
As Associate Dean for the IT programs at College of Business and Information Technology, J.L. Graff supervises academic functions and establishes program policies, procedures, and standards. His accomplishments include the no-cost student preparation exams for EC-Council industry certifications and the development of cybersecurity and IT digital badges. He serves as Faculty Sponsor for University of Phoenix Women in Cybersecurity Student Chapter and Trustee for University of Phoenix Delta Sigma Chapter of Epsilon Pi Tau.
J.L. has been featured in CIO, FedTech, and ITPro Today.
Veena Nayak
Vice President, Data Science Strategy & Solutions
data Strategy and Governance
AI
Product Methodology
IT Leadership
Education:
- MBA, W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University
- Bachelor of Technology, Computer Technology, University of Mumbai
As Vice President of Data Science, Strategy & Solutions, Veena Nayak leverages data and AI to solve complex business challenges and drive innovation, linking strategy and execution to build sustainable, scalable and cohesive solutions that bring the best of data/tech to unlock business value.
Veena has spoken as an expert at panels including Women Data Leaders’ Global Summit, CDAO APEX West, WLDA@Work, and CDO Magazine Summit. CDO Magazine has also named Veena to their Global Data Power Women List, and she has also been named to the Kensu Global Product Advisory Council. Her thought leadership has been featured in BuiltIn.
Avinash Tripathi
Vice President, Marketing Analytics
Advanced Analytics
Data Science and Storytelling
AI Solutions
Education:
- MS, Business Economics and Statistics, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
As Vice President of Marketing Analytics, Avinash Tripathi leads the analytics team at the University of Phoenix, establishing the strategy and vision and providing operational support for the delivery of information and analytics platforms and solutions to key stakeholders. He has provided guidance to top executives on the importance of incorporating data storytelling into analytics-driven initiatives, as well as the crucial role analysts play within data-focused organizations.
Avinash’s thought leadcership has appeared multiple times Forbes and FastCompany, as well as in Higher Education Digest and Workable. He has spoken at events including Customer Analytics Summit, where he delivered the keynote address, as well as the Digital Marketing World Forum, CDAO Summit, and the Evanta Atlanta CDO Executive Summit.
Stephanie Benoit Kurtz
IT Faculty
Cybersecurity Workforce development
Women in Technology
Education:
- BS, Business, Capella University
- MBA, Capella University
- Doctorate in Information Technology with an emphasis in Cybersecurity and Data Assurance, Capella University
Stephanie Benoit Kurtz is a technology innovator and leader with a sophisticated grasp on emerging and existing technology and its application to drive business performance improvement and strategy that aligns with organizational objectives. She had offered decisive and inspirational leadership in the direction of cybersecurity strategy, vulnerability strategies, and with over 30 years of IT Operations Support and Project Management experience managing virtual project teams across multi-location organizations, multivendor partners and customer resources. She also sits on a number of boards and committees that impact the community, working directly with nonprofits, state and local government and at-risk youth to gain IT skills that lead to living-wage careers.
Kurtz has been featured in Reader’s Digest and CIO.
Larry Schwarberg
Chief Information Security Officer
Cybersecurity in Higher Education
Digital Risk Management
Education:
- MS, Management, Colorado Technical University
Larry Schwarberg is the Chief Information Security Officer at University of Phoenix, bringing over 30 years of cybersecurity experience across finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and higher education. He holds a Master of Science in Management – Information Security from Colorado Technical University. Larry specializes in Identity and Access Management, Security Governance, and building robust cybersecurity programs. He has served on vendor security advisory councils and contributed to industry publications and speaking engagements.
Schwarberg’s thought leadership has appeared in CSO, Techopedia, and StateTech.
Education and online learning
Microcredentials and stackable learning, adult learners and technology, and strategies for student engagement and well-being are topics these leaders and faculty are prepared to address.
Doris Savron
Vice Provost
micro credentials
lifelong learning
Learning & employment records
Education:
- Doctorate in Management, Organizational Leadership, University of Phoenix
- MBA, Cleveland State University
- BA, Political Science, Ohio University
As Vice Provost, Doris Savron oversees the strategy for University of Phoenix colleges, program and curriculum design, institutional assessment, and faculty performance and coaching. This includes oversight of strategy for degree, certificate and course offerings, design of curriculum and student learning outcomes for the University. Savron works collaboratively with her team members to innovate academic solutions that enable the University to provide exceptional student experiences and learning environments to support student success.
Savron’s thought leadership has appeared in Education Technology Insights, HR.com, The EvoLLLution, GovernmentTechnology, and Higher Education Digest, as well as the EdUp Podcast and The LearningMate Podcast.
Marc Booker
Vice Provost, Strategy
transfer credit innovation
learning mobility
postsecondary access
Education:
- PhD in Higher Education Administration, University of Phoenix
- Master of Management, University of Phoenix
- BS, Management, University of Phoenix
As Vice Provost for Strategy at the University of Phoenix, Marc Booker oversees critical path academic initiatives to improve the student experience such as learning platform implementations, curricular enhancements, developing innovative academic program designs and creating empathetic solutions to drive improved student outcomes.
Marc’s insights and thought leadership have been featured in CIO, Human Resources Director, The Learning Counsel, EdUp AI, Workable, SHRM, HR Daily Advisor, and Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine.
Devin Andrews
Vice Provost, Assessment and Evaluation
credit for prior learning (CPL)
transfer credit pathways
Education:
- MBA, University of Phoenix
- MAED, Adult and Distance Learning, University of Phoenix
- BS, Political Science, University of Arizona
Devin Andrews serves as Vice President of Admissions and Evaluation, where she brings her passion for helping adult learners achieve their educational goals. She has led University-wide initiatives related to technology and innovation to improve outcomes for diverse stakeholders. This includes increasing credit for prior learning through improved awareness and experience, as well as decreased cost.
Devin has provided thought leadership and insights to outlets including The EvoLLLution, and on local affiliates of ABC, NBC, and CBS in numerous media tours.
Pamela Roggeman
Dean, College of Education
K-12 Educaton Training
Education leadership
Education:
- Ed.D., Education Leadership and Innovation, Arizona State University
- MS, Educational Psychology, University of Arizona
- BS, Secondary Education, University of Arizona
Pamela Roggeman is the College of Education Dean at University of Phoenix. There, she has led the work of preparing thousands of teacher-candidates in numerous states satisfy credentialing requirements. This experience has included national partnerships helping to advance thought-leadership in the field of education.
Pamela’s thought leadership has appeared in Parents, Scary Mommy, eSchoolNews, and Teachers of Vision, as well as local news affiliates.
Ashley Bartley
Associate Dean, College of Education
Classroom Innovation
Curriculum Development
Education:
- MAED, Adult Education and Training, University of Phoenix
- BS, Elementary Education, Arizona State University
Ashley Bartley serves as the Associate Dean for the College of Education at University of Phoenix overseeing the design, development, and management of College of Education programs and course curriculum. Bartley works as the administrative head of the college's advanced preparation programs and continuing education coursework.
Ashley has been featured in Pittsburgh Parent.
Lisa Ghormley
Associate Dean, College of Education
Teacher Preparation & Teacher Alternative Certification,
Tips for Parents of School-Aged Children
Education:
- Master’s of Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University
- BS, Elementary Education and Teaching, Grand Canyon University
Lisa Ghormley serves as the Associate Dean for the College of Education at University of Phoenix overseeing the design, development and management of College of Education programs and course curriculum. As the administrative head of the college's initial teacher preparation programs, Ghormley coordinates projects internally and externally with faculty, multiple colleges and departments within University and with various external stakeholders to maintain program rigor and authenticity. Ghormley also serves as the College of Education’s Coordinator for edTPA a performance-based, subject-specific assessment and support system for students who reside in states that it is needed for teacher licensure.
Health and wellness
University of Phoenix experts are available to discuss continuing education for nurses and nursing career outlook, mental well-being and recognizing mental health issues, and healthcare access, public policy and quality of care.
Sheila Babendir
Dean, College of Social and Behavioral Science
mental health & counseling
emotional wellness in education
Education:
- Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology, Argosy University
- MS, Counseling Education and Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sheila Babendir serves as Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Science, where she oversees curriculum development, faculty management, programmatic operations, and adherence to accreditation standards. Sheila has worked with geriatrics, children, families and the seriously mentally ill in multiple settings, including schools, community behavioral health, and medical clinics. Her work in the private practice medical field with the embedded model of integration led to a patient-centered approach that addressed the holistic needs of individuals.
Babendir has been featured in Medical Economics, Everyday Health, and HelloGiggles.
Raelene Brooks
Dean, College of Nursing
nursing & heart health
wellness & nutrition
Education:
- PhD, Nursing Science, University of San Diego
As the Dean of the College of Nursing at University of Phoenix, Raelene Brooks holds full responsibility and accountability for all aspects of the College of Nursing Programs. As a nursing researcher, she studies the long-term outcomes and weight regain in the bariatric surgery population and has presented nationally on the research topic.
Raelene’s insights have been featured in Consumer Reports, Forbes, Scary Mommy, Woman’s World, HuffPost, FortuneWell, and Travel + Leisure, as well as local affiliates for ABC.
Christine Karper
Program Chair, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Elder Care & Mental Health
Aging & Emotional Wellbeing
Education:
- PhD, Counselor of Education and Supervision, University of Central Florida
- MA, Mental Health Counseling, University of Central Florida
Christine Karper serves as Program Chair for University of Phoenix Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. In her work in academia, she has presented both nationally and internationally and has published articles in several journals in counseling, psychology, assessment, and technology. Her specialty areas in teaching include clinical based courses, technology in counselor education, counseling theories and positive psychology. Karper also works in program development, faculty development and serves as a Subject Matter Expert in curriculum development. As a clinician, Karper has experience working with a variety of individuals, with specialty area in depression and anxiety disorders utilizing mindfulness and positive psychology techniques.
Karper’s insights have been featured in CNBC, Kark.com, Martha Stewart Living and Women’s World.
Sun Jones
Systematic Program Evaluator and Curriculum Manager, College of Nursing
Patient Care in nursing
Health Education topics
Education:
- DNP, Family Practice, Arizona State University
- MSN, Family Practice Nursing, Arizona State University
In addition to her roles as Systematic Program and Curriculum Evaluator and an interim Program Chair for the Family Nurse Practitioner program—as well as associate faculty—Sun Jones is a dedicated member of her community and major contributor to her field, having founded the Arizona Korean Nurses Association and the Korean American Nurses Foundation. She has received commendation from the Arizona Governor for her role in COVID-19 vaccination clinics, as well as the March of Dimes HEROES IN ACTION Leadership Award in 2022.
Sun has been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Parents, MedShadow, POPSUGAR, and local affiliates for NBC.
Linnea Axman
Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Nursing
Public Health & nursing
Community health Education
Education:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Cinincatti
- Doctor of Public Health, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Science
- MS, Nursing, University of Kentucky
- BS, Nursing, University of Michigan
Linnea Axman is the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in the College of Nursing at University of Phoenix, where she directs the design and delivery of academic programs for the college. She is also Faculty in the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and MSN (ADM, INF, NED) Programs.
Linnea has been featured in Consumer Affairs, LiveScience, and Home Living Handbook.
Lauren Mott
Behavioral Science Faculty
First Responder Mental Health
Trauma-Informed Support
Education:
- PhD, Counselor Education and Supervision, University of the Cumberlands
- MS in Counseling, University of Phoenix
- MBA, University of Phoenix
- BFA, Photography, Arizona State University
Lauren Mott, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, MBA, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of expertise in addiction and trauma counseling. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and brings a wealth of experience from diverse clinical settings, including residential inpatient facilities, intensive outpatient programs, community mental health centers, university counseling clinics, and private practice. Mott's research and teaching focus is on process and substance addictions, intimacy disorders, and sizeism. Committed to advancing the field of counseling, she is dedicated to supporting and mentoring future professionals in their journey into the field.
Mott has appeared in Associated Press.
Sara Briggs
Behavioral Science Faculty
Workplace Burnout
Employee Mental Health
Education:
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, University of the Cumberlands
- MS in Clinical Counseling, Central Methodist University
- BS in Psychology from Central Methodist University
Sara Briggs is a core faculty member at University of Phoenix. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Clinical Supervisor in Missouri, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She has gained clinical experience in private practice, community mental health agencies, acute psychiatric hospital settings, and in higher education. Her research interests include individual wellness and self-care, women’s issues, grief, and criminal justice.
Briggs has appeared in Parents and GOBankingRates.
Rebecca Hug
Behavioral Science Faculty
Mental Health
Youth Wellness Trends
Education:
- PhD, Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services, Kent State University
- MA, Mental Health Counseling/Councerlor, Methodist Theological School in Ohio
Rebecca Hug is a Counselor Educator, National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with supervisory designation (LPCC-S; Ohio). She served for nearly a decade as a community organizer and cultural competence coach before transitioning into counselor education. Hug prioritizes the integration of student professional identity development with skills mastery. She supports student exploration through her areas of expertise, including systemic and generational trauma that impacts partnering, parenting, and professionalism. Hug has served in myriad settings including private practice, agency, school, in-patient hospitalization, and out-patient adventure therapy. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and utilizes this approach in her solo private practice.
Hug has been featured in Vox, Everyday Health, and SheKnows.
Business and leadership
Human resources trends, employee training and retention, organizational culture, emotional intelligence in leaders, marketing, communication and hybrid work are among the topics these experts are available to discuss.
Kathryn Uhles
Dean, College of Business and Information Technology
Business & IT Career paths
academic micro credentials
Education:
- Master of Information Systems and MS in Psychology, University of Phoenix
- BS, Elementary Education, Arizona State University
Kathryn Uhles serves as faculty and Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology overseeing the business and IT program and course offerings as well as the college faculty. During her tenure as Associate Dean, she helped to develop 13 new IT degree and certificate programs. Kathryn has also strengthened relationships with industry certification bodies, CompTIA and EC Council, to expand course and exam offerings. University of Phoenix was awarded an EC Council Circle of Excellence award each year during her tenure in the role.
Kathryn’s thought leadership has been seen in eCampusNews and HR.com.
Rodney Luster
Research Chair, College of Doctoral Studies
Research and Design
psychology And Mental Health
Education:
- Post-Doctoral Work, Mental Health Counseling, The Johns Hopkins University
- PhD, Human Servies with Specialization in Professional Counseling, Capella University
- MS, Psychology and Sociology, Our Lady of the Lake University
As the Senior Director of Research Strategy, Innovation, and Development for the Research Center Enterprise (RSE) within the College of Doctoral Studies, Rodney Luster leads innovation in research, as well as connecting the pragmatics of research to industry. A major part of this role is communicating out the research potentials inside the RSE. He also oversees the Committee on Research, is Chair for the Center of Leadership Studies and Organizational Research, and is Lead Designer for the research periodical called Phoenix Scholar.
Rodney is a contributor to Psychology Today.
Kimberly Underwood
Research Chair, College of Doctoral Studies
Mentorship for Workforce Engagement, Generative AI in HR
Organizational wellness
Education:
- PhD in Educational Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago
- Executive Certificate in Strategic Inclusion Management from Georgetown University, Health and Wellness Coaching, from Duke University
- MBA, Strategic Organizational Behavior and Marketing, IIT Stuart School of Business
Kimberly Underwood serves as University Research Chair for the Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research at UOPX. Her research agenda includes numerous publications, conference presentations, and speaking events including topics surrounding organizational socialization processes, generational research, fostering organizational belonging, building inclusive leadership, and research methods. She also received numerous awards, including UPCEA Research and Scholarship Award and Georgetown University’s Tropaia Outstanding Faculty Award.
Underwood has been featured in HRO Today, EduLedger, and HR.com.
Mansureh Kebritchi
Research Chair, College of Doctoral Studies
Ethical use of AI
Workforce Upskilling & Reskilling
Education:
- PhD in Education, Instructional Technology, University of Central Florida
- Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, University of Toronto
Mansureh Kebritchi, PhD, is a research methodologist and instructional designer dedicated to mentoring doctoral students and supporting faculty in research and publications. Kebritchi serves as the Founder and Chair of the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research at University of Phoenix. Additionally, she leads several workshops and groups, including the Dissertation to Publication, the AI Research Group, and the Research Methodology Group. She has also been a guest editor for the Phoenix Scholar Special Editions.
Kebritchi’s thought leadership has appeared in The EvoLLLution, The AI Journal, and Women.com.