Born in Troy, Ohio; B.A. in English literature from Miami University; M.Ed. in higher education from the University of Georgia; 30-years’ service in higher education, providing leadership to students, faculty, and staff; held formal leadership positions as a women’s center director, Faculty-in-Residence program director, program manager for NEW Leadership (a national women’s leadership institute), and instructor of gender studies; co-owner of SAGA Leadership Associates, specializing in diversity and inclusion, women’s leadership, and team collaboration.