Your professors come from different backgrounds – they're dedicated to providing you the highest quality education possible. Meet your coaches, mentors, and motivators.

The personal touch

When you have a dedicated team on your side, you'll never be alone. Hailing from many different countries and with online education expertise, our faculty provides you world-class support. Ask them questions during one-to-one office hours or live chat, email them any time, and get individual feedback on your assessments.

Our Faculty - Team Members

Dr. Kyle Allison
Associate Faculty
- Doctor of Business Administration, California Intercontinental University
- MBA, Amberton University
- BA in Communication Studies, University of North Texas
Dr. Kyle Allison is an experienced digital marketing executive and professor in the field. He possesses over a decade of working in corporate e-commerce and digital marketing with companies such as Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, VF Corporation and other top retail and brand companies.
Read more
Focusing on developing marketing strategy at the heart of being customer-centric, is Dr. Allison's passion in his career. Focusing on driving optimized user experiences, strategic marketing campaigns, and driving analytical solutions to meet the needs of the market, is the key pillars of his experience and career interest.

Providing that real-world application and experience into the classroom as a passionate instructor and content expert is what drives his scholarly spirit.

He holds a Doctorate of Business Administration from California Intercontinental University, an MBA from Amberton University, and a BA in Communication Studies from the University of North Texas.

Aside from being a scholarly practitioner, he spends his free time with family and keeping up with current events.
Dr. Bari Courts
Associate Faculty
- Ph.D., Organizational Management, Capella University
- M.S., Global Business Blockchain, University of the Cumberlands
- M.A., Healthcare Administration, Ashford University
- M.B.A., Management, University of Cincinnati
- B.A., Mathematics, Kenyon College
Dr. Bari Courts is an experienced instructor and lecturer with a demonstrated history of working in the global higher education industry. Skilled in E-Learning, Adult Education, Staff Development, Leadership Development, and Distance Learning. Strong management professional with a Ph.D. focused in Organizational Management from Capella University.
Read more
Three Masters degrees in Management, Global Business Blockchain and Healthcare Administration. Able to teach Economics, Management, Finance, Accounting, and International Business. Have instructed in 15 different foreign countries including China, Vietnam, Cameroon, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Argentina, Mexico, Romania, and Spain.
Dr. Damian Dunbar
Associate Faculty
- Doctor of Business Administration, Leadership, Walden University
- M.B.A., Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, Colorado Technical University
- B.B.A., Business Administration and Management, Baker College of Flint
Dr. Dunbar is an experienced Policy Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in Management, Training, Financial Analysis, Quality Assurance, and Army. Strong finance professional with a Doctor of Business Administration focused in Leadership from Walden University.
Dr. Howard Fero
Associate Faculty
- B.A., Psychology/Marketing, Hofstra University
- M.S., Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Baruch College
- Ph.D., Organizational Behavior, Claremont Graduate University
Dr. Howard Fero is an author, speaker, professor, consultant, and executive coach who inspires and empowers others to achieve their leadership potential. He is a sought-after speaker and has been recognized as an ‘inspirational, motivational, and innovative facilitator’.
Read more
Dr. Fero works with individuals and groups helping them to cultivate their leadership, identify and focus their motivation, and create high-performing teams. He is the Director of Graduate Leadership Programs and a Professor of Management and Leadership at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT. In 2014 Dr. Fero was recognized as a Business New Haven Rising Star. He is a strong believer in giving back and serves on the Advisory Boards of Directors of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England and Homes for the Brave.

Dr. Fero is the author of Lead Me Out to the Ballgame: Stories and Strategies to Develop Major League Leadership, the result of over 100 interviews with Major League Baseball players and managers. In his inspirational, entertaining, eye opening, and practical keynotes, Dr. Fero engages his audiences with stories of how Major League Baseball managers lead their team, inspire trust, and create a winning culture. It’s based on these stories and the strategies which Dr. Fero and his co-author identified, that people in all walks of life can develop Major League Leadership.
Dr. Emilsen Holguin
Associate Faculty
Known for transforming dreams into plans
- Doctor of Business Administration, Leadership. Walden University
- Master of Business Administration, Excelsior College
- Bachelors of Sciences, Excelsior College
- Institute for Management and Leadership in Education, Harvard University
Dr. Holguin combines professional and academic experience. She brings over 15 years of experience in the banking and fashion industry. Her expertise includes helping startups to develop their strategies and business plans. In addition, Dr. Holguin has served as a business consultant in areas related to organizational culture and business strategy.
Read more
Dr. Holguin is a passionate advocate for online learning. She has held various senior roles in higher education institutions, among them associate provost for student services and assistant provost for academic operations. She has served as a leader for higher education regional accreditation reviews and manage state registrations of over 30-degree programs.

Her research interest is human behavior in the workplace. Dr. Holguin has 10 years of teaching experience. She has taught leadership, organizational behavior and management.
Dr. Michael H. McGivern
Associate Faculty
Known for using common sense and helping others to succeed
- Ph.D., Organizational Development, Walden University
- M.S., Manufacturing Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- B.S., Industrial Engineering, Central Connecticut State University
Michael has professional experience in managing and consulting on Organizational Development/Redesign, Operations & Quality Management, and Human Resource issues. He held the position of Executive Consultant for a global consulting firm and positions in Fortune500 organizations as Manager of Organizational Effectiveness, Manager of Manufacturing, Superintendent and Manufacturing & Quality Engineer
Read more
Michael’s visiting professor experience focuses on the delivery of courses on the following: Corporate Sustainability, Ethics, Economics, Organizational Development/Behavior, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Operations Management, Quality Management and Dissertation/Thesis research.

Michael has also presented at numerous conferences including IAMB, ACBSP, FBI National Training Academy, Clemson University, University of North Texas, UCEA New England, Maynard Consulting, ASQ, AMA, SHRM, QACC, Timken Bearing and Industry Week’s America’s Best Plants. Michael has contributed articles to a variety of professional journals including IJSITA, IAMB, Development Dimensions International, Management Decisions, AMA, SHRM, and Futurics
Dr. Bill Reed
Associate Faculty
- Bachelor of Science in Technology
- Master of Science in Management
- Ph.D. is in Management Performance and Leadership
Dr. Bill Reed has over 21 years of experience in graduate-level teaching, including experience in the online model. Throughout his career, he was involved in the development of sales and management personnel, organizational behavior, and front-line and executive-level leadership. He also pursued academic experiences where his academic background compliments his business and management experience.
Read more
His first academic degree was a Bachelor of Science in Technology. Later, he successfully completed a Master of Science in Management. His Ph.D. is in Management Performance and Leadership.

Dr. Reed began his working career as a corporate pilot, with type ratings in Lear Jet, serving executive clients throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico. After seven years of flying experience, he accepted a position with the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller in both Chicago and New York. In 1981, he entered the business world, owning numerous businesses and organizations. During this time, he was active in the training and development of his salespeople and managers. After 17 years of self-employment, he entered the corporate environment where he was active in management for almost 9 years. His most recent corporate position was Executive Director of Sales for a division of a $2.5 billion sales organization.
Dr. Michael Simms
Associate Faculty
- Ph.D., Political Science & Government, Howard University
- D.Mgt., Business Administration & Management, University of Maryland Global Campus
Dr. Michael Simms
Dr. Keith Wade
Associate Faculty
- B.A., Business & Economics, St. Andrews University
- M.A., Organizational Management, University of Phoenix
- D.B.A., Management, Argosy University
Keith is a senior executive with extensive skills in reviving community and corporate operations through strategic finance, HR, legal, risk management, external relations, quality, marketing, and customer service and satisfaction. Skilled in roles such as VP of Administration, Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Vice President Operations, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Executive Officer, etc.
Mark McCoy
Associate Faculty
Known for building educational wealth that transcends for generations
- Ph.D. of Business and Technology, Capella University
- M.S. of Project Management, Keller Graduate School of Management
- MBA of Business Administrations, Keller Graduate School of Management
- B.S. of Project Management, IT Security Management, ITT Technical Institute of Business and Technology
Mark McCoy is a Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP) and a passionate educator. He executes and connects arguments on topics with genuine relationships. His philosophy is to enable students with teaching that relates to and reinforces learning objectives so students can deliver those taught skills in their current job or future endeavors.
Read more
“I am a first-generational academic in my family like most of you. I want students to observe the opportunities in their education and embrace the results of success and prosperity.”

Marks' full-time hybrid remote position is Vice President of Information Technology, Business Solution for a bio-engineering firm located in Minnesota. He is also a business owner and has teaching relationships with other schools. He is continuing his education by obtaining a Ph.D. in Business Administration and Information Technology. When he is not working or teaching, or learning, he enjoys family, hiking, walking, and traveling to foreign countries.
Adebowale Onatolu
Associate Faculty
Known for studying forever to enhance his knowledge
- Doctor of Business Administration, University of Phoenix
- Master of Science, Marketing Communications, Roosevelt University
- Bachelor of Arts, Business & Management, Northeastern Illinois University
Adebowale (Debo) Onatolu holds a BA degree in Business and Management, MSMC degree in Marketing Communications and a Doctorate in Business Administration. Teaching for Debo was something that he always planned on doing because it would allow him to stay in the classroom and keep him studying forever.
Read more
His professional experience includes corporate positions with a National Hospitality company that managed gift shops in fine hotels. He owned and managed an insurance agency for a national insurance company for 10 years before getting into the teaching profession. Dr. Debo still participates in various conferences and workshops to enhance his knowledge in his business contents areas and has over 15 years of education experience as an instructor and a year plus as Academic Department Chair. In his spare time, Dr. Debo likes to watch war movies, American football, soccer, and CNBC and relaxes with marketing and management reading materials.
Aimellia Siemson
Associate Faculty
- B.A., Political Science, Economics, California State University, Fresno
- M.A., International Relations, California State University, Fresno
- J.D., Law, University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law
Aimellia is a seasoned professional with experience in direct legal representation, education, policy, marketing, and human resources.
Aisling Byrne
Associate Faculty
Known for enabling people and organizations to grow and develop
- CPTD, Certified Professional in Talent Development
- SHRM-SCP, Senior Certified Human Resources Professional
- M.S. Business, Leadership and Management, Western Governors University
- B.S. Business, Human Resources Management, Western Governors University
Ms. Byrne combines professional and academic experience as a strategic people and talent leader and educator . Ms. Byrne has served in senior HR leadership roles in national, global and start-up organizations in a variety of industries including e-commerce, retail, hospitality, real estate, property management, healthcare, and technology.
Read more
Ms. Byrne has extensive professional HR experience leading the development and implementation of strategic people and organization initiatives in Talent Development, Performance Management, Employee Experience and Engagement, Rewards & Recognition, Learning and Development, Leadership Development and Organizational Transformation.

Ms. Byrne is a passionate advocate for online learning and has also held various roles in higher education institutions where she served as faculty and as a lead program designer in online learning. Her experiences across many industries allow her to make strong connections with students in multiple professional fields and degree programs.

Ms. Byrne is also member of SHRM’s Advocacy Team where she advises and advocates on crucial issues shaping public, social and business policies and is also an advisor with the SHRM Foundation championing research based solutions and awarding scholarships to developing HR professionals. In addition, Ms. Byrne is also a writer and contributing editor on current HR and careers topics.

Ms. Byrne is an advocate of non-profits and provides pro bono HR consulting for the Taproot Foundation as well as serving as an advisory board member for an education non-profit.
Nicholas Bucciarelli
Associate Faculty
Known for Artificial Intelligence and Automation
- BA History, Saint John Fisher College
- MS in Software Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology
- MBA in Business Administration, Rochester Institute of Technology
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- E-Cornell-Marketing AI Certification
Nicholas Bucciarelli has over 47 years of professional experience that spans both the public and private sectors relative to the research and development of advanced technologies and supporting methods across multiple industries that involved managing diverse and large product teams.
Read more
The acquisition of this experience was in the capacity as Chief Information Officer with Unisys with responsibility for the development of disruptive and advanced technologies relative to new product development, Senior Director of Product Development and Enterprise Architecture Initiatives for Oracle, Director of Middleware Technology Development and Clinical Analytics Initiatives for IBM, Director of Software Product Development, Engineering Standards, and Enterprise Architecture for Lockheed Martin, Director of Software Product Development and Engineering Standards for Xerox, Director of Software Engineering and Information Technology Infrastructure for Eastman Kodak, Manager of Software Engineering for Bausch and Lomb, Manager of Application Development and Data Center Operations for Gannett Corporate, Senior Clinical Solutions Architect for Rochester Regional Health, Vice President of Product Development for Bio-Medical Systems and Bio-Informatics Data Scientist for OSP Labs, Manager of Software Product/Analytics Engineering, Information Technology, and Quality Assurance Manager for Han-Tek Corporation, and Calvary Robotics as Chief Architect /Technology Manager for New Product Development with a concentration on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence specific to commercial and military products.

Nicholas's current position is with Unisys Corporation as Senior Director of Cloud & Infrastructure Services (Unisys), serving as Chief Product Architect for Solution Strategy. In his role, he has responsibilities for Product Development for Machine Learning/Cognitive Agents, Robotic Process Automation Agents, Natural Language Processing components, Business Process Model driven AI capabilities as the Senior Lead Data Scientist as well as Senior Lead Cloud Architect for client based deployments and migrations across Azure, AWS, Google, Oracle, IBM, and SAP supporting AIOps client initiatives. In addition, he is supporting DevSecOps and interoperability with open source technologies, Identity Digital Management (IDM), Modernization and Migration-based solutions, etc.

In addition, an enormous amount of professional experience in the computer industry, which includes several key corporations where Nicholas also worked in parallel to his full-time positions in the 1980’s through 1990’s with major computer corporations: Control Data, HP, General Data, GE/Honeywell, Prime, Burroughs/UNISYS, Apple, Compaq, Xerox, Danka, EDS, CSC, Amdahl, Digital etc., as a means to enrich his Information Technology skills through applied knowledge.

In parallel to this experience and his current position with Unisys is his mentoring at the collegiate level for Cornell University as an Instructor for eCornell and a Senior Fellow for Systems and Software Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to this role with Cornell University, Nicholas taught for Penn State, Syracuse, Saint John Fisher College, State University of New York, at Brockport and Alfred State, Columbia School of Medicine, Elmira College, Regis University, Southern New Hampshire University, Champlain College, and served as Senior Advisor to the University Alliance for SAP Studies at the University of Wisconsin. Nicholas provided workshops to several branches of the military relative to cybersecurity requirements to prevent SQL Injection attacks, deploy artificial neural-networks, configure cryptographic modules, and develop enterprise-wide security architecture models that span a four-tier systems architecture model, etc.

Nicholas is a results-driven technologist with proven success in building and leading global teams of technical professionals in designing, developing, implementing and innovating data and security enterprise technologies and infrastructures. Nicholas is adept at solving complex technical problems and leading innovation in Information Technology projects related to the Department of Defense (DoD), CENTCOM, National Security Agency (NSA), US Military Branches, etc., while working for Oracle, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Eastman Kodak as well as doing work in these areas for several Federal Civilian Agencies such as GSA, FDA, IRS, etc.
Christopher Fant
Associate Faculty
- MBA, Gardner-Webb University
- BSBM, Clemson University
Christopher Fant
Carolyn Hess
Associate Faculty
- BS Sociology, SUNY College at Buffalo
- MS Biology, UT Arlington
Carolyn Hess is a Life Sciences teacher through and through. Having taught a spectrum of Sciences for 24 years, she enjoys "spreading the word" about Science in both face-to-face and remote milieus. Her recent experience includes Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Anatomy & Physiology (secondary and post-secondary).
Read more
When Carolyn is not teaching, she loves to be active and outdoors, whether it is hiking, participating in water activities such as paddle-boarding or swimming at the beach, or anything else! She finds touching and smelling (and catching!) biological things irresistible, and will usually save a worm on a bike trail, help the turtle cross the road, or find herself with a pocket full of shells or rocks at the end of a long walk.
Lonnie Jacobs, Jr.
Associate Faculty
- B.S., Computer Information Systems & Business Management, Grambling State University
- M.A., Elementary Education & Teaching, University of Phoenix
- M.B.A., Project Management, Strayer University
Lonnie Jacobs, Jr. has fifteen years’ experience in Supply Chain Management. Presently, he works for Verizon Communications (a fortune 15 company). In this role, Lonnie directs and influences global procurement operations in the areas of professional services, technology, and global real estate, with an annual spend of over $300 million.
Read more
Lonnie holds major responsibilities to review and execute contract compliancy, payment terms, and project affiliation. Lonnie has also worked for other fortune 500 companies such as Air Products & Chemicals, Lockheed Martin, and Honeywell Aerospace. Lonnie has gained valuable experience in these roles as well as others that would be an asset to any organization.
Traci Sumner
Associate Faculty
Known for teaching all kinds of history
- M.A. History, CSU Stanislaus
- B.A. History, CSU Stanislaus
Traci Sumner is a higher education veteran with nine years of college instructor experience and eight years of alternative high school instructor experience. She has a BA and an MA in history from CSU Stanislaus and is deeply passionate about history.
Read more
Traci teaches because she wants to give back the excellent education she has been lucky enough to receive. While education has been a big part of her life, it isn't everything. She has two wonderful kids and a husband who keeps the technology running. Her hobbies include reading and cooking. She lives in the sunny Central Valley in California with her family and dog.
Dr. Olufunke (Funke) Akiyode
Associate Faculty
Known for inspiring people
- PhD, Public Health, UTHealth Houston
- MBA, Human Resource Management, Strayer University
- MHSA, Health Service Administration, Strayer University
- Graduate Certificate, Management and Finance for International Health, Boston University
- BSc, Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- National Diploma (AA), Accounting, Ogun State Polytechnic
Funke is a multipotentialite with over two decades of experience in global health, nonprofit, research, and education. She has taken leadership roles at nonprofit organizations, and public and private educational organizations. She has presented papers nationally and internationally on global health, social issues, management, and finance areas.
Read more
She is a business owner and believes that impacting and improving people’s health is one of her life's calling. She is an educator who also believes that education makes the world better. She also believes that people’s health status can be improved by improving their socio-economic status and has devoted her life to finding ways to improve the socio-economic and health status of populations.
Dr. Michael B. Rodriguez
Teaching Faculty
Known for training facilitation, public speaking, and research
- Master in Business Administration, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines
- Doctor of Business Administration, Lyceum of the Philippines University
Dr. Michael B. Rodriguez is a scholar in the field of business, a well-versed researcher, international resource speaker, and a dedicated professor. He has over nine (9) years of experience in the Higher Education industry. He was the Program Head of BS Business Administration, Assistant Professor, and Faculty Researcher in one of the Philippines’ top universities.
Read more
His experiences in curriculum development, experiential learning, and business research made him a passionate and creative educator that focuses on competency-based education. Dr. Rodriguez earned his Doctor of Business Administration Degree in the Lyceum of the Philippines University - Batangas, Philippines with Academic Excellence Award in 2017; his Master in Business Administration in the same University in 2014. With his strong intellectual and practical foundation on business, research, and education, tagged with his determination and work ethics, Dr. Rodriguez continues to improve his craft by establishing links with national and international organizations.
Creselda Jane Ebba
Faculty and Technology Coordinator
Known for human resource and language expertise
- BSBA Marketing Management, University of the Cordilleras
- Master in Business Administration, University of the Cordilleras
Cres has more than 7 years of industry experience, with a specialization in human resource management.

She is certified in conducting targeted selection interviews and language assessments. With a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing Management, she pursued her MBA in the University of the Cordilleras-Philippines. In the same institution, she began her career in the academe as an instructor.
Read more
Her experience expands from customer service, compliance, administrative management, labor relations, to organizational development.

Outside work, Cres is passionate about travelling and sustainable living. She advocates for mental health and women's rights.
Maria Chiu
Associate Faculty
- B.S., Hospitality Management, San Sebastian College – Recoletos
- M.B.A., Chiang Kai Shek College
Based in the Philippines, Maria Chiu has worked in higher education roles specializing in different course subjects, including Business Management, Tourism and Hospitality Management. She endeavors to deliver quality education to learners and is passionate about helping learners understand the subject matter.
Read more
Maria has also worked as Department Head in various retail companies making her experienced in the fields of providing quality service, customer relationship management, strategic management problem solving and analysis.
Professor Hector Guiellmo Gonzales
Associate Faculty
- MBA, Universidad Católica de Córdoba
Hector Gonzalez is a forward-thinking executive with demonstrated ability to enhance operational performance, impact revenue growth, and maximize operating profits through people alignment, technology-based processes, and culture development. He has experience managing multi-million dollar P&L throughout highly regulated and economically fluctuant environments.
Read more
Hector Gonzalez has international experience in a wide range of industries. He is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
Dr. Raphael Wanjiku
Teaching Faculty
- Ph.D., Information Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
- M.Sc., Software Engineering, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
- B.Sc., Computer Science, Africa Nazarene University
Raphael is an Experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in PHP, Mobile Applications, Java, and Linux. Strong business development professional with a Google Africa Challenge Scholarship focused in Android Developer from Udacity.
Read more
Watch to learn more.
Dr. Rajan Thapaliya
Associate Faculty
- Ph.D. Data Science, National University
- M.S. Data Science, National University
- B.S. Science, Southern New Hampshire University
Dr. Rajan Thapaliya is an accomplished data scientist and professor with an impressive background in the field of data science. He holds a Master's and Ph.D. in Data Science from the National University of California and has obtained numerous certifications from industry leaders such as IBM, Google, and Amazon.
Read more
With his real-world experience and practical knowledge, he brings a wealth of information to his graduate-level and doctoral (Ph.D.) level data science courses.
Dr. Cornelius Session
Associate Faculty
- D.B.A. Strategy and Innovation, Walden University
- M.S. Management, Colorado Technical University
- M.A. Media Studies, The New School
- B.A. Journalism and Mass Media, Rutgers University
Dr. Sessions is an analytical, highly adaptable professional with extensive experience developing, deploying, and evaluating systems aimed at improving quality and efficiency. Skilled in aligning end-user needs with long-term resolutions to complex media challenges.
Dr. JeFreda Brown
Associate Faculty
- M.B.A. Accounting and Finance, Mississippi College
- M.B.A. Business Administration with Finance Concentration, Mississippi College
- B.S. Math, Mississippi State University
- D.B.A. Finance, Walden University
For over twenty years, Dr. Brown has empowered individuals to make informed and positive financial decisions in federal, nonprofit, corporate, and academic sectors.
Dr. Justin Goldston
Associate Faculty
- Ph.D. Management - Leadership and Organizational Change, Walden University
- M.S.C.M. Supply Chain Management, Penn State University
- M.Phil. Leadership and Organizational Change, Walden University
- B.S. Supply Chain Management, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Dr. Justin Goldston is a Professor of Project and Supply Chain Management at Penn State University where his research is focused on blending the practices of supply chain management, emerging technologies, and sustainability to create positive global change.
Adel Entino
Teaching Faculty
- M.B.A. Business Administration and Management, Jobs for Business and Arts
- B.S. Business and Technology Education, University of Caloocan City
With over ten years of work experience as a teacher and an assistant professor, Adel Entino is passionate about educating and inspiring students in the fields of business and mathematics.
Queeneth Okoro
Teaching Faculty
- M.Com. Business Management and International Business, University of South Africa
- B.Com. Entrepreneurship, University of South Africa
Queeneth Okoro

Testimonials

My weekly reflective journal is my Nexford highlight. Thanks to faculty support, I continually apply principles to my enterprise – and I've been able to scale beyond considerable measure.