As a higher education professional with nearly 20 years of experience in teaching, administration, and research, I am currently the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. In my role, I provide strategic oversight and direction for all aspects of my division, including budgeting, curriculum development, program administration, and faculty support. I am also an integral member of the college's senior leadership team, collaborating on institutional planning and policy initiatives to advance our mission and support student success.Alongside my administrative responsibilities, I continue to teach in historical and religious studies as an Associate Professor, connecting my academic and professional expertise with student engagement. I am honored to be a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society of Great Britain, recognizing my contributions to historical scholarship, including my book, A Body Politic to Govern: The Political Humanism of Elizabeth I, and additional published research on the intersections of history, religion, and politics.My passion is to inspire students, support their academic achievements, and deepen the scholarly understanding of the past through a dedicated approach to both leadership and education.