WGU NBMBAA® Virtual Club Join Us for Professional Development Webinars

Stay Tuned for Upcoming NBMBAA® Webinars!
Previous NBMBAA Webinars
October 5, 2022: The Power of Presence: How to Strategically Leverage Decisiveness, Grit, and Vision to Achieve the Long Game Goals of Your Life
The Power of Presence: How to Strategically Leverage Decisiveness, Grit, and Vision to Achieve the Long Game Goals of Your Life
OCTOBER 5TH WEBINAR FEATURING KASSANDRA VAUGHN
In this session, Kassandra will discuss the 7 steps required to create and sustain the momentum necessary to cast your vision, strategically plan your way to your goals, turn the obstacles into opportunities, all while being seen and heard in a world that would prefer you be the opposite.
Meet the Speaker
Kassandra Vaughn
Kassandra Vaughn is a Product Manager at Western Governors University (WGU). In her 12 years at WGU, Kassandra has been involved in the creation of New Faculty Orientation, ongoing faculty training and the instructional design of new curriculums for faculty at the university. In addition to her work in leading project management for NGE training development at WGU, Kassandra created a number of emotional intelligence based programs for faculty, including The Art of Possibility, a program designed to help faculty develop resilience, grit, and graduation success for undergraduate students in the College of Business. Author of over 30 books, including her latest book Overcoming Covert Narcissistic Abuse: A Coaching Approach to Reclaiming Emotional Freedom In and Out of Covert Narcissistic Relationships, Kassandra’s mission is to help people transform their limiting beliefs, rewrite their life stories, and activate the leader within.

September 14, 2022: Leveraging Humor at Work to Strengthen Workplace Relationships
Leveraging Humor at Work to Strengthen Workplace Relationships
SEPTEMBER 14TH WEBINAR FEATURING DR. DUGGER AND DR. WALL-CARTY
Join the WGU NBMBAA Virtual Club as the WGU SHRM Virtual Student Chapter faculty advisors, Dr. Ashley W. Dugger and Dr. Sean Wall-Carty, present on how to use humor at work to strengthen workplace relationships, build resiliency, and strengthen connection and trust with colleagues.


About Dr. Ashley W. Dugger
Dr. Ashley W. Dugger began her career in higher education leadership and has since focused her professional career in operational leadership and human resources management, and holds a Doctorate of Business Administration, as well as her SHRM-CP certification. She joined WGU as the Program Chair for the HR Management degree in 2019. She also has extensive experience as a faculty member at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and has focused her faculty work with primarily adult learners in the online education/blended experience space.
Ashley has presented for organizations such as ACBSP, Online Learning Consortium, SHRM, and CUPA-HR. Her work has been published with HR Professionals Magazine, Talent Management, and Higher Ed HR Magazine.
About Dr. Sean Wall-Carty
Dr. Sean Wall‐Carty holds a PhD in Human Resources Management from North Central University. He also earned an MBA in Human Resources Management, a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and an associate degree in Business. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Phoenix. His prior experience includes graduate level college teaching, leadership seminars, training classes, and consulting.
Sean’s corporate experience includes a blend of supporting the human resources functions for profit retail businesses and children focused non‐profit missions. His personal mission is to provide guidance and support in every interaction with optimism and clarity for positive student outcomes and have a great time doing it!
August 18, 2022: Mapping Out a Sense of Meaning and Purpose Through The Lens of Logotherapy
Mapping Out a Sense of Meaning and Purpose Through The Lens of Logotherapy
AUGUST 18TH WEBINAR FEATURING KEVIN HALL
This session is designed to help participants understand and integrate some of the essential elements of Viktor Frankl's Logotherapy by designing a "meaning map" that can apply to their personal and professional contexts. We will explore some of the practical applications of being in pursuit of purpose as well as an attitude that we can take toward unavoidable suffering. If you have ever wondered about some of the best ways to respond to challenges and how to discover a sense of meaning and purpose in life, this presentation is for you.

About Kevin Hall
Kevin Hall currently serves as the Learning and Organizational Quality Manager for WGU Academy with 8 years of learning and development experience. He has worked with individuals and teams for the purpose of helping them establish healthy connections with themselves and others, personally and professionally. Kevin is passionate about creating inspirational spaces tor others to help them make the necessary and meaningful changes that empower them to flourish. He is the founder and CEO of the GoodSpace Collaborative, an educational company that focuses on the power of connection.
Kevin currently holds a Master's in Education and is making his way toward completing an Ed. D in Organizational Development.
August 3, 2022: Salary Talk
Salary Talk
AUGUST 3RD WEBINAR FEATURING CLIFF GARINN
There are a few things mom taught us about how to behave at the dinner table or in the company of guests: don’t talk about politics, religion, or money! Negotiating career salaries and asking for more money can be very uncomfortable. Job seekers can sometimes feel powerless when it comes to salary negotiation once they reach the interview stage. However, in today’s current environment of worker shortage and increased competition you may have more power than you think. The Salary Talk presentation from The Career & Professional Development Center will explore the strategies and resources of salary negotiation. This presentation will include what should be considered when approaching this topic and research tools to help develop informed negotiation tactics.

About Cliff Garinn
Cliff Garinn is an accomplished career specialist holding national certifications as a Career Coach and Resume Writer. His career path led to supervisory roles in the private sector and for the State of Texas as a career counselor for Project RIO: The Re-Integration of Offenders (A State program for Felons to re-enter the workforce).
Cliff was recruited to work for The University of Texas at Arlington as The Coordinator of Career Services. He over-saw The College of Business Career Services Office as well as worked with other graduate students and alumni from all academic units on campus. He has presented on a wide-range of career topics to both faculty and students alike. As a 9-year veteran of the US Navy and USMC, he was one of the founding members of the Student Veteran Advisory Council where he presented career-related topics to more than 1200 military veterans seeking their education and career paths.
Today, Cliff is on the WGU Career & Professional Development team of career advisors for all of our students and alumni throughout the entire university college system. He continues to bring a sense of compassion and empathy to engage WGU students in the best professional way possible. His knowledge of the hiring process, cutting-edge practice of resume development, and effective networking skills expands the professional scope of the team. Cliff works to empower students to take charge of their career path, to develop and design their career goals, and to execute and implement their career plan of action. He strives to advance equity for inclusion in a diverse workspace. He embodies the ability to engage respectfully in order to learn and accept differences as well as to achieve common goals together to advance equity and opportunity.
July 20, 2022: Why do I Feel Like a Fraud? Understanding and Working With Imposter Syndrome
Why do I Feel Like a Fraud? Understanding and Working With Imposter Syndrome
JULY 20TH WEBINAR FEATURING JENNIFER RHODES
Do you find yourself feeling like you don’t deserve to be in your current position or like you will be “found out” any day now? Do you have the tendency to attribute your career success to “luck” instead of true talent, skill, and ability? You may be suffering from imposter syndrome, which is defined as “a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persists despite evident success.”
View this informative webinar, which discusses characteristics of imposter syndrome, ways to identify this challenging phenomenon, ways to mitigate the negative messages that you may reinforce to yourself, and strategies to put to work right away. Put chronic self-doubt to rest and feel empowered through applying techniques for career resiliency!

About Jennifer Rhodes
Jennifer Rhodes is a Career Advisor with Western Governors University where she has served students and alumni in business, education, health professions, and I.T. in a fully remote capacity for nearly two years. Her areas of expertise relate to training and development, as well as webinar development and delivery, and Jennifer currently serves as a Social Emotional Learning Champion at WGU, where she helps to promote SEL principles to faculty, staff, and students. As a student affairs professional with over 15 years of experience related to the areas of admissions counseling, academic advising, adjunct teaching, career counseling and supervision of graduate students and staff, Jennifer feels privileged to have the opportunity to connect directly with students on a daily basis.
Jennifer’s personal mission to meet each student where they are while serving as a compassionate facilitator for lifelong academic/career exploration. One of her favorite quotes, by Maya Angelou, states, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it,” and she believes that this quote is exhibited in her everyday work with students. She thoroughly enjoys working with students from diverse backgrounds, and she has direct experience serving students from diverse populations such as veterans, first-generation students, international students, Native American students, and students with disabilities.
Jennifer also currently serves as adjunct faculty for the Maricopa Community Colleges in Phoenix, AZ, where she teaches in-person courses in Counseling and Personal Development, Career Development, and Careers in Sustainability.
Before serving as a Western Governors University career advisor, Jennifer served as a career coach for both the centralized career services office and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. She has worked with students ranging from first-time freshmen through PhD candidates, and enjoys the diversity of skills, life experiences, and related stories which each student possesses. Jennifer is originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, and she earned her Master of Arts in Counseling: Student Personnel Services from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, as well as her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Penn State Erie, the Behrend College. She is a certified MBTI practitioner, as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Jennifer also possesses the Global Career Development Facilitator certification and she is Past President of the Arizona Career Development Association. She currently resides in Tempe, Arizona.
June 22, 2022: Juneteenth Commemoration and Panel on Lifelong Learning





Dr. Franklin's Bio
Dr. Vincent Franklin served 25 years in the United States Marine Corps, earning the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant/E-9. During his service, Dr. Franklin served multiple tours of duty during Gulf War operations, specialized in leadership, leadership development, intelligence analysis, intelligence operations, and the development, management, and training of Marines. Dr. Franklin is a Bronze Star recipient.
Since retiring from the Marine Corps, Dr. Franklin has held positions in corporate human resource acquisition, development, management, and leadership; hospital performance improvement; worked as a Deputy Directorate Manager (Deputy G2) of a U. S. Army Command; and served as a Professor at the University level. Dr. Franklin has served as a Senior Instructor at Western Governors University since June 2019.
Dr. Franklin holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Organization and Management (Specializing in Leadership). Dr. Franklin’s principal areas of study include (but are not limited to): Leadership; Business management; In-group out-group theory; leader/member exchange theory; Prejudice and stereotyping; organizational cultural development; social group and social identity theory; and ethics within workplaces and work environments.
Dr. Franklin is a member of Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business Administration and is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Dr. Pack's Bio
Dr. Mamie L. Pack is a Senior Instructor in the Teachers College at Western Governors University. From writing grants to teach African American literature in high schools to creating diversity, equity and inclusion safe spaces for youth, Dr. Pack has spent more than 20 years in education, amplifying diverse voices. Mamie’s professional interests include cultural studies, educational equity, and mentoring. With a Ph.D. in Education in Mentoring and a MEd in Divergent Learning, she has served as a clinical supervisor and as a mentor for teachers entering education and also provides ongoing support for military spouses. Additionally, she serves as a consultant for teachers supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in her community. Mamie is passionate about breaking barriers in education. Mamie’s other roles include military spouse, mother, entrepreneur, and a former classroom teacher. Her business, Mamie L. Pack Media, creates stationery with purpose. She creates products to equip women to live a life of wholeness by focusing on emotional, physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.
Dr. Stewart's Bio
Dr. Michelle Stewart is a Senior Instructor in the College of Health Professions. She earned a Doctorate in Health Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Management in Health Care Management, and a Master of Public Administration. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and is actively involved in her local chapter. She serves on the Board of Directors as the Director of Student Affairs. She has worked in higher education for over a decade and has over 23 years of health care experience in direct patient care, clinical management, and health care education, with many of those years as a soldier in the United States Army. She believes in life-long education and views every day as a learning experience. She strongly believes in the application of knowledge, is very passionate about student success and is dedicated to the continuous advancement of health care and population health.
Dr. Ward's Bio
Dr. Deborah Ward has served as a faculty member at WGU for 12 years, working as a Program Mentor in the College of Business. She received her Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Northcentral University, and both her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science/Business Management degrees from the University of Phoenix. She also holds a Master in Education/Technology and Learning degree from Western Governors University.
Dr. Ward has worked in both for-profit and non-profit sectors in higher education for 17 years. She also has a background in law (criminal defense and personal injury) as a paralegal/Legal Administrator, with additional experience in management, marketing, city elections, and a strategic advising and consulting for nonprofit organizations.
Ann Leary's Bio
Ann Leary, Program Chair for Management and MBA at Western Governors University, has worked to foster positive experiences in higher education for over fifteen years. Her experiences span across departments and teams such as institutional research, instruction, curriculum development and review, campus management, and faculty leadership. With a heavy focus on student success, Ann has aided in expanding relevance around and leading initiatives and projects in both academics and operations. Through her excitement for management and leadership, Ann is diligent in her commitment to changing and establishing new ideas for higher education through experience and example. Ann has a MBA, as well as a MS in Administrative Leadership in Higher Education, and is pursuing her DBA, with a specialization in Strategy and Innovation.
May 19, 2022: The Future of Leadership Post COVID-19
April 13, 2022: WGU NBMBAA Virtual Club Meeting
March 10, 2022: WGU SHRM and NBMBAA, Trivia Night!
December 14, 2021: Yolanda Yoesoep-Johnson, Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Cummins, Inc.
You are invited to join us on Tuesday December 14th at 12pm MT for our final professional development webinar of the year. As we wrap up 2021, what resources are needed to ensure 2022 is a personal and professional success?
Guest speaker Yolanda Yoesoep-Johnson, Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Cummins, Inc, will discuss the value of reflection, especially about our personal and professional journey.
Learn how to incorporate reflection to leverage achievements and setbacks from this past year for the most productive upcoming new year yet.
November 2, 2021 at 12 PM MT: Virtual Club Meeting
October 13, 2021 at 12 PM MT: Balancing Your Profession and Your Passion
WGU NBMBAA Virtual Club and WGU Ebony Owls ERG come together to co-host a conversation on the ups and downs of being a business owner while also working full time. Join us on for an engaging panel discussion and Q&A on Wednesday October 13, 2021, at 12pm MT. Learn more about what it really takes to be a successful entrepreneur while excelling in your professional role. Panelists representing a broad range of businesses will share their experiences and provide advice for keeping your “side hustle” going alongside your thriving career. Panelists include:
- Dr. K.L. Allen
- Dr. Rarkimm Fields
- Shvonna Aldridge
The event will be moderated by Dr. Ed Haynes, Faculty Advisor for WGU NBMBAA.



Dr. K.L. Allen
Dr. K.L. Allen is the current Chancellor for Western Governors University Ohio Affiliate (WGU Ohio) and Regional Director, Central Region where he oversees the operations of WGU Ohio which includes expanding university partnerships, effective communications to external and internal audiences, and positioning WGU Ohio as a thought leader in higher education.
Dr. Allen brings close to 20 years of higher education experience, ranging from launching and leading business development and veteran affairs departments to being a professor in business. He is also a veteran of the Army National Guard where he rose to the rank of first lieutenant. He has served on several boards and advisory committees that advocated for educational and socioeconomic equality and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Allen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology, an MBA in Global Management, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership where his research focused on cultivating employee engagement, entrepreneurship, and socioeconomics. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and owner of KeyGroup, which helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
Dr. Rarkimm Fields
Dr. Rarkimm Fields is a socialpreneur with over twenty years of successful experience as a leader in service based, higher education, and nonprofit industries. Dr. Fields currently serves as the CEO of Chic Chef company, a proprietary black-owned gourmet marketplace and café located in Phoenix Arizona. Moreover, he is passionate educator that enjoys assisting students reach their academic potential and educational goals as a faculty business program mentor at Western Governors University (WGU). Dr. Fields resides in Goodyear, AZ by way of Brooklyn, NY. He earned his PhD in Public Policy from Walden University, MBA and MSML degrees from Western Governors University, MS in the Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix, and a BA in Political Science from Brooklyn College. In addition, Dr. Fields is an active member of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) where he volunteers, promotes, and supports social change initiatives through public administration at the Federal, State, and Local levels of government. To unwind, Rarkimm is an avid traveler as well as book reader. His favorite quote is “If you had FUN you WON”!
Shvonna Aldridge
Shvonna K. Aldridge is a Manager of Student Experience Solutions currently living in the South Metro Atlanta Area in Georgia. Her areas of focus are persistence, retainment, the experience & now chatbots.
Shvonna is has been with WGU for over five years. She is an HBCU Graduate & holds an MBA with a minor in Human Resource Management from Florida Metropolitan University. She is currently working on her Practicum at Capella University, focusing on the Effects of the Opioid Epidemic on College Students. She will then earn her DrPH specializing in Epidemiology. She is also enrolled as a student at WGU completing her Masters of Education, Instructional Design. Before WGU, Shvonna worked in both the Finance & Insurance industries.
With such a busy schedule, Shvonna still finds time to run a successful business and spend time with her husband of seven years and their fur baby Bear. Shvonna is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
August 11th, 2021 at 12 PM MT: Virtual Interviewing
In preparation for NBMBAA Annual conference this year, join Jennifer Rhodes as she discusses best practices for virtual interviewing and how to command an understanding of techniques to promote a stronger presence when face-to-face connection is not possible. Can't make it live? A recording of the webinar will be made available with registration so that you don't miss it.

Jennifer Rhodes
Jennifer Rhodes is a Career Advisor with Western Governors University where she has served students and alumni in business, education, health professions, and I.T. in a fully remote capacity for nearly two years. Her areas of expertise relate to training and development, as well as webinar development and delivery, and Jennifer currently serves as a Social Emotional Learning Champion at WGU, where she helps to promote SEL principles to faculty, staff, and students. As a student affairs professional with over 15 years of experience related to the areas of admissions counseling, academic advising, adjunct teaching, career counseling and supervision of graduate students and staff, Jennifer feels privileged to have the opportunity to connect directly with students on a daily basis. Jennifer’s personal mission to meet each student where they are while serving as a compassionate facilitator for lifelong academic/career exploration. One of her favorite quotes, by Maya Angelou, states, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it,” and she believes that this quote is exhibited in her everyday work with students. She thoroughly enjoys working with students from diverse backgrounds, and she has direct experience serving students from diverse populations such as veterans, first-generation students, international students, Native American students, and students with disabilities. Jennifer also currently serves as adjunct faculty for the Maricopa Community Colleges in Phoenix, AZ, where she teaches in-person courses in Counseling and Personal Development, Career Development, and Careers in Sustainability.
Before serving as a Western Governors University career advisor, Jennifer served as a career coach for both the centralized career services office and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. She has worked with students ranging from first-time freshmen through PhD candidates, and enjoys the diversity of skills, life experiences, and related stories which each student possesses. Jennifer is originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, and she earned her Master of Arts in Counseling: Student Personnel Services from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, as well as her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Penn State Erie, the Behrend College. She is a certified MBTI practitioner, as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Jennifer also possesses the Global Career Development Facilitator certification and she is Past President of the Arizona Career Development Association. She currently resides in Tempe, Arizona.
July 7th, 2021 at 12 PM MT: LinkedIn and Your Virtual Presence
In preparation for NBMBAA Annual conference this year, join Jennifer Rhodes as she discusses best practices for displaying your professional brand online, how many employers utilizing LinkedIn as a tool to screen candidates, and how to command an understanding of techniques to promote a stronger presence when face-to-face connection is not possible. Can't make it live? A recording of the webinar will be made available with registration so that you don't miss it.

Jennifer Rhodes
Jennifer Rhodes is a Career Advisor with Western Governors University where she has served students and alumni in business, education, health professions, and I.T. in a fully remote capacity for nearly two years. Her areas of expertise relate to training and development, as well as webinar development and delivery, and Jennifer currently serves as a Social Emotional Learning Champion at WGU, where she helps to promote SEL principles to faculty, staff, and students. As a student affairs professional with over 15 years of experience related to the areas of admissions counseling, academic advising, adjunct teaching, career counseling and supervision of graduate students and staff, Jennifer feels privileged to have the opportunity to connect directly with students on a daily basis. Jennifer’s personal mission to meet each student where they are while serving as a compassionate facilitator for lifelong academic/career exploration. One of her favorite quotes, by Maya Angelou, states, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it,” and she believes that this quote is exhibited in her everyday work with students. She thoroughly enjoys working with students from diverse backgrounds, and she has direct experience serving students from diverse populations such as veterans, first-generation students, international students, Native American students, and students with disabilities. Jennifer also currently serves as adjunct faculty for the Maricopa Community Colleges in Phoenix, AZ, where she teaches in-person courses in Counseling and Personal Development, Career Development, and Careers in Sustainability.
Before serving as a Western Governors University career advisor, Jennifer served as a career coach for both the centralized career services office and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. She has worked with students ranging from first-time freshmen through PhD candidates, and enjoys the diversity of skills, life experiences, and related stories which each student possesses. Jennifer is originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, and she earned her Master of Arts in Counseling: Student Personnel Services from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, as well as her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Penn State Erie, the Behrend College. She is a certified MBTI practitioner, as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Jennifer also possesses the Global Career Development Facilitator certification and she is Past President of the Arizona Career Development Association. She currently resides in Tempe, Arizona.
June 23rd, 2021 at 12 PM MT: Why You? Understanding the Value You Bring to the Workplace
Please join Darlene Brown and Betty Butler from Truist Financial as they facilitate and discuss a live webinar, “Why You? Understanding the Value You Bring to the Workplace.” After, Darlene Brown and Betty Butler will also host a live Q&A session following the presentation. Can't make it live? A recording of the webinar will be made available with registration so that you don't miss it.


Darlene Brown
Darlene Brown has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her experience includes operations, recruitment, sales leadership and human resources management. Currently as Senior Vice President, Darlene manages the Truist Diversity Recruiting Team. She serves as a Corporate Enterprise Leader of Black Organizers Leaders and Doers (BOLD). Her passion lies in assisting others to meet their personal and professional goals. In 2010, Darlene graduated from the premier Truist Banking School at Wake Forest University. She is most proud of her alma mater Bowie State University where she received a Masters of Arts in Administrative Management concentration Human Resources Management and a Business Administration degree with a concentration in Accounting. She serves as an advisor of the Bowie State University College of Business Alumni Advisory Council, and the Center for Financial Advancement Advisory Council. Previously, Cross was a clinical assistant professor of leadership and management, as well as the director of online programs at the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. Before joining ASU, Ted worked in a variety of faculty and leadership positions at Grand Canyon University. Cross holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, an M.A. from Arizona State University, an M.S.Ed from The University of Pennsylvania, a doctorate from Pepperdine University, and a post-graduate certificate from The Wharton School of Business.
Betty Butler
Betty Butler has over 34 years of experience within the Financial Services Industry. Her industry experience would include Retail Banking, Sales Management, Mortgage, and Human Resources. The bulk of her financial services career has been in Talent Acquisition, finding talent and “selling careers’’ for Truist (formally BB&T and SunTrust Banks). She currently serves as a Senior DEI Recruiter for Truist’s Diversity Recruiting Team.
June 9th, 2021 at 1 PM MT: Five Lessons for the Healthcare Professional in a Post-Pandemic World
The aftermath of COVID-19 has prompted the world of business to pivot to meet imminent challenges. The healthcare industry is no different and there are key lessons each professional will need to be aware of, regardless of their current business industry, to ensure professional growth and sustainability in the future. Please join Dr. Linda Gunn and Dr. Ashley Tennessee as they facilitate and discuss a live webinar, “Five Lessons for the Healthcare Professional in a Post-Pandemic World.” The recording of this webinar is available below.


Dr. Linda Gunn
Linda Joyce Gunn is a Course Instructor in the College of Health Professions for WGU. She earned her B.S. in Operations Management from Indiana University; M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Notre Dame; and Ph.D. in Organization Development from Union Institute and University. Dr. Gunn, also, earned the designations of Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) from the American Hospital Association and the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation.
Dr. Gunn has worked in management positions for both private and not-for-profit organizations with her most recent experience in a 600-bed hospital as Director of Risk Management/Physician Services. She has taught in both traditional and nontraditional settings for over 25 years. Since starting with WGU in 2005, she has served in a variety of positions and helped in the development of the BSHCM, MSIHCM, MHL, MBA, MBA MCM, and BSHSC degree programs and has been involved in curriculum development for leadership, management, diversity, healthcare, financial management, strategic planning and more! Linda has also co-authored a chapter on Healthcare Financial Management for a text.
Dr. Ashley Tennessee
Dr. Ashley M. Tennessee serves as a Course Instructor for Western Governors University. Dr. Tennessee was awarded, with honors, her Doctorate in Health Administration and Leadership from the Medical University of South Carolina, her Master of Science in Business Administration from the University of Memphis, and her Master of Science in Public Health in Health Systems Management from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
Dr. Tennessee, also, holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of New Orleans. Dr. Tennessee is a published author in the American Journal of Public Health as well as the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Dr. Tennessee has published several abstracts in proceedings for National Conferences in addition to receiving multiple honors throughout her career.
WGU's Graduate Degrees in Business
Master of Business Administration
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,530 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- President and CEO
- Vice president
- Executive director
- Chief strategic officer
Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.

College of Business
MBA Information Technology Management
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT...
Earn the online college degree that can move your...
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper management:
- Time: 68% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,530 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Chief technology officer
- Director of IT services
- Senior systems administrator
- Management information systems director
- Computer and information systems manager
Learn to navigate emergencies, execute strategies, and optimize systems with the competencies within this specialty MBA.
Compare with M.S. IT Management
College of Business
MBA Healthcare Management
Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare...
Prepare for a career leading private or public...
Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare organizations.
- Time: Graduates can finish within 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,530 per 6-month term.
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- President and CEO
- Vice president
- Administrative director
- Chief financial officer
- Other executive-level roles
Healthcare is big business in today's complex economy. Steer your career with this specialty MBA.
Compare online business degrees
This program is not the only online business degree WGU offers that is designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees by clicking the button below.

College of Business
Management and Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree focused on change management,...
An online master's degree focused on change...
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and leading teams:
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,530 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- President
- Vice president
- Director of operations
- Executive director
Develop a comprehensive suite of leadership skills and your confidence to navigate changing business structures.

College of Business
Accounting – M.S.
Become better qualified to pursue a greater variety of public...
Become better qualified to pursue a greater...
Become better qualified to pursue a greater variety of public and private accounting positions:
- Time: 76% of grads finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,530 per 6-month term.
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Accountant
- Accounting manager
- Internal audit manager
- Senior accountant
- Other specialized finance roles
This MAcc program is designed to prepare you for the CPA exam and also the CMA or CIA exams.

College of Business
Scholarships Available
Master Your Future Scholarship
Valued up to $2,500 toward a WGU master's degree!
Master Your Future ScholarshipRise Above Grant
Worth up to $4,000 for students who are facing significant financial barriers in pursuing a WGU degree.
Rise Above GrantAlumni Master's Scholarship
Up to $2,500 for returning WGU graduates seeking a master's degree.
Alumni Master's Scholarship