Session Speakers
Brian Artis
Patient Business Manager II and Interim Senior Manager, Clinic Operations, VCU Health System
"Career Communities: Employee Engagement and Career Development at its Best"
Brian Artis is a Senior Manager of Clinical Operations with Ambulatory for VCU Health. He is a native of Richmond, VA a product of Richmond City Public Schools and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where he received his undergrad in Criminal Justice. He later completed his Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Leadership from Strayer University. Brian has been with VCU Health for >15 years in various roles. He currently serves as a member of the VCU Staff Senate, DEI steering committee, Patient Family Advisory Committee, and one of the founding Co-chairs of the Health Science Career Committee. Brian has a passion to serve people and thrives on creating spaces for people to engage, build relationships and create community in the workplace. In his free time he enjoys long walks through the city with his dog Kingston, reading and traveling.
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Jeremy Bost
Senior Consultant, VCU Human Resources
"Career Pathing@VCU: Unveiled"
Tues 3/7 - 9:45am Thurs 3/9 - 10:15am
"Commonalities across the UNCOMMON"
Tues 3/7 - 2:30pm Thurs 3/9 - 3pm
Jeremy Bost is a senior consultant in VCU Human Resources, working on the Organizational Effectiveness team. In this role, Jeremy partners with employees and leaders to tackle challenges and achieve effective, diverse and high-performing teams across the university. He is passionate about helping organizations improve their performance and culture.
Jeremy has an undergraduate degree in Integrated Science and Technology from James Madison University and over 25 years of experience in learning and development in the workplace. Jeremy has spent the last 6 years working on organization-wide projects at VCU, including leadership development programs for the HR Redesign Project from 2016-2019. While serving as a consultant, Jeremy is also completing the Master’s degree program in Adult Learning at VCU’s School of Education in May of 2023. Jeremy also holds current certifications and licensures in Crucial Conversations, the ADKAR model for change, and various assessment tools used in organizational effectiveness.
In his personal life, Jeremy is a husband and father with many hobbies, including playing music, martial arts, gardening, and riding motorcycles.
Samantha Flatley
Patient Business Services Manager II, VCU Health System
"Career Communities: Employee Engagement and Career Development at its Best"
Samantha Flatley is a Patient Business Services Manager II with Ambulatory for VCU Health. Born and raised in Old Bridge, New Jersey, she moved to Virginia to obtain her MS in Healthcare Management and MBA from Marymount University after graduating from Penn State University. She came to VCU Health with five years of previous management experience and has worked for VCU Health since March of 2021. She currently serves as the networking co-chair for the Health Sciences Career Community. What she loves about working for VCU Health and being a part of a Career Community is everyone’s willingness to help each other grow. VCU provides an opportunity for all to network and learn, and working here has been a great experience for her. In her free time, she enjoys visiting the different restaurants around Richmond, VA and spending time with her three year old daughter.
Michael Forder
Director of E-Learning, College of Health Professions
"Using Informational Interviews to Build Connections and Open Doors"
Tues 3/7 - 11:00am Thurs 3/9 - 10:15am
Michael Forder serves as the Director of E-Learning for the VCU College of Health Professions. He has held a variety of positions in education at both the secondary and collegiate levels. Michael received his B.S. in Business Administration from the State University of New York College at Brockport. Later, transitioning to education, he received his certification in business education from Buffalo State College. After moving from New York to Virginia to begin a career as a high school teacher, he earned his MEd in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Mary Washington. Currently, he is pursuing an EdD in Leadership through the VCU School of Education.
After serving in an instructional technology and resource position at the secondary level, Michael began working at Virginia Commonwealth University as the Educational Technology Specialist for the School of Pharmacy. From there he took on the position of Learning Spaces Specialist with the ALT Lab before transitioning into the role of Director of E-Learning for the Department of Nurse Anesthesia. In December 2018 his role expanded to focus on the entire College of Health Professions.
His professional interests include accessibility and inclusion in online courses, engagement-focused online curriculum design, assessment and program outcomes, and affordability in higher education.
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Stephanie Ganser
Director of the Adult Learner Experience, Office of Adult and Non-Traditional Student Services
"Establishing a Culture of Care for Adult Learners"
Tues 3/7 - 11:00am Thurs 3/9 - 10:15am
Stephanie Ganser is the director of the adult learner experience in the Office of Adult and Non-Traditional Student Services. Stephanie has experience in housing and residence life, off-campus housing, academic advising, military student services, conduct and special student programming. From her diverse set of experiences in higher education, she appreciates and understands the adult and non-traditional experience when designing programs, resources and support for students. Stephanie graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western New England University and her Master of Education from the University of South Carolina.
Chelsea Gary
Director of Recruitment & Student Programs, Dean's Office, VCU College of Health Professions
"Owning Your Own Career Development"
A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Chelsea Gary serves as the Director of Recruitment & Student Programs for the College of Health Professions, Dean's Office. In this role she is responsible for managing a wide-array of College-wide services to include: student recruitment, orientation, student leadership, and graduation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Prior to her role in the College of Health Professions, Ms. Gary served as Program Coordinator and most recently, Assistant Director in the Office of Student Experience here at VCU. Here she was instrumental in the creation and implementation of programmatic initiatives to meet the needs of health sciences students. Of which included the SCIE Commission, an inter-professional student commission designed to address cross-campus needs and demands concerning diversity policies. She has also served as an admissions counselor in the Undergraduate Office of Admissions.
Bobbi Gouffon
Director, Organizational Effectiveness, VCU Human Resources
"Career Pathing@VCU: Unveiled"
Tues 3/7 - 9:45am Thurs 3/9 - 10:15am
"Untapped: Exploring Strengths"
"Commonalities across the UNCOMMON"
Tues 3/7 - 2:30pm Thurs 3/9 - 3:00pm
Bobbi is the Director of Organizational Effectiveness at Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds a BA in English, Master's of Business Administration (MBA), and is SHRM-SCP and LEAN certified. During her 12 year career in higher education human resources, Bobbi has specialized in many aspects of HR including HR Services, Employee Relations, Performance Management, and Organizational Development. Outside of work, Bobbi's passion is animal rescue and advocacy. She dedicates her free-time to co-managing Bully Rescue and Advocacy Group (BRAG, Inc.) and fostering animals in need in her home. Bobbi lives in Richmond with her husband and step-daughter.
Sybil Halloran
Senior Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management, Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success
"Building Your Professional Home at VCU"
Tues, 3/7 - 11:00am Thurs 3/9 - 1:45pm
Sybil C. Halloran is the Senior Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management in the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success at Virginia Commonwealth University. In this leadership role Dr. Halloran collaborates with her colleagues to help the institution set and meet goals associated with recruiting and enrolling students at every level, while also supporting their success to promote retention and graduation. She also oversees VCU’s Records and Registration and the Office of Admissions. During her over 25 year tenure at VCU, Dr. Halloran has served in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, event management in the Office of the President and outreach through community-based programs.
Dr. Halloran is a lifelong Richmonder and a graduate of the Richmond Public School system. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Master’s of Urban and Regional Planning (M.U.R.P.) from VCU and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Northwestern University.
Christal Holmes
Associate Director for SEMSS Student Communications, Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success
"Building Your Professional Home at VCU"
Tues, 3/7 - 11:00am Thurs 3/9 - 1:45pm
Christal Holmes is the associate director for SEMSS Student Communications and has a 19 year career with the university, which began as a student worker. She specializes in helping departments within SEMSS strategically engage with prospective and current VCU students and families in effort to achieve their recruitment and retention goals.
Outside of work, Christal is passionate about traveling abroad. As a licensed boat captain, when the weather is nice, you are bound to find her setting sail along the Potomac River with her family and friends.
Brent Idleman
Senior Instructional Designer, School of Dentistry
"Building the Team With the 7 C's"
A former public school music teacher, Brent has had an eclectic transition into a completely different career at School of Dentistry. Starting as an instructional technologist, Brent helped refine the management of all classroom technology, including introducing an electronic exam platform and introducing multiple professional learning opportunities related to technology. Over the last couple of years, he has formed a team of instructional designers to provide support and help, while also hiring a clinical systems analyst, as his team has also taken ownership of the school’s electronic health record as well. His team provides classroom technology support, learning management system support, and many professional training opportunities for all faculty, staff, and students.
Jair Lecky
Program Manager for Men of Color Initiatives, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
"Owning Your Development"
"Owning Your Own Career Development"
Jair Lecky is a helper raised in Woodbridge VA. He studied at VCU for undergrad, and got degrees in Psychology and Social Work. During his undergraduate experience, he was involved in service based organizations such as The Carver Promise & VCU ASPiRE. He was also involved as an RA, RAM Camp Leader, mentor, and held multiple internships in the VCU Community. Seeking to continue working in higher education spaces, Jair decided to return to VCU, and graduated with a master’s in Counselor Education, with a concentration in College Counseling and Student Affairs. Jair has been a full-time staff member at VCU since 2019, starting in Residential Life and Housing as an Assistant Hall Director. In 2021, Jair transitioned to the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs where he currently serves as the Program Manager for Men of Color Initiatives.
Sabrina Lumpkin
Associate Director, Division of Sponsored Programs, Office for the Vice President of Research and Innovation
"Building Social Capital to Enhance Workplace Resilience"
Sabrina Lumpkin, MSG, CRA is Associate Director in the Division of Sponsored Programs, within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. She has worked for VCU for over 10 years and within Research Administration for 7 years. She has professional experience both within departments and in central offices that lends itself to knowledge of workplace resilience.
Penelope McFarline
Organizational Development Specialist, VCU Human Resources
"Getting Unstuck: Overcoming Immunities to Change"
Tues 3/7 - 1:15pm Thurs 3/9 - 1:45pm
"Commonalities across the UNCOMMON"
Tues 3/7 - 2:30pm Thurs 3/9 - 3:00pm
Penny McFarline is an organizational development specialist in the VCU HR office of Learning, Development and Organizational Culture. She earned her M.Ed. in Adult Learning from VCU in 2011 and is currently working on her doctoral degree. Penny joined VCU in 2012 and has designed, developed, and delivered numerous courses and programs to engage employees, managers, and leaders in their professional and career development.
Ana Mills
Associate Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, VCU School of Medicine
"Getting Unstuck: Overcoming Immunities to Change"
Tues 3/7 - 1:15pm Thurs 3/9 - 1:45pm
Ana Mills, PsyD is an associate professor and licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at VCU. She specializes in neuropsychological evaluation and rehabilitation psychotherapy for individuals with acquired neurological disorders. In addition to clinical care, Dr. Mills’ service work focuses on promoting health equity, diversity and inclusion in the healthcare environment. She is Co-Chair for the ADVANCE Grant Immunity to Change Facilitator Program and Chair of the PM&R Workgroup for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusive Practice.
Dr. Maike Philipsen
Professor, VCU School of Education
"Getting Unstuck: Overcoming Immunities to Change"
Tues 3/7 - 1:15pm Thurs 3/9 - 1:45pm
Dr. Philipsen serves the School of Education as professor in the Department of Foundations of Education. She is also Co-PI of an NSF ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant geared at increasing faculty diversity at VCU, and a certified coach in the Immunity to Change methodology. Her research interests focus on the social foundations of education, including social and individual change. Her publications include books on the challenges of the faculty career for women and faculty work-life integration.
Shanea Raj
"Owning Your Development"
"Owning Your Own Career Development"
Shanea Raj graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics before beginning her professional career in Accounting. After several years of private sector experience, Shanea joined VCU in 2017 as a Grant Accountant on the Gamma Team. Now as the Effort Reporting Manager, Shanea has assisted with the effort reporting policy, developing new training, and streamlining initiatives. In addition, Shanea was instrumental in the launch of the new effort reporting system, ECC.
Samara Reynolds
Director, VCU Career Services
"Building Your Professional Home at VCU"
Tues 3/7 - 11:00am Thurs 3/9 - 1:45pm
Samara Reynolds, M.Ed., has been invested in the field of career development for 17 years at a diverse set of institutions across Virginia, North Carolina, and Washington. She has served as the Director of Career Services at VCU since November 2018. She is an active committee member, mentor, and leader within the Virginia Association of College & Employers (VACE), Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE), and National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Samara also previously served as an associate editor for the National Career Development Association's Career Convergence web magazine and President of the North Carolina Career Development Association. She holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Virginia Tech and a Master's in Education in Higher Education Administration from NC State University.
Reuban Rodriguez
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Student Affairs
"So You Want to Be a Dean of Students"
Tues 3/7 - 11:00am Thurs 3/9 - 3:00pm
Dr. Reuban Rodriguez serves as the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at Virginia Commonwealth University. He and his staff support and advocate for all VCU students. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from Emory University, his Master of Science in Urban Studies at Georgia State University, and his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. For the past forty years, he has served in a variety of roles at institutions including the University of Scranton, the University of Central Florida, Whittier College, and Emory University. He has served in numerous leadership and volunteer roles in NASPA.
Maya Rogers
Lead Financial Specialist, Office of the Provost
"Owning Your Development"
"Owning Your Own Career Development"
My name is Maya Rogers and I am a Lead Financial Specialist in the Office of the Provost under the Academic Operations unit. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting and a Post-Bachelor Certificate in Public Management from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am on track to complete my Masters in Public Administration this Spring.
I have been with VCU as an employee since 2015 when I started as a student employee in undergrad in the Athletics department. I also spent time as a student employee in the Residential Life and Housing department mailroom. I was given the opportunity to move up in Athletics into the role of Business Manager and became a full time employee in 2020 after graduating. In the fall of 2022 I accepted my current role in the Office of the Provost.
Originally I am from the Northern Virginia area, but consider myself 100% a Richmonder. I love movies and my two cute cats! Go Rams!
Shana Ryman
Learning, Development and Culture Specialist, VCU Human Resources
"Commonalities across the UNCOMMON"
Tues 3/7 - 2:30pm Thurs 3/9 - 3pm
Shana Ryman received her B.A. in Spanish ('07) and M.S., Ed. in Adult Education and Human Resource Development ('14) from James Madison University She has worked in various departments across VCU over the past 8 years and now serves on the HR Learning, Development, and Organizational Culture team. She is excited to continue learning about and discussing diversity, inclusion, belonging, and unconscious bias as well as other human resources topics.
Kristin Smith
Director, Enrollment Research and Evaluation, Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success
"Building Your Professional Home at VCU"
Tues, 3/7 - 11:00am Thurs 3/9 - 1:45pm
Dr. Kristin Smith serves as Director of Enrollment Research and Evaluation in VCU's Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success. Kristin actively researches and analyzes internal and external data in support of university and division strategic plans. With considerable experience developing data visualizations, reports, presentations, and dashboards for various audiences, Kristin enjoys the challenge of effectively communicating complex data to make it more accessible and comprehensible to others. Kristin's interests extend to first-generation and underrepresented student success, data visualization, graphic design, innovative problem solving, and process automation.
Mary Strawderman
Senior Contract and Grant Administrator, Division of Sponsored Programs, Office for the Vice President of Research and Innovation
"Building Social Capital to Enhance Workplace Resilience"
Mary holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University where she focused on pollution physiology and contaminants of emerging concern. Mary has since earned a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as well as a certificate in Research Administration. She worked for a state agency as a program coordinator on a federally funded project before going into the field of research administration at VCU where she is a Senior Grant and Contract Administrator for the Division of Sponsored Programs.
Seth Sykes
Associate Vice President for Transfer Initiatives, Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success
"Building Your Professional Home at VCU"
Tues, 3/7 - 11:00am Thurs 3/9 - 1:45pm
Seth Sykes, Ph.D., is the associate vice president for transfer initiatives. He has been in this role since 2015. In this role, he partners with Virginia community colleges to strengthen services for transfer students and serves on the State Committee on Transfer. Previously, Seth served as the associate vice provost for academic advising. He started working at VCU in 2000 as an academic advisor in the College of Humanities and Sciences. He co-authored a textbook for students in academic difficulty, Soaring to New Heights, in 2008 and has presented on various advising and transfer-related topics. Originally from Scotland, Seth earned a B.D. from the University of St. Andrews, a Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Michael Talley
Director of Applications Development and Infrastructure, School of Dentistry
"Building the Team With the 7 C's"
Beverly Walker
Career Development Program Manager, VCU Human Resources
"Career Communities: Employee Engagement and Career Development at its Best"
Beverly Walker is the Program Manager for Career Development with VCU Division of Human Resources. She has been with the university since 2001, serving in various leadership roles across the university, spending her years of service in the Division of Student Affairs and Human Resources. In her current role, she is responsible for leading the efforts of developing a career development program at the university, promoting the importance of employee development and growth. Beverly has worked in various levels of the education field, teaching and facilitating diversity and inclusion, student and employee engagement, customer service, leadership, and various career development skills.
Beverly is a graduate of VCU’s Grace E. Harris’ Higher Ground program and a certified Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). She received a B.S. degree from Virginia State University and a M.Ed. degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Beverly enjoys spending time with her family and friends and engaging in community service.
Jatia Wrighten
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, VCU
"Owning Your Development"
Dr. Wrighten conducts research on Black women, state legislatures, and leadership, with an emphasis on intersectionality. Her current project examines the differences in leadership attainment that exists between Black women, White women, Black men, and White men in state legislatures and the factors that cause these differences. She created the novel theory, the Heavy Lifter Theory, to explain the primary differences between Black male and Black female legislators as it relates to leadership in state legislatures. She was most recently awarded a research grant from the American Political Science Association and the Center for Effective Lawmaking to continue her work on Black women, leadership, and intersectionality. She has taught a range of political science courses at James Madison University, George Mason University, and Northern Virginia Community College. Her courses have included: Introduction to American Government, Research Methods, The Politics of the Civil Rights Movement, and Political Parties and Campaigns. She has also been quoted in the Washington Post, News Week, and USA Today. Additionally, she has made a prime-time appearance on NBC 4 Washington news to discuss the 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race.
She continues to research and provide instruction that emphasizes themes of equality, justice, and political effects for the most marginalized groups in the United States as an assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Jatia received her B.A. in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University; her M.A. in political science from the University of Maryland, College Park; and received her Ph.D. from the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, where she defended her dissertation entitled, “Who Runs the World? An Examination of Black Women and Leadership in State Legislatures.” Jatia uses her degree to teach and serve as a mentor to a future generation of scholars. When she is not researching and writing, she enjoys traveling with her family.