Shows
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeBooks without Borders: Building Libraries and LivesIn this final episode of Season 2 of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson engages with Janine Cervantes (M.Ed.’05), a school librarian from Honduras, to explore her remarkable journey in education and libraries across the globe. Janine reflects on her roots and early life influences in Honduras, where her parents instilled a love for learning and languages. She shares how she originally pursued special education and later transitioned to library science, leading her to Longwood University. Janine recounts her academic experiences, highlighting the courses and faculty members who played pivotal roles during her studies.Th...
2025-10-1536 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeStronger Together: A Leadership Journey from Classmates to ColleguesIn this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson welcomes two remarkable alumni, Katie Jamrozy-Hamby (B.S.’11, M.S.’21) and Kim Van Acker (M.S.’21), graduates of Longwood University’s Educational Leadership master’s program whose friendship has become as influential in their careers as the degree itself. Their conversation is equal parts professional insight and personal reflection, highlighting how shared experiences can transform both leadership journeys and lifelong connections.Katie and Kim recall their first meeting in class—what began as tentative introductions soon grew into a strong and enduring friendship that has supporte...
2025-09-101h 09
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeMore Than Words: A Literacy Advocate's Path to Meaningful ChangeIn this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Maria Hamilton (‘21), a Student Success Coordinator at Longwood University whose educational journey is marked by resilience, reinvention, and a hearty dose of humor. From her early days teaching and coaching in Virginia to her graduate studies in Longwood’s Reading, Literacy, and Learning (RLL) program, Maria’s story is one of lifelong learning—and the joyful chaos that often accompanies it.Maria reflects on being part of the first graduating class of a new program at WVU and the cross-state move tha...
2025-08-1345 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeBeyond The Clinic: Shaping Lives Through CommunicationIn this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Daija Fowler (M.S.’23), a speech-language pathologist whose journey from psychology major to Communication Sciences and Disorders leader highlights the power of purpose, mentorship, and professional reinvention.Daija traces her path back to her undergraduate days at UNC Greensboro, where a shift in academic focus—and a few pivotal conversations with her mom and a childhood friend—led her to discover a calling in Communication Sciences and Disorders. That moment of clarity set her on a path toward Longwood University, where...
2025-07-1649 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeThe Business of Saving Lives: Powered by an MBAIn this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Travis Mason (MBA’22), a former helicopter flight paramedic whose journey has taken him from the adrenaline-fueled world of emergency medicine to the strategic helm of sales leadership across the Northeast region.Travis traces his career back to his teenage years as an ambulance paramedic, sharing vivid stories of long shifts in Richmond and how a move to Farmville became a surprising turning point. It was there that he connected with Centra Health System and Longwood’s graduate community, relationships that would go o...
2025-06-1837 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeA New Era in Admissions: Jason Ferguson on Shaping the Longwood ExperienceIn this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson welcomes Jason “Ferg” Ferguson (M.S.’12, Counselor Education), Dean of Admissions at Longwood University, whose journey is a powerful testament to the value of involvement, mentorship, and intentional leadership.Originally from a small town in Georgia, Ferg reflects on his formative undergraduate years at Hampden-Sydney College, where he was a two-sport athlete and active member of organizations. Guided by parents who instilled the importance of engagement, Ferg credits these early experiences with shaping his approach to leadership and community.From his first role i...
2025-05-2133 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeFrom SPED to STEM Innovation: Stepping Beyond the ClassroomIn this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson welcomes Devin Kaiser (B.S.’21, M.S.’22, Special Education), a passionate Longwood University alumna whose journey showcases the power of adaptability, purpose, and lifelong learning.Devin began her college career with dreams of becoming an opera singer but soon shifted her focus to special education—an unexpected but fulfilling path influenced by her mother, a fellow Longwood graduate and teacher. Despite initial hesitation, Devin found a home at Longwood, drawn in by its tight-knit community, supportive faculty, and meaningful academic experiences.Thr...
2025-04-2343 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeWinning Big: From Teacher to Fantasy Football ChampionIn the first episode of Season Two of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson welcomes Wil Miles B.S.’16, M.S.’17, a dedicated health and physical education teacher at Powhatan Middle School, as well as a coach and Director of Social Media at Powhatan High School.Wil shares his remarkable journey from Longwood undergraduate and graduate student to educator, mentor, and coach. Reflecting on his decision to pursue a degree in kinesiology which leads him into Health and Physical Education, he delves into the transition from student to professional, the key principles that...
2025-03-2635 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeSeason 2 Trailer - The Stories ContinueLongwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree – Season 2 TrailerWelcome back to Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, where we continue to share the stories of Longwood University graduate alumni shaping their industries, communities, and careers in meaningful ways.WHAT TO EXPECT IN SEASON 2In this season, we dive into the diverse journeys of Longwood graduate alumni—leaders, innovators, and career changers—who have taken their degrees beyond the classroom and into the real world. From educators and providers to business leaders and community advocates, our guests share how their Longwood experience shaped their...
2025-02-2601 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeChampioning Diversity and Leadership in Higher EducationIn this season finale of Longwood GradCast Beyond the Degree, host Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Quincy Goodine (B.A.’16, M.Ed.’17), a double Longwood alum and the Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs and Leadership Development at Longwood University. Quincy shares the story of his Longwood journey, which began as an undergraduate in 2012 and continued through his master’s in counselor education. Initially unsure about attending Longwood while growing up in Richmond, Quincy quickly discovered the sense of community, mentorship, and opportunities that would shape his professional and personal growth.Throughout the episode, Quincy reflects on his career...
2024-08-1437 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeEmpowering Communities Through LiteracyIn this enlightening episode of Longwood GradCast Beyond the Degree, host Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Judy Deichman, a Longwood alumna whose passion for libraries blossomed while volunteering in her children’s schools. Judy recounts the moment she realized that school librarianship was more than a personal interest—it was her career calling. Encouraged by librarians who were also Longwood graduates, she pursued the School Librarianship Certificate and Master’s in Education at Longwood, where mentors like Dr. Audrey Church and Frances Reeve helped guide her through a career change from accounting to education.Judy reflects on the wa...
2024-07-1723 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeFrom Academic Journey to Global ImpactIn this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Alicia Alvarez (B.S.’23, M.S.’25), a future double Lancer and current student in Longwood University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Master's program, focusing on speech-language pathology.Alicia shares her journey as a transfer student, drawn to Longwood for its tight-knit, supportive community, and how her infectious positivity and enthusiasm have helped her connect with peers, faculty, and clients alike. Inspired by her younger sister’s speech therapy journey, Alicia discovered her passion for helping others communicate and has since immersed...
2024-06-1925 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeDoubling Down on Success by Mastering Multiple DegreesIn this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Allison Donlan, a dedicated educator and proud triple Lancer, to explore her inspiring academic and personal journey at Longwood University. Allison’s Longwood experience spans a bachelor’s in Elementary Education (BS ’17), a master’s in Educational Leadership (MEd ’20), and her current pursuit of a graduate endorsement in Reading, Literacy & Learning (’25).Allison shares how her passion for education was sparked by great K–12 teachers and further shaped by a speech Dr. Tanner-Anderson gave during an undergraduate classroom visit, which inspired her to “lead from...
2024-05-2223 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeBuilding Bridges: A Path from Passion to ProfessionIn this inspiring episode of Longwood GradCast Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson is joined by Sadie Hodges, B.S.’19, M.S.’20, a Longwood double alum who completed both the five-year Special Education program and her master’s in Special Education. Sadie shares her journey from early influences—like volunteering with the nonprofit Jacob’s Chance and her own cousin’s experiences with cerebral palsy—to pursuing a career dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities.Listeners will hear about Sadie’s hands-on experiences as a graduate student, including her work with the Longwood Life program, research on video modelin...
2024-04-2348 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeBreaking Barriers: How a Specialized Degree Diversifies QualificationsIn this inspiring episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Kevin Napier (B.S. ’18, M.S. ’20, Educational Leadership)—a proud double Lancer, former Student Government Association president, and Leadership Gift Officer at Longwood University.Kevin’s journey began with deep family ties to Longwood and a clear calling to education. After earning his undergraduate degree in Health and Physical Education, he pursued his master’s in Educational Leadership, a decision that not only prepared him for K–12 teaching but also positioned him for a career-shaping transition into higher education and advancement.Fro...
2024-02-0533 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeUnlocking Opportunities Through Graduate AssistantshipsIn the second episode of Season One of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson welcomes Maddie Hommey B.S. ’21, M.S. ’22, a proud Double Lancer and Health & Physical Education alum whose Longwood journey embodies resilience, leadership, and the power of embracing opportunity.Maddie reflects on her path from undergraduate student-athlete to graduate assistant, sharing how an ACL injury redirected her plans and ultimately opened the door to pursue her master’s degree in Health & Physical Education. Through a graduate assistantship in marketing, she gained valuable professional experience outside her discipline, diversifying her skills and fo...
2024-01-0830 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeFrom Lancers to Leaders: Building School Culture with Longwood AlumniIn the first episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, we invite you to join us as we sit down with two remarkable double alums, Ginny Gills B.S.’89, M.Ed’05 (a Reading, Literacy, & Learning alum) and Pamela Stepko B.S.’07, M.S.’16 (an Educational Leadership alum). Our host, Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson, speaks with these two dedicated educators whose experiences at Longwood helped them to become influential leaders in the field of education.We kick things off by delving into their personal journeys, tracing their paths from being Longwood students, both undergrad and graduate...
2023-11-2133 min