Shows
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeMore Than Words: A Literacy Advocate's Path to Meaningful ChangeIn this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson talks with Maria Hamilton, Student Success Coordinator at Longwood University and a proud graduate of Longwood’s Reading, Literacy, and Learning (RLL) program. Maria shares her journey from teaching and coaching in Virginia to pursuing a doctorate at UVA—all while balancing work, family, and a passion for literacy. With humor and heart, she reflects on the impact of the RLL program, her work with the Virginia Literacy Act, and the importance of lifelong learning.
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, 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 she pursued her...
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, Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson chats with Travis Mason, a helicopter flight paramedic turned regional Director of Sales. Travis shares how his early experiences in emergency medicine, paired with a drive to grow through education—including an MBA during the COVID-19 pandemic—shaped his leadership approach. He reflects on mentorship, team dynamics, and how staying curious fuels innovation in the evolving air medical field. Tune in for a story of grit, growth, and a passion-driven career path.
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, Dean of Admissions Jason “Ferg” Ferguson joins Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson to share his inspiring journey from student-athlete to higher ed leader. Ferg reflects on his early years at Hampden-Sydney, the mentors who shaped his career, and how Longwood’s graduate program empowered him to grow professionally.He discusses his unique admissions philosophy—including personally signing every acceptance letter—and offers advice to students and alumni about taking risks, staying coachable, and finding purpose. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, community, and what makes Longwood f...
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, Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson talks with Devin Kaiser, Longwood alumna and STEM Projects Lead at the Virginia Air and Space Science Center. Devin shares her path from aspiring opera singer to special education teacher, and eventually to informal STEM education. She reflects on how Longwood’s community and faculty mentorship shaped her journey and inspired her focus on citizen leadership and advocacy. Now leading initiatives like STEM Connect in Title One schools, Devin highlights the importance of representation in STEM, the transferable skills educators bring to other fields, and advice fo...
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 BS’16, MS’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 guide his work...
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 the final episode of the Longwood Grad Cast season, host Sarah Tanner Anderson conducts an insightful interview with Quincy Goodine, a double alum of Longwood University's Counselor Education Master's Program and the current Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs and Leadership Development. Quincy shares his remarkable journey from an undergraduate student to a pivotal leader at Longwood, emphasizing the value of his counseling degree in opening diverse career opportunities. Quincy recounts his experiences that highlight his commitment to creating an inclusive environment at Longwood through various roles, from an admissions counselor to his current position. He discusses h...
2024-08-1437 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeEmpowering Communities Through LiteracyIn this episode of Longwood GradCast Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson welcomes Judy Deichman, an alumna of Longwood University's School Librarianship Master's program.Judy shares her inspiring journey from volunteering in her children's school libraries to becoming a dedicated librarian. She discusses how Longwood University's supportive faculty helped her transition from an accounting career to librarianship. Judy also highlights the crucial role of Longwood's alumni network in her professional development. A focal point of the conversation is the Lit Limo project, an innovative bookmobile initiative Judy started to promote literacy and provide...
2024-07-1723 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeFrom Academic Journey to Global ImpactIn this episode of Longwood Gradcast Beyond the Degree, Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson converses with Alicia Alvarez, a future double Lancer, as she is a current student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Master's program at Longwood University, focusing on speech language pathology.Alicia shares her journey as a transfer student, her engagement with Longwood's tight-knit community, and the traits that have influenced her academic path. She discusses meaningful experiences, including her inspiration from her sister's speech therapy journey, and the career-defining moments working with diverse clients. Alicia also reveals her upcoming mission trip to...
2024-06-1925 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeDoubling Down on Success by Mastering Multiple DegreesIn this episode of Longwood Gradcast: Beyond the Degree, our host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson interviews Allison Donlan, a dedicated educator and TRIPLE Lancer, about her academic and personal journey at Longwood University. Allison shares her pathway through obtaining a bachelor's in elementary education, a master's in educational leadership, and her current pursuit of a graduate endorsement in reading, literacy, and learning. Inspired by great K-12 teachers and influenced by a speech given by Dr. T-A during an undergraduate classroom visit, Allison emphasizes the role of passionate educators in shaping her career. She details how h...
2024-05-2223 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeBuilding Bridges: A Path from Passion to ProfessionWelcome to another enlightening episode of Longwood GradCast Beyond the Degree. In this episode, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Sadie Hodges, BS’19, MS’20, a proud Longwood double alum and a passionate force in the field of special education. Sadie shares an inspiring journey from her early days influenced by memorable educators, through her involvement with the nonprofit Jacob's Chance, to her current role impacting the lives of her special education students. Revealing her path through Longwood's five-year special education program and graduate experiences, including her groundbreaking work with the Longwood Life program and international presentations, Sadie showcases the...
2024-04-2348 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeBreaking Barriers: How a Specialized Degree Diversifies QualificationsIn episode three of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson talks to guest Kevin Napier BS’18, MS’21, a double alum from Longwood University. The discussion revolves around Kevin's journey from pursuing a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Longwood to working in the advancement office at the same institution. Kevin shares how his master's degree diversified his qualifications and opened up new career doors for him. Also touching on his experiences as a middle school teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin discusses the shift in his career from K-12 to higher education. Lis...
2024-02-0533 min
Longwood GradCast - Beyond the DegreeUnlocking Opportunities Through Graduate AssistantshipsIn our second episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, we invite you to join us as we sit down with an outstanding double alum, Maddie Hommey BS’21, MS’22 (a Health & Physical Education alum). Enjoy a riveting conversation as our host, Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson, speaks with Maddie about the incredible opportunities that can unfold with determination and a graduate assistantship. Maddie shares her story of how this unique opportunity allowed her to not only pursue her master's degree but also to diversify her skillset in unexpected ways.Discover how Maddie leveraged her graduate assistantship to gain valu...
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 BS’89, MEd’05 (a Reading, Literacy, & Learning alum) and Pamela Stepko BS’07, MS’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, to the educational leaders they are...
2023-11-2133 min