Dr. Debra Shingledecker, M.F.A, Ed.D.

I attribute my success to a lifelong commitment to higher education, a field I have called home since 1991. Throughout my career, I have witnessed—and actively participated in—the constant evolution of teaching and learning, embracing change as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

I consider myself a pioneer in online education, contributing to its development long before it became a widely recognized tool for learning. My work spans decades of instructional transformation, from the early days of telecourses to today’s fully online, learning-management-driven environments. I have taught collegiate courses, designed online curricula, and worked extensively with platforms such as Moodle and Canvas. Along the way, I developed a deep commitment to faculty development—training instructors, sharing best practices in online pedagogy, and supporting colleagues as they transitioned from traditional classrooms to digital learning spaces. This work ultimately informed my doctoral research and continues to shape my professional identity.

For me, education has never been transactional. I earned degrees from private institutions and later completed both an MFA and a doctorate through online study, experiences that reinforced my belief in access, adaptability, and lifelong learning. My passion for higher education remains strong, fueled by curiosity and a genuine respect for the role educators play in shaping critical thinkers. Most recently, I was honored as a runner-up for Distinguished Faculty at CTU, and I have received awards from institutions including the Art Institute and CTU. While I am grateful for these recognitions, they have never been my motivation. What matters most is staying relevant, staying engaged, and staying willing to learn.

My advice to young women entering higher education is to stay current, stay curious, and never assume you’ve finished learning. Higher education is constantly evolving, and those who thrive are the ones who evolve alongside it. Change is inevitable; the choice is whether to resist it or to learn how to navigate it thoughtfully and ethically. Technology—including AI—is a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking. The most effective educators know how to integrate innovation while maintaining sound judgment. Above all, learn to adapt and embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than a challenge to overcome.

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in higher education today is mindset, especially as artificial intelligence reshapes teaching and learning. I’ve experienced seismic shifts before, such as the introduction of the World Wide Web, and the lesson remains the same: educators must neither resist innovation out of fear nor rely on it blindly for convenience. The responsibility lies in learning how to use new tools thoughtfully, ethically, and creatively to serve students.

Higher education also faces structural challenges, including staffing shortages, stagnant wages, and limited benefits such as health insurance. While these realities may deter some, my passion for the field outweighs the monetary considerations. For me, the true reward lies in the impact we have on students, the opportunities to innovate, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of learning.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are lifelong learning, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to doing the right thing—I am very principle-oriented. Beyond academia, my life is grounded in balance. I live on a small farm surrounded by rescue animals, create and exhibit art, and remain selectively involved in professional organizations such as HAND and Quality Matters. These quieter pursuits keep me centered and remind me that meaningful work—like meaningful learning—requires both discipline and reflection.