Her Story
About Dr. Andrea
I knew from childhood I wanted to teach, playing school with materials my father brought home from his job as a janitor. After graduating Rutgers with a computer science degree in 1984 and working unhappily as a programmer, I earned my MBA at Rider and began teaching through volunteer work that led to a full-time coordinator role in 1992. I stepped away for seven years to raise my family before returning in 2005, climbing to full professor while earning a doctorate from Penn in 2020. Teaching remains my passion because it allows me to motivate students from all walks of life and impact their futures.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God's guidance and the many people who took chances on me, like the administrator who hired me three times. My grandmother's progressive mindset pushed me to reach higher, and I value having mentors who mention my name favorably in rooms where I am not present. Building strong relationships ensures others speak well of you when opportunities arise.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received is that you need people who will mention your name favorably in rooms where you do not exist. Maintaining good relationships means people remember you positively and advocate on your behalf when you are not present.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Go for it and know your why. Whether you are there for money, prestige, or to impact lives, understanding your purpose ensures you perform every task with excellence, even something as simple as cleaning bathrooms, because you want to prevent harm to others.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is technology, specifically social media and AI, which disrupt learning by offering instant gratification. Students question the value of work that does not provide immediate rewards, so institutions must adapt to motivate genuine learning.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value integrity above all, along with sharing knowledge to encourage others to exceed what I know. Family is equally precious to me, as I stepped away from a secure tenured position for seven years to prioritize them, and I focus on building a lasting legacy so my children remain solid and independent.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.