Emily Garrison, PhD

I attribute my success first and foremost to a strong foundation of faith and prayer, which has guided my decisions, grounded me in moments of uncertainty, and given me the resilience to keep moving forward—even when the path was unclear. My faith has not only shaped who I am, but how I lead, serve, and show up for others each day.

I have also been deeply influenced by the mentors, colleagues, and professors who poured into me along the way. Their wisdom, encouragement, and belief in my potential challenged me to grow beyond what I thought was possible and reminded me of the importance of lifting others as I climb.

Equally important is my unwavering commitment to student success and to continuous personal and professional growth. I have always believed that learning never stops, and that meaningful work requires both heart and discipline. Every experience—whether a success or a setback—has been an opportunity to learn, refine, and lead with greater purpose.

Ultimately, my success is rooted in a combination of faith, perseverance, and people—those who have supported me, those I serve, and the belief that when we stay grounded in purpose and committed to growth, we can create lasting impact not only in our own lives, but in the lives of others.

The best career advice I have ever received is to stay grounded in my purpose, not just my position. Titles, roles, and responsibilities may change, but when you are clear on your “why,” it becomes your compass in every decision. That advice has guided me to lead with intention and pursue work that truly makes a difference.

My advice to young women entering this field is to first and foremost know your “why.” Take time to understand what drives you, what fuels your passion, and what gives your work meaning—and stay connected to that, even as it evolves over time. For me, it began with a passion for helping students learn and grow, and over the years it expanded into supporting both students and the educators who serve them. While my roles have changed, my core purpose has remained constant.

I would also encourage you to trust your voice and your abilities. You may not always feel fully prepared, but don’t let that stop you from stepping into opportunities that stretch you. Growth often happens in those moments of discomfort, and confidence is built through action, not perfection.

Surround yourself with people who support you, challenge you, and speak truth into your journey. Mentorship matters, and so does being willing to learn, adapt, and continue growing both personally and professionally.

Most importantly, stay grounded in your purpose and grounded in who you are as a person. When you are clear on your “why,” it will guide your decisions, sustain you through challenges and setbacks, and remind you that your work has meaning far beyond the day-to-day. When you lead with purpose, you don’t just build a career—you create impact.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is responding to the growing and evolving needs of our students and communities, especially in areas where economic disparities continue to create significant barriers for underserved populations. These students are navigating not only academic challenges, but also financial strain and limited access to resources, all of which directly impact their ability to persist and succeed.

At the same time, professionals in this field are working within increasingly complex environments—balancing and adapting to federal compliance requirements, navigating constant changes in the educational landscape, and meeting the needs of diverse learners within dynamic and often challenging systems.

Additionally, there is tremendous potential to strengthen community partnerships and develop innovative, community-driven programs that address both educational and workforce needs. When we align education with real-world opportunity and provide students with the support, exposure, and confidence they need, we are not just helping them succeed in school—we are positioning them for long-term, sustainable success in their careers and lives.

The values that are most important to me in both my personal life and work are faith, integrity, service, and relationships. My faith is my foundation—it guides my decisions, shapes how I lead, and reminds me to approach every situation with purpose, humility, and grace.

Integrity is equally important to me. I believe in doing what is right, even when it’s difficult, and in leading with honesty, transparency, and accountability. Whether I’m working with students, colleagues, or my family, I want my actions to consistently reflect my values.

Service is at the core of everything I do. I view my work not just as a career, but as a calling to support others and create pathways to opportunity for those who may not otherwise have them. That same mindset carries into my personal life, where I strive to show up for others with compassion and intention.

Finally, I deeply value relationships, collaboration, and teamwork. I believe that meaningful connections—whether with my family, students, or colleagues—are what truly make an impact. Taking time to listen, support, and invest in others is something I prioritize, because at the end of the day, people are what matter most.

These values guide how I live, how I lead, and how I define success—not simply by what is accomplished, but by the impact I make and the legacy I leave behind.