Influential Woman · Higher Education
Rheanna Reed
Faculty Quality Assurance Manager, Associate Faculty, and Research Fellow, University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Her Story
About Rheanna
Rheanna Reed, DM, is a leader in performance strategy, operational excellence, and learning innovation with more than two decades of experience advancing quality, engagement, and organizational effectiveness in higher education.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Reed serves as Faculty Quality Assurance Manager at the University of Phoenix, where she leads faculty performance and quality initiatives that support academic excellence across a large and diverse faculty workforce. She collaborates with academic and operational leaders to drive continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making, process optimization, and cross-functional partnerships.
An accomplished educator, researcher, and mentor, Dr. Reed teaches courses in leadership, organizational behavior, and research methods while contributing to research focused on faculty engagement, burnout, and graduate career readiness. Her work bridges the gap between theory and practice, translating research findings into actionable strategies that strengthen online learning environments, support faculty success, and enhance student outcomes.
Throughout her career, Dr. Reed has advanced through a variety of leadership and operational roles, building expertise in performance management, organizational development, faculty engagement, and strategic planning. She holds a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training, and a Master of Business Administration. Known for her data-driven yet people-centered leadership style, she combines analytics, innovation, and collaboration to solve complex challenges and create meaningful organizational impact.
Beyond higher education, Dr. Reed is passionate about entrepreneurship and business development. She has launched and managed multiple ventures, including furnished housing for traveling professionals, and is currently helping her partner bring a new culinary venture, Devil's Daughters BBQ, to market. Through each endeavor, she embraces opportunities to learn, innovate, and build community.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Reed enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, baking, crocheting, and spending time with family and friends. Whether leading organizational initiatives, conducting research, teaching students, or building businesses, she is driven by a commitment to continuous learning, meaningful relationships, and helping others succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rheanna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to grit and determination, especially my ability to persevere through difficult situations. I maintain a positive attitude and remain focused on moving forward, even when challenges arise. I also remind myself that difficult moments are temporary, which helps me stay grounded, resilient, and committed to seeing things through.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to consistently demonstrate what I can do in the position I’m in, rather than waiting for an opportunity to prove my abilities. I’ve learned the importance of taking initiative, contributing meaningfully, and leading from wherever I am. This mindset has helped me grow professionally by showing my value through action, regardless of my role or title.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, whether it is educational or involves stepping into new roles. I’ve found that each experience, no matter how small, is a chance to learn, grow, and build confidence. Being open to new challenges and saying yes to opportunities has been key to developing my skills and advancing my career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is helping organizations embrace rapid technological change while ensuring people remain at the center of every decision. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation are transforming how we teach, lead, and make strategic decisions, but technology alone does not create meaningful progress. Leaders must also foster trust, develop new skills, and build cultures that encourage innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. I also see tremendous opportunity. Organizations now have access to more data than ever before, allowing leaders to make better-informed decisions, improve performance, and create more personalized experiences for employees and those they serve. The leaders who will be most successful are those who can combine data-driven decision-making with empathy, ethical leadership, and a commitment to developing people. I believe the future belongs to organizations that leverage technology not to replace human potential, but to amplify it.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, bravery, grit, and determination. I strive to be truthful and transparent in my actions, to approach challenges with courage, and to remain resilient even when faced with difficulties. These values guide how I show up each day and help me stay committed to my goals and responsibilities.
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