Jodi began her tenure in higher education in 1999 after completing a Master’s degree in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction combined with a post-baccalaureate teaching credential in business education from Arizona State University. She was hired as an adjunct instructor in Computer Information Systems at Scottsdale Community College and Paradise Valley Community College (both located in Arizona), which ignited her passion for teaching, the mission of two-year post-secondary education, and the transformative journey of education for employment.
In 2007, Jodi was hired at Three Rivers Community College (TRCC) in Norwich, CT to oversee a National Science Foundation Grant. She served in a variety of roles at TRCC for 15 years, including the oversight of several large-scale initiatives including the legislatively mandated redesign of developmental math and English courses, the First-Year Experience program, and a several grant-funded initiatives which supported students in the field of Manufacturing. She served on the implementation team for the Guided Pathways project, which aims to improve student retention and completion rates. Jodi also served as the Associate Dean for Student Services, overseeing all academic advising functions, testing, disabilities services, and Title IX. In addition, Jodi served as the Conduct Officer for TRCC. She was also able to serve as the Program Coordinator for the First-Year Experience program throughout her time at TRCC, which afforded her the opportunity to continue her teaching practice on a part-time basis.
In 2017, Jodi was selected as an Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate by the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. The Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award is awarded to just ten educators nationally. Those selected share the common goal of improving the educational experience for entering college students. They are recognized for their exceptional work on behalf of first-year students and for the impact their efforts have on the students and culture of their institutions.
Jodi moved to MN in 2021 and was hired as the Director of Academic Operations at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC). In July 2022, Jodi was hired to serve as the Dean of Business, Design, Health, and Education, which provides her the opportunity to work with an exceptional cadre faculty dedicated to holistic student support, closing equity gaps, and providing an outstanding educational experience for all DCTC students.
