Longwood GradCast - Beyond the Degree

Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson serves as Assistant Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, as well as Associate Professor and Program Director of Educational Leadership. A former principal, assistant principal, middle- and high-school English teacher, department and grade-level chair, high-school coach, and club sponsor, Dr. Tanner-Anderson has spent nearly two decades serving and supporting public education in the Commonwealth. A proud Longwood Lancer, Dr. Tanner-Anderson obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English ('02) and Master of Arts in English, Education, and Writing ('07) from Longwood University. She earned her Post Master's Administrative Certification ('11) and Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Policy Studies ('14) from The George Washington University. Her research interests include women's educational leadership, social justice in education, and literacy leadership.

Jamie Eacho holds the title of Director of Marketing and Recruitment in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) at Longwood University. Starting out five years ago as the Marketing Specialist for CGPS, Jamie has grown her love for Longwood and her desire to help prospective students find the graduate program of their dreams. While her marketing journey started as the Marketing Manager for Campus Recreation at Roanoke College, and took her to Washington D.C. marketing for the Washington Nationals, and then out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, marketing for a hospital, she has always held a special place in her heart for working with and for students. As an alumna of Roanoke College, having obtained her Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing in 2017, her passion for small Virginia schools and the value that they can add to students’ lives runs deep.

Jason “Ferg” Ferguson is a proud Georgia native who made his way to Virginia as quickly as he could. His journey has been defined by a love of people, baseball, storytelling, and education. Growing up in the small-town of Flippen, Georgia, he learned early the value of connection and the power of personal relationships. These lessons have been at the heart of his almost three-decade career in higher education, first as a student and Admissions Dean at his alma mater, Hampden-Sydney College, and now as the Dean of Admissions at his graduate school alma mater, Longwood University making him a proud illustration of “America’s First Two College Town”. His career has been marked by a passion for helping students find their fit in higher education. Known for his innovative approach to admissions, he’s equally at home brainstorming bold recruitment strategies as he is mentoring staff or speaking to parents about their college-bound students. Ferg is also deeply rooted in the Farmville community, where he lives with the love of his life, Mary Quinn and their daughter, Lillie Staples. Whether volunteering as a Little League coach or umpire, emceeing local events, or serving at Passion Community Church, he’s committed to making an impact on those around him. A skilled communicator and witty storyteller, Ferg brings humor and heart to everything he does. At Longwood, he feels that his mission is clear: to make every student feel seen, valued, and ready to write their own story.

Health and Physical Education Teacher, Jefferson Forest High School (BS’21, MS’22) Health & Physical Education M.S: Maddie Hommey, an adept educator and enthusiastic athlete, currently serves as a Health and Physical Education teacher at Jefferson Forest High School in Bedford County, VA. Her journey as an educator and her active engagement in various roles reflect her commitment to education and community involvement. Maddie is a proud Longwood University alumna, holding a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education (May 2022) and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education (May 2021). As a student-athlete she received many awards and recognitions, for academics, athletics, leadership, and service. Now, she proudly serves on the Longwood Graduate Alumni Collaborative. With a robust work background, Maddie has excelled in roles such as Marketing Assistant at Longwood College of Graduate and Professional Services (formally Marketing Graduate Assistant), Social Media Manager for FC Frederick, Remote Teacher at Elevate K12, Camp Counselor at Camp Augusta, Longwood Athletics Compliance Assistant and Marketing and Communications Student Worker, Substitute Teacher, NCAA Soccer Referee, and beyond. Maddie's leadership roles, including serving as the Big South National SAAC Representative and Student Athlete Advisory Committee President at Longwood University, showcase her commitment to student welfare and advocacy. She actively engages in service activities, volunteering for Autism on the Seas, formerly Special Olympics, Alternative Breaks, and other community events, embodying her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the classroom or field.