Breaking Barriers: How a Specialized Degree Diversifies Qualifications
In episode three of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson talks to guest Kevin Napier BS’18, MS’21, a double alum from Longwood University. The discussion revolves around Kevin's journey from pursuing a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Longwood to working in the advancement office at the same institution. Kevin shares how his master's degree diversified his qualifications and opened up new career doors for him. Also touching on his experiences as a middle school teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin discusses the shift in his career from K-12 to higher education.
Listen and enjoy as we delve into a conversation about the value of a master's degree in leadership roles and how the social justice focus of the educational leadership program played a significant role in Kevin’s career.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Sarah Tanner-Anderson
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.
Producer
Jamie Eacho
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.
Guest
Kevin Napier
Leadership Gift Officer, Longwood University (BS’18, MS’21) Educational Leadership M.S: Originally from Colonial Heights, Virginia, Kevin Napier is a Leadership Gift Officer at his alma mater, Longwood University. He graduated from Longwood with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology – Health and Physical Education in 2018 and a graduate degree in Educational Leadership in 2021. During Kevin’s senior year at Longwood, he served as President of the Student Government Association. While Kevin currently works in higher education, he also spent about four years in PK-12 education in Henrico County, Virginia, and six years as a soldier in the Virginia Army National Guard. In Henrico County, Kevin worked as a Health and Physical Education teacher for three years and an Innovative Learning Coach for one year. In the National Guard, Kevin served on seven state active duty missions, including a 30-day stint at the Capitol following the January 6th, 2021 riots. When Kevin is not at Longwood or enjoying fishing or kayaking, he coaches travel baseball at IYG Baseball in Henrico County. Kevin is in his third year as a head coach.
