Doubling Down on Success by Mastering Multiple Degrees
In this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Allison Donlan, a dedicated educator and proud triple Lancer, to explore her inspiring academic and personal journey at Longwood University. Allison’s Longwood experience spans a bachelor’s in Elementary Education (BS ’17), a master’s in Educational Leadership (MEd ’20), and her current pursuit of a graduate endorsement in Reading, Literacy & Learning (’25).
Allison shares how her passion for education was sparked by great K–12 teachers and further shaped by a speech Dr. Tanner-Anderson gave during an undergraduate classroom visit, which inspired her to “lead from where you are.” She details how her Longwood education, combined with hands-on experiences—serving as a graduate assistant for the Special Education department, teaching first grade, and leading reading literacy initiatives—has profoundly influenced her teaching philosophy and professional aspirations.
Throughout the conversation, Allison emphasizes the power of community, mentorship, and collaboration, reflecting on the ways Longwood professors, peers, and cohort members supported her growth. She also shares practical insights into fostering a love of reading among students, both in the classroom and at home, using strategies such as flexible reading spaces, book clubs, and engaging literacy activities.
Looking ahead, Allison discusses her goals to continue impacting education as a reading specialist, supporting teachers, and potentially contributing to administration and curriculum development. Her story highlights the importance of lifelong learning, professional development, and cultivating a supportive community in building a meaningful and effective career in education.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Dr. 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.
Guest
Allison Donlan
My name is Allison Derrick Donlan. I am (almost) a triple Lancer, go wood! I graduated from Longwood in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and I graduated again in 2023 with a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership. I am currently enrolled in the Reading Literacy and Learning Graduate Endorsement program and will complete it this May. Following my undergraduate degree, I spent a year working at Longwood as the Special Education Graduate Assistant. I worked with the department to tutor students for the VCLA. In 2022 I began my first year teaching Kindergarten. I was so inspired by their growth in reading and found a passion for teaching it. I wanted to learn more about research-based theories for teaching reading and open more future career paths with teaching reading, so I enrolled in the RLL program. This year I have looped up to first grade with my same kindergarten class while I am finishing up the RLL program. It has been the most incredible and rewarding experience learning how to better support student’s reading while teaching the students that inspired me to do it.
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.
