Alumni Spotlight:

What I Do Now: I serve the School of Business at Wake Forest University as the Executive Director for Online Strategy and Instructional Technology and Innovation. My responsibilities are to serve as an activator, connector and facilitator, focusing on how we think about using emerging technology to enhance our educational experiences. This includes working with artificial intelligence, extended reality and our online programs.

Why I chose Hartwick: I decided to attend a smaller liberal arts college because I wanted the freedom to explore a wide range of interests, especially since I wasn’t sure about my academic path. Having a parent who worked at a small college, I understood the unique benefits of that educational environment. It offered the developmental space I needed—allowing me to explore various academic disciplines while encouraging me to engage across different fields. I was also eager to challenge myself not just academically but as an active member of the community. Athletics played a key role in my decision as well. As a four-year member of the men’s basketball team, it provided me with an immediate sense of belonging and a strong foundation of relationships as I transitioned from high school to college.

How the Hartwick Experience Impacted My Professional Life: My first job out of college was largely thanks to the Hartwick network. The company actively recruited at Hartwick and those connections helped me get my foot in the door, offering me valuable professional experience in technology. This was another opportunity to broaden my horizons right after college. My education enabled me to navigate a non-linear career path—starting in technology, then spending a few years in financial services and eventually finding my way to higher education. Early in your career, it’s crucial to gain diverse experiences. This allows you to discover what you enjoy, develop valuable skills, learn more about yourself, and build a strong professional network.

What Inspired Me to Follow this Career: I am a lifelong learner. This mindset, which I began cultivating as a student at Hartwick, has empowered me to seize opportunities even when they weren’t immediately apparent. My commitment to continuous growth has been key in navigating my career. True to this approach, I returned to school twice, earning a master’s degree in education and later an MBA. Being analytical, a critical thinker and a strong communicator are essential qualities that have positioned me well across various career paths.

My Favorite Aspect of My Career: In this role, I see myself as a connector, activator and facilitator when needed. Much of my work is project-based, focused on driving change and ensuring that our efforts positively impact classroom experiences and provide colleagues with the tools and resources they need to succeed. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how our team-based outcomes benefit both the industry and students’ learning opportunities. This role is exciting because it requires a willingness to consider new possibilities, which is crucial for both professional and personal development.

Spotlight by Stella Giustino ’25