College Spotlights NSU Alumna and Educational Leader

Theresa West, Ed.D., is an educational leader, author, researcher, and speaker. West is a first-generation college graduate and is a force of passion, hard work, resilience, and goodwill. Her mother and grandmother were her biggest inspirations in pursuing her higher education degrees and pursuing a career in education. Without them, she wouldn’t be living her dreams. They taught her the importance of creating her own opportunities. Most importantly, they encouraged her to believe that she can do the impossible.

In 2019, she earned her Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology and Distance Education degree from the Abraham S. Fischer College of Education and School of Criminal Justice (FCE&SCJ) in 2019, and she also earned her Educational Specialist in Technology Management and Administration from FCE&SCJ in 2014.

West currently serves as the Business Technology Southern Region Chairperson within the Technical College System of Georgia. In addition to serving the Technical College System of Georgia, she serves on the curriculum standards administrative committee which she oversees the updating, revising, and promotion of the National Standards for Business Education as necessary and facilitate the development of additional K-14 curriculum materials as directed by the National Business Education Association Executive Board.

Under her leadership, five students received first, and second-place awards at the Phi Beta Lambda of Georgia’s 60th Annual Leadership Conference, and three students were placed in the top ten at the 2008 Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference. To date, more than 200 students received associate degrees, almost 500 diplomas, nearly 150 technical certificates of credit, roughly 85 career placements, and about 50 Microsoft Office Specialist certifications. Also, Business Technology and Business Healthcare Technology are among the largest programs at Albany Technical College. Similarly, in 2017, Online Colleges recognized and honored business programs at Albany Technical College for excellence and achievement in online learning.

West said that attending NSU and receiving both her degrees from FCE&SCJ have prepared her for a growing career. It has opened many doors and helped leverage her career as a leader in education. FCE&SCJ allowed her to collaborate closely with faculty and staff to facilitate education programs and initiatives, celebrate diversity, promote multiculturalism, and develop a global mindset.

As an educational advocate for business and distance education, West regularly presents and contributes to scholarly publications at various conferences. She has received many recognitions for her publications, including the best conference paper from the Florida Distance Learning Association. West is currently working on a new book for those in higher education. West now lives in Albany, Ga., and enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching Tampa Bay Buccaneers play! Fins up to you, Theresa and for all your hard work.

Posted 12/15/21