Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Mary McDonald has been working in higher education for 22 years. She has an MBA in Global Management and a PhD in Higher Education Administration. Her experiences include integration, driving organic growth initiatives, optimizing business processes, and sharing best practices in higher education institutions globally. She was an integral part of launching online initiatives in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Chile. Her primary background is in process and project management for start-ups, mergers, and acquisitions. She has 22 years of experience in creating processes and procedures and managing the faculty lifecycle from recruitment to ongoing development. She is a change agent who has worked with over 20 higher education institutions to help further align strategy and change initiatives.
Education
University of Phoenix - Phoenix, Arizona
PhD in Higher Education Administration
MBA in Global Management
University of North Alabama - Florence, Alabama
Bachelor of Science in Communications and Public Relations
Special Training
BeKnowledge - Internet Security Training
BeKnowledge - Handling Sensitive Information
BeKnowledge - Security Awareness Training
Experience
2020 - Present
Chief Academic Officer - Aston American University
2019 - Present
Executive Director - Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
2018 - Present
Senior Business Analyst (Part-time) - Strata Information Group
2016 - Present
Adjunct Faculty, Grand Canyon University
2015 - Present
Educational Consultant - Self Employed
2013 - 2015
Director of New Ventures and Program Management - Apollo Global
2013 - 2013 (Expat)
Director of Academic Operations - Bridge School of Management
2009 - 2010 (Expat)
Director of Operations - BPP University
2009 - 2010
Associate Director of Operations - Apollo Global
2008 - 2009
Director of Academic Operations - Meritus University
2005 - 2008
Academic Affairs Manager - University of Phoenix
2003 - 2008
Faculty Development Administrator - University of Phoenix
2001 - 2003
Enrollment Advisor - University of Phoenix
1999 - 2001
Academic Advisor - University of Phoenix
1998 - 1999
Assistant Sports Information Director - University of Texas A&M-Kingsville
