We, as education leaders, must obsess over our culture.
Why? Because we understand its profound significance.
Great higher education programs and services are the products we build for our students.
Culture is the product we build for our staff and faculty.
And we must tirelessly nurture it, day in and day out.
We take swift action to respond to opportunities and needs that better serve our students, always with a sense of urgency.
Otherwise, why bother? Become obsessed with being the best available option for the audiences we serve.
We are known for candor and directness. Respectful disagreements are welcomed and valued among our community.
Everyone, regardless of their position in the University, has an impact on the success of the student.
We believe that continuous learning and improvement are essential. Challenges are opportunities to improve, and we strive to grow, adapt, and innovate in all we do.
Great organizations always have great people.
It’s the ultimate form of sophistication.
We consistently evaluate all the available options to ensure that we focus efforts and resources on what truly matters.
If we can’t measure what we’re doing, we probably shouldn’t be doing it.
For us, the true definition of quality is delivering more than what is expected. Especially for our students.
Be confident, but never arrogant. Always listen, and always learn.
Life is too short to spend it doing something you don’t love.
"I am beyond proud to nominate Laura Call for the “We Move Fast” award. She consistently demonstrates what it means to take swift, thoughtful action in service of our students and our team – not just in isolated moments, but as a part of how she works each day.
She is always the first to volunteer when the team needs support, stepping in without hesitation and with a genuine desire to help. When Laura identifies an issue, she doesn’t wait for direction or allow overthinking to stall progress. Instead, she acts quickly and confidently to address needs immediately. In addition to her other MRRS responsibilities, Laura became the primary individual on our team to handle conferral-related Salesforce cases in January. Having zero previous experience with conferral processes, she dove head-first into the challenge. For several weeks in Q1, we received an average of 150 cases/day in the Conferrals queue. Her commitment and ability to “move fast” were instrumental in allowing us to manage this increase in workload and maintain our SLA.
Second, Kim demonstrated her dedication to excellence by completing her first course development assignment of 2025 weeks ahead of schedule. Her development work is stellar, and her proactive approach allowed the course to move to Instructional Design earlier than anticipated, which will ultimately bring this improved course content to our students much sooner.
Even more than her quick action, what truly sets her apart is her heart for serving students. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure they have a positive, seamless experience. Her actions show that excellence—not perfection—is her standard, and she embraces change with a mindset that inspires those around her. I wholeheartedly recommend her for this award."
"Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson makes sure to keep abreast of current online pedagogical trends and moves forward to help herself and her colleagues up to date. If there is a question, she dives in to help answer that can seem out of reach.
Jennifer has taken the initiative a few times ever since working with APUS. She helped spear head and co-create the FROM conference. She wanted to hear stories about the Forgotten, Rebels, Overlooked and Marginalized faculty and believed we had our own stories to tell. Sharing stories not only brings people together but it also fosters understanding of different cultures and lifestyles others bring to the table, and this has always been important to her. The conference ran 3 years strong, and she was an active member of the core group that met twice a month to plan, to schedule, to refine and define what the conference was about each year. If there's a voice to be heard for the disenfranchised, JFF's is the one you want to hear.
Jennifer also curated the scheduling template for the full time English faculty- allowing for a more robust and satisfying scheduling experience that should prevent a work/life imbalance. Being able to schedule in advance helps keep a work-life balance healthy and enable us to do other work that shines a light on just how awesome this department is.
Jennifer also started the monthly English Brown Bag talks. The desire to talk with others in the department and form a stronger sense of collegiality - which can be lacking in the online environment is her goal, and thus far, it seems to be working. Each talk covers topics about teaching and learning, assignment creation and, of course, AI. Jennifer has give three keynotes in the last two years talking about AI and writing.
Jennifer also presents and multiple conferences each year, including TES for the last 3 years, keeping her research scholarship active. If there's a job that needs to be done, JFF would be my go-to 100% of the time. She is one of the greatest assets in this department and deserves this award and many others. I love working with her."
“Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson moves fast. When she sees a need within a class or the English Department, she acts without anyone asking her to do so.
Her actions are based on careful decision-making concerning new and changing educational technologies. She strives for excellence by staying abreast of current online pedagogical trends, particularly those related to AI as she is a ChatGPT brand ambassador. When learning of a new tool or strategy, she quickly assesses its relevancy to her teaching.
Dr. Fisch-Ferguson embraces change, creatively integrating emerging AI technologies into her course assignments and discussions in ways that foster a dynamic learning environment that uses AI to teach content but also to teach students how to use these tools in a critical and creative way. For instance, she has redesigned forum discussions to teach AI prompting as part of the writing process and assesses students’ critical use of AI prompts rather than only assessing the written product produced. She presents every year on her use of AI in the classroom, including giving three keynotes at national conferences and delivering the session Think Deeper, Write Smarter: Harnessing AI for Critical Analysis Mastery at the recent CTL Teaching Excellence Summit.
Dr. Fisch-Ferguson’s is committed to initiatives that promote faculty development. Over the course of just a few weeks, she identified the need for and coordinated a brownbag webinar series that provides a forum for English faculty to share successful teaching strategies and experiment with new ideas. She also helped spearhead the APUS-sponsored FROM conference because she saw an opportunity for faculty to share their research about the Forgotten, Rebels, Overlooked and Marginalized and the importance of others, particularly students, learning about these subjects to foster understanding and change.
Dr. Fisch-Ferguson recognizes that not acting comes at a cost. For instance, she took the initiative to design and conduct a survey of English faculty to provide data to improve processes to allow faculty to teach more often the courses they design and to reduce overlap of many courses that are writing intensive, resulting in a more streamlined scheduling process and ensuring that course offerings are responsive to both faculty and student needs.
As a teacher, she does not overanalyze and acts quickly within the classroom. For instance, she produces weekly wrap-up videos that may not be as edited and polished as the lesson videos but directly address student discussions and needs specific to that week and that class. She also offers weekly individual Zoom meetings with students that provide the personalized instruction that students need and usually need quickly.
Dr. Fisch-Ferguson’s work exemplifies the principles of this award, demonstrating swift action to address the needs of students as well as colleagues within the department and the wider university community.”
“Shannon Pattajo truly exemplifies the spirit of “We Move Fast.” While she has already been recognized at the team level, her individual performance stands out as extraordinary and deserving of special and wider recognition.
Shannon consistently approaches her work with an unmatched sense of urgency, dedication, and precision. Last month alone, she worked every available hour of overtime and delivered an incredible level of productivity—personally completing 614 evaluations. This level of output is nothing short of remarkable and reflects her relentless drive to move work forward quickly and efficiently. What sets Shannon apart is not just her speed, but her accuracy. She balances rapid execution with a strong commitment to quality, fully embodying our strive for excellence mindset. She is a true force within the team—dependable, driven, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure results.
Shannon’s performance is a powerful example of what it means to move fast while maintaining excellence, and she is highly deserving of recognition in this category.”
“I nominate Natascha Gast for a Q1 Vibes award because she epitomizes being ambitious and always playing to win. Natascha consistently demonstrates ambitious vision in both her course design and contributions to department and university initiatives. She has driven changes in curriculum innovation and improvement and spearheaded student service projects to enhance the student experience in and out of the classroom.
Natascha has been on the vanguard in creatively incorporating innovative AI tools into the classroom to improve student learning outcomes, listening to the market’s need for digital literacy and working backwards to create new and powerful ideas that serve students. This year, for instance, she has created course-specific custom AI bots using BoodleBox to support students by providing study guides for lessons and quizzes, forum guidance, assignment reviews, tech support, and more. Her innovative use of AI technologies has made Natascha an influential voice in several AI initiatives at APUS, including serving on the AI Task Force since its inception and currently on the AI Innovation workgroup. She has directly inspired results, such as the creation of APUS AI policies and faculty training content concerning AI assignments and rubrics. In addition, Natascha was a key member of the planning committee for last year’s successful AI conference hosted by APUS, and of course, she presented during the conference too.
Natascha’s use of AI for instruction is a continuation of her long history of incorporating creative and innovative technologies in the classroom to create a vibrant classroom experience that increases student engagement and success. Natascha was featured in Faculty Connect’s instructional champion series. Outside of the classroom, Natascha has forged a winning team of other faculty advisors and a student officer board for the R.E.A.D. Book Club. She was the sole advisor for many years, guiding the club’s significant growth from having just a single student officer participant to becoming a thriving club that has won the Outstanding Chapter of the Year award, the Outstanding Legacy Project award for three consecutive years, and three Outstanding Campus Leader awards for club officers whom Natascha nominated.
Natascha does not think small when it comes to the club’s projects. Natascha was the driving force in organizing the club’s annual financial sponsorship of libraries, reading material, and book clubs in historically underfunded elementary schools through Donors Choose. In addition, Natascha spearheaded the club’s annual adoption of a book through the Smithsonian Adopt-a-Book program. As a new service project in 2025, Natascha worked closely with a club officer to coordinate a Create-a-Book Day for Children at the officer’s local library. These service activities all support the club’s legacy project, Random Acts of Reading. All of these service initiatives have not only directly impacted children and local communities but have fostered a culture of social responsibility among club members and the wider APUS community.
Natascha has been instrumental in ensuring that APUS is at the forefront of educational technology to create engaging courses that enhance student outcomes. Her innovative use of technology and creative pedagogical practices have transformed her classrooms and prompted ongoing evolution of instructional strategies across APUS.
I've worked with Natascha for 15 years, and she makes me want to be a better teacher and a better person. I can think of no one who deserves this award more than Natascha. Her innovative drive and dedication to forward thinking are what every faculty member ought to aspire to!”
"I am thrilled to nominate Natascha Gast for the Q1 Vibes Award. If there is one person who truly epitomizes an ambitious, "play to win" spirit at APUS, it’s Natascha. She doesn't just keep up with the latest trends; she stays on the vanguard, constantly working backward from our students' needs to create powerful, tech-forward solutions.
This year, Natascha has been our resident "AI Oracle," launching custom BoodleBox bots like PC Pal and PAL to give students 24/7 support with everything from assignment reviews to tech hurdles. Her influence doesn't stop at the classroom door, though. Whether she’s leading the AI Task Force, spearheading the Brown Bag series to help colleagues find their footing with new tech, or presenting at the Teaching Excellence Summit, she is always elevating those around her. Her early adoption of H5P was so successful it became a catalyst for university-wide integration—a perfect example of how her "small" ideas have a massive organizational impact.
Beyond the digital landscape, Natascha’s heart for service is unmatched. She has transformed the R.E.A.D. Book Club into an award-winning powerhouse, moving it from a one-person show to a thriving community that sponsors underfunded libraries and partners with the Smithsonian. Her recent "Create-a-Book Day" for children is just the latest example of how she fosters a culture of social responsibility.
Natascha refuses to settle for "good enough." She is ambitious for her students, her colleagues, and her community, and she brings a vibrant, winning energy to everything she touches.”
“Senior Career Coach Rowe Leathers has spent more than a decade elevating Career Services through ambition, innovation, and setting an ambitious direction that raises expectations for both students and colleagues. Her impact is evident in the outcomes students achieve and the culture of excellence she reinforces across the team.
A defining strength of Rowe’s is her ability to turn bold ideas into practical, high-impact experiences. A recent example is her initiative to pilot a four-part, hands-on job search strategy webinar series designed to move beyond passive content into active application. Rowe helped create a comprehensive career blueprint that students completed in real time, giving them an immediate, personalized plan to move forward. The workshop received strong feedback, including a participant who later shared her completed blueprint and renewed momentum toward her career goals—an example of Rowe’s focus on exceeding student expectations through meaningful, measurable impact.
Rowe’s excellence is grounded in a relentless commitment to understanding the market and translating that insight into student-ready guidance. She continuously researches labor market trends and employer expectations, then shares timely insights through articles, team discussions, and practical coaching strategies that elevate the entire department. Students frequently praise Rowe for helping them think beyond the next application and develop long-term career strategies that strengthen their professional identity, networking approach, and value in the job market.
Equally important is Rowe’s role in elevating those around her. She is often the first colleague others turn to for thoughtful perspective and strategic guidance. During the challenges of 2025, Rowe played a key mentorship role by helping a teammate develop standards and a digital handbook for the internship-for-academic-credit program. Through collaborative feedback, she helped distill the program into five clear, essential components, making it significantly more accessible and effective for students. This is emblematic of Rowe’s approach: investing time, clarity, and care to strengthen both people and processes.
Rowe exemplifies what it means to be ambitious and to play to win. She listens deeply—to students, colleagues, and the market—asks the questions that push ideas forward, and consistently pilots improvements that make Career Services stronger, smarter, and more impactful. Her dedication extends beyond ideas to execution, ensuring lasting value for students and the team alike."
“As AVP for Client Services and Strategic Partnerships, Eric consistently demonstrates an ambitious, forward focused approach that exemplifies APUSVibe’s commitment to always playing to win. His support of the APUS Nursing program has been both strategic and meaningful, introducing key partners for the newly reformed APUS Nursing IAC, cultivating strong relationships with practice partners, and ensuring the nursing program remains positioned for excellence. His annual acknowledgment of Nurses Week further reinforces his appreciation for the profession and his commitment to celebrating those who serve as the backbone of our healthcare system.
Beyond his formal responsibilities, Eric serves as a trusted advisor and champion for the APUS nursing program. He routinely offers thoughtful guidance on how to expand strategically, strengthen industry connections, and elevate the program’s competitiveness. His drive to make APUS the best option for the audiences we serve—students, partners, and the nursing community—embodies ambition with purpose. Eric’s actions not only support the program’s immediate needs but also build momentum toward long term success, making him a standout example of what it means to be relentlessly committed to winning.”
“I am proud to nominate David for this award in recognition of his integrity, openness, and unwavering commitment to elevating our team and department. David exemplifies a culture where candor, respectful dialogue, and continuous improvement are not just ideals—they are daily practices.
One of David’s greatest strengths is his willingness to speak up. In team meetings, he consistently brings forward thoughtful insights, concerns, and solutions that others may hesitate to voice. His contributions are never about being the loudest voice in the room, but about ensuring the team has the full picture needed to make strong, informed decisions. He does this with professionalism and respect, setting the tone for honest communication and productive dialogue.
David also extends this openness into his one‑on‑one conversations. He uses these discussions not only to share his own ideas but to listen—really listen—to others. He creates a comfortable space for candid feedback and genuine collaboration. His one‑on‑ones are known for being constructive, thoughtful, and rooted in mutual trust.
A defining part of David’s impact is his commitment to realistic expectations and departmental improvement. He is always willing to step in, offer support, and help clarify what is truly achievable. When processes are unclear or inefficient, David doesn’t complain—he contributes. He identifies practical improvements, ensures expectations are grounded in reality, and helps the team focus on what will actually move us forward. His ability to balance honesty with encouragement makes him a reliable and respected partner to his peers.
David’s consistent candor, his openness to respectful disagreement, and his ability to challenge ideas—even with superiors—fosters an environment where innovation thrives. He recognizes that great ideas come from a diversity of perspectives, and he actively works to surface those perspectives. By doing so, he helps create a team culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best thinking.
For his leadership through honesty, his commitment to continuous improvement, and his positive influence on team culture, David is exceptionally deserving of this recognition. He is a model of the values we strive to uphold, and he strengthens our department every day."”
“Kathy exemplifies these values through her candor, directness, and willingness to engage in respectful, thoughtful dialogue. She fosters an environment where differing perspectives are welcomed and valued, and where it is understood that respectful disagreement—even with superiors—is not only acceptable but essential to innovation.
Kathy consistently challenges the status quo in pursuit of better outcomes for both the organization and our students. Most notably, she proposed and developed an alternative to our current Withdrawal Appeals policy and processes. While this proposal is still under review and awaiting final approval, it reflects her courage to question established practices and offer a new way of doing business at APUS.
Her forward-thinking approach has the potential to generate cost savings for the institution while also creating additional opportunities for student persistence and success. Kathy’s initiative, integrity, and commitment to improvement are deeply appreciated and exemplify what it means to be honest and courageous.”
“Meagan consistently demonstrates the courage to ask hard questions and provide thoughtful, direct feedback—even when those conversations are difficult. She approaches candor as an act of responsibility and respect, grounded in a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for both faculty and the institution. In particular, Meagan models this value through her support of faculty during their CARE course revisions, where she is willing to engage in honest dialogue about scope, rigor, and expectations while remaining deeply supportive of faculty success. She helps faculty navigate challenging feedback with clarity and empathy, ensuring conversations remain productive and forward focused.
Additionally, in discussions around potential projects in GDJ, Meagan is unafraid to raise questions, challenge assumptions, or surface concerns early—creating space for better decisionmaking and stronger project outcomes. Her willingness to speak openly, even when it may be uncomfortable, helps teams avoid misalignment and encourages thoughtful, wellconsidered solutions.”
Congratulations to these employees!