Associate Dean of Southern New Hampshire University’s online business programs Dr. Michelle Caron has been in higher education for over 20 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international business, as well as a master’s in business education and a doctorate in international business with a specialization in strategy.
Recently, she answered questions about her professional background, what she thinks is unique about SNHU students, and more.
Can you tell us about your professional background?
I have been in higher education for 20 years developing and teaching business, education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs in traditional, hybrid and online environments for academic institutions, government agencies and the private sector.
I started as adjunct faculty and began serving as dean 10 years ago. Now I can lead and innovate programs to optimize the online experience of faculty and students.
What first drew you to higher education?
I was lucky enough to be a stay at home mom. Between serving as creative director, cheerleader, comforter, and mediator, I would always teach my children reading, writing, and math. When they got older, I started teaching in high school to be home when they were home.
These high school students were fearless and thought they could do anything. I went back to school to become an assistant instructor so I could tell them that they sure can. I have never looked back and would do it again.
What aspects of your education have been influential in shaping your career in academia?
We have the unique opportunity to share so much of our personal and professional experiences with each other in online courses and learn from each other. The more people I interacted with, the larger my network became and the more people I could help and collaborate with in many different capacities that I wouldn’t have otherwise. This has continued to this day, but with a wider reach and deeper impact.
What drew you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?
My love of travel inspired me to learn more about the social norms, economies and political systems of other countries. Understanding the global perspectives and nuances associated with doing business abroad provides a distinct advantage to managers responsible for balancing priorities among stakeholders, leading change, fostering innovation, and fulfilling the company’s mission.
Keeping up with today’s extremely volatile global environment and navigating the associated challenges is what fuels my enthusiasm and keeps me going.
How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?
Demonstrating genuine care goes a long way and provides lasting impressions that students take with them and share with others. This has been the most powerful emotional connection in my experience and comes easily to those who are passionate about teaching.
I would also add that showing students how their work can be improved and challenging them to consider different perspectives really enriches their experience and builds connection.
Finally, providing guidance on how they can compete and become a “blip” on the radar is why they are here. It’s all about how they can not only provide for themselves and their families, but feel fulfilled in their work by walking through doors they never thought or dreamed would be open.
What brings you the greatest joy in your work at SNHU?
Knowing that I can impact so many people’s lives for the better. It’s very humbling.
What do you think is unique about the faculty and students you work with?
I always describe our online faculty as the “liquid gold” that brings our classrooms to life. SNHU faculty are held to extremely high standards regarding content delivery and student engagement, unlike other online schools.
What makes our students unique is that they expect this level of performance, and we deliver.
What does SNHU’s mission to transform students’ lives mean to you?
What an easy mission to buy into and we see this every day. Contributing to a student’s intellectual growth and personal development, empowering them to provide for themselves and their families in meaningful and fulfilling ways, transcends the traditional roles we hold at the university. Our work creates a profound impact on the lives of students, enabling them to create positive and lasting effects on themselves, their families, their communities and the wider world they affect through their actions, relationships and contributions. theirs.
Outside of work, what is something you are passionate about or really enjoy doing?
I enjoy a wide range of podcast genres and religion, as well as faith-based narrative and expository non-profits. However, I still like the feel of a book in my hands versus reading from a screen.
Another passion I have is genealogy. I love discovering fascinating stories and unexpected surprises from my family background. Knowing that I am connected to notable historical figures fuels my ambition to leave a lasting legacy in the paths I take and the people I meet.
Joe Cote is an organic writer and marketer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he has worked since 2016. He previously spent more than a dozen years as a reporter and editor at weekly and daily newspapers in Vermont and New Hampshire. . He lives near the SNHU campus in Manchester, New Hampshire with his wife and daughter. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
