Academic Spotlight: Associate Dean of Business Deb Gogliettino

Deborah Gogliettino has spent more than three decades in healthcare, human resources and higher education. In addition to serving as an associate dean of online business programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), she is a Senior Professional in Human Resources from the Human Resources Credentialing Institute.

Recently she answered questions about her professional background, how she connects with online students and more.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

Professionally I’ve worked in healthcare human resources (HR) for over 30 years. I started at the very first step, writing job descriptions and analyzing the economic value of jobs for one of the largest hospitals in the state of Connecticut. I wrote and analyzed more than 400 job titles, learning about how work was performed right at the side of the employee. What an experience!

I liked HR and HR liked me, and a vice president of human resources decided to make me a “HR trainee” teaching me every aspect of HR. I was hooked and combined with some risk taking, education and hard work I made it to the C-suite level and worked as a chief human resource officer for mid-size health systems for many years.

What first drew you to higher education?

I always wanted to teach, remembering that at an early age I wanted to be a teacher. However, business was a bit more attractive in my early career, so I combined the two — working in business and as an adjunct at five private universities in Connecticut.

Collaborating with individuals who wanted to improve their lives or young professionals who wanted to contribute to their career path was inspiring to me and I had great teachers during my formative years who made lasting contributions to me as a person. I always want to return their kindness and move such onto others.

What aspects of your own education have been influential in shaping your career in academia?

I am a lifelong learner always curious about the structure and origin of theories or insights and always eager to expand my own understanding and competence. I believe competence in one’s work and one’s values create a well-rounded individual, and I know that is what we try to build in academia. So, I guess then the opportunity to keep learning, to explore and question to try new things untried and to build competence I can use for the greater good or benefit of others is what has influenced and shaped my career in academia.

Sounds corny I know but, in our world, especially today, those solid values are challenged, and we need to keep them alive and thriving.

What attracted you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

First, I like business. I like all aspects of it creating products or services that fill a need. Secondly, I like to solve problems and build systems or policies that impact the lives of people. That is why I was drawn to the field of human resources.

Many are under the impression that you enter human resources because you like people. That is not the case. I entered human resources not only to solve problems and create innovative solutions, but to play an influential role in a company’s strategy. That is the fun of HR.

My colleagues used to tell me I approach HR with an entrepreneur’s mind. Doing so meant that when leadership brought innovative ideas to me or me to them, a collective energy through collaboration and strategic thinking brought the company to another level in growing and supporting their employees. Pretty cool.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

There is no doubt connecting with busy students who are working, raising families and going to school is a challenge. I leave myself open to communicate with students according to what they need at any point and time. That position is for the questions or concerns or just need to talk through an assignment.

Inside the classroom I use video announcements and video feedback to make the experience more real for the student. I tell faculty that even though we are in an “online” world, students like to see our face and hear our voices. Feedback indicates that students appreciate the extra effort.

And when I can, I add an inspirational song in my mid-week posts to keep the students going!

What brings you the greatest joy in your work at SNHU?

I know I have three great joys in the work here at SNHU.

First, my position at SNHU melds my professional experience in HR, my passion for learning and my mission to teach and develop others.

Second, the people I meet and work within my team, in projects or in the faculty and in leadership treat me with profound respect and always support me when needed.

Third, of course, are our students. Facilitating learning, developing the latest content and coaching students to reach their goals is the greatest joy of all.

What do you feel is unique about the faculty and students you work with?

Not every student is perfect nor every faculty member. However, the faculty’s focus on our mission and support for students and students’ drive to beat the odds and finish their degree is a bit more unique than my experience in other educational environments. Students are serious about moving forward and faculty are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the students’ goals.

What does SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners mean to you?

This is simple. The mission means we have the opportunity and privilege to contribute to another human being who will take their learning with them for the rest of their lives. When one educates themselves, that gift of education can never be taken away. It is a forever gift.

Outside of work, what is something you are passionate about or really enjoy doing?

Learning and connecting with people. You can find me visiting with family or friends on Zoom, or in person after work and on the weekends. We discuss politics, family comings and goings, what’s new, the future, the Mets and Yankees (for us New York types) and anything else that is on a person’s mind. I never really get tired of learning how others are doing and finding a way to help.

Joe Cote is a writer and organic marketer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he has worked since 2016. Previously he spent more than a dozen years as a reporter and editor at weekly and daily newspapers in Vermont and New Hampshire. He lives near SNHU's Manchester, New Hampshire campus with his wife and daughter. Connect with him on LinkedIn.