Academic Spotlight: Business Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Teague

Dr. Jennifer Teague, has worked in higher education for nearly 20 years and in several countries. She earned an MBA from the University of Houston and a PhD in International Management from Northcentral University. She is now the executive director of Southern New Hampshire University’s online business programs and recently answered questions about her professional background, how she connects with students and more.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

I have worked in higher education for almost 20 years in both traditional brick-and-mortar and online environments in Norway, the U.S. and the U.K. Prior to moving into higher ed, I began my career in international compliance in the oil and gas industry.

What first drew you to higher education?

Being a dean was never on my “what I want to be when I grow up” list (that was astronaut!). But looking back, every educational and professional experience led me to exactly this place. I am a proud and grateful first-generation college student, and I recognized the impact that a few very dedicated advisors and professors had as they showed me that I could truly be and do anything.

At the same time, before joining higher ed, my studies and professional path gave me the chance to work in more than 50 different countries, so I saw 50 different interpretations of how to effectively do business. That marriage of wanting to be a positive educational influence for others while recognizing there is no “one best way” led me to exactly where I am now.

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

Again, being a first-generation student with no early understanding of how to navigate the academic environment left me feeling adrift when I stumbled into my bachelor’s program. An absolutely tremendous advisor sat down with me on a weekly basis and provided such a warm and open perspective about how my life could change through education. She made me believe that I could do anything!

I also had some experiences with very talented professors. Watching them manage a classroom, inspire broader thinking, and do it with kindness and grace made me realize THAT was where I wanted to be. There is no better job in the world than getting to talk to interesting people about interesting ideas – I get to do that every day from both a teaching and administrative lens.

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

While I am now responsible for the strategic direction and operations of SNHU’s online business programs, my own discipline area is international management. So much of what drew me to that field, including intercultural competence, global strategy, systems thinking and celebrating diversity, has been a tremendous foundation for my leadership approach. Knowing that every day and every situation requires tapping into different skills, knowledge, and relationships keeps me energized and engaged in the work. I feel very lucky to continue to teach in this area as an adjunct instructor here at SNHU.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

To me, letting students know you are a real person and have empathy and respect for their educational journey is key. While I always love digging into content with students, even more important than that is establishing a personal connection by checking in with them on a regular basis, encouraging them to do and be their best and celebrating their successes.

What brings you the greatest joy in your work as an executive director?

There is no better feeling than knowing you’ve had a positive influence on someone’s life, in both little and large ways. Having the privilege to work with talented faculty and staff in a positive and inclusive environment while serving the nontraditional online learner makes me feel like I have won the career lottery!

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

Everything is unique about our students and faculty! You won’t find two individuals with exactly the same story, and that is what makes working in such a diverse environment so captivating.

While my academic career originated in very traditional universities in Europe, once I got a taste of the online environment, my heart burst to serve the remote adult learner. These are our military members, our working parents, our full-time workers, our “maybe college isn’t for me” learners. Each one of them comes with their own circumstances, but the one thing they all share is a desire to achieve. I am constantly honored to get to be part of those stories.

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

Transformation is anything that makes a learner’s life better as a result of being a part of the SNHU community. That might mean earning a degree for career advancement, taking a certificate program to learn a new skill, or diving into a specific course that shifts their perspective. I want every single learner, whether they are with us for one term or a whole degree program, to feel they leave SNHU better than when they joined.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or really enjoy doing?

I really enjoy traveling and seeing how people live and work in different cultures. I grew up in a very small town with little diversity, and I didn’t travel abroad until I was in my early 20s. Once I had, there was no stopping me! I feel very privileged to have lived in several other countries and to have visited and worked in many, many more. When traveling, you have the chance to remember that everyone wants the same things out of life, like safety, stability and acceptance. I believe traveling keeps us humble and keeps life exciting!

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.