Oklahoma Women in Higher Education
Photo Gallery - Debbie Blanke Scholarship Recipients
2025 - Kacey Daniels
Executive Director of Student Services at Redlands... ▼
Executive Director of Student Services at Redlands Community College pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Leadership at Southern Nazarene University
\"My career goals in higher education center around maximizing my impact in my current role as Executive Director of Student Services.
I am committed to fully mastering the responsibilities of this position while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment that empowers and develops my team. A key part of my mission is to amplify the student voice, ensuring their needs and perspectives are heard and reflected in institutional decision-making. I am also passionate about promoting Redlands Community College, strengthening our outreach efforts, and contributing to strategic enrollment growth.
My long-term goal is to continue serving students and the college community at the highest level, advancing initiatives that support access, retention, and student success.\" ▲
2025 - Christina Willoughby
Administrative Assistant at Cameron University pur... ▼
Administrative Assistant at Cameron University pursuing a Master of Arts in Mental Health at Cameron University
\"My goal is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), specializing in working with college students between the ages of 18 and 25. This stage of life is a critical transition, where young adults begin navigating independence, responsibilities, and the complexities of the real world. Many students are unprepared for setbacks, and their challenges often extend beyond self-love and emotional growth. They must navigate these experiences on their own, which can be overwhelming.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated this transition, leaving many students socially awkward and struggling with communication. As an LPC, I want to be the kind of counselor who helps students navigate these challenges in the best way possible. My goal is to provide guidance, support, and practical strategies to help them build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and successfully transition into adulthood.\" ▲
2025 - Sonia Rodriguez Escobar
Assistant Director of Academic Publications, Acade... ▼
Assistant Director of Academic Publications, Academic Affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma; pursuing her Doctorate in Education Administration and Leadership at Southern Nazarene University
\"As a first-generation immigrant student and single mother, I am committed to helping institutions understand and implement policies that enhance student success and ensure equitable access to higher education.
As I work towards completing my doctorate in Higher Education, my goal is to support Oklahoma institutions in navigating the complexities of curriculum and policy, particularly through collaboration with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE). Additionally, I am passionate about advocating for more women in leadership positions within higher education, working to create pathways for women to thrive and lead at every level.
In the near future, I hope to contribute to university-level initiatives that support student retention, academic engagement, and leadership development. I aspire to work with OSRHE to foster a more inclusive higher education system across Oklahoma. Ultimately, in my heart my career goals are to champion inclusive leadership and advocate for policies that support gender equity in higher education, especially for women of diverse backgrounds. I\'m passionate about continuing to create mentorship opportunities, empowering women leaders, and breaking down barriers so that all women can thrive in academia and beyond.\" ▲
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