Twanda Wadlington

Question: How did your education prepare you for the next step?

Professionally, I have worked as a professor, health and wellness campus director at a liberal arts college, a researcher in government and university-based research settings, a federally-funded food security regional campaign manager, and a regional cancer coalition coordinator. In all grant-funded roles, I found a niche in development and fundraising to grow and sustain public and mental health programs. 

In reflection, I believe my education in the College of Public Health prepared me for my professional career in three important ways:

First, it enhanced my social skills and emotional intelligence. Second, it heightened my sense of curiosity. Third, it developed my ability to learn.

Question: Is there something you wish you had known when you were a student?

Looking back, I feel like I made some great academic and social decisions, but I could have enhanced my academic experience by taking courses related to nonprofit management, executive leadership, or grant development. 

Question: Anything else you'd like to say?

I appreciate the experience and mentorship received during and after completing my program at the College of Public Health. I, particularly, want to thank Dean Wykoff and Drs. Robert Pack and Deborah Slawson.