Academic Spotlight: Monique Jordan, Academic Dean of Online Product Health for Business Programs

Monique Jordan, EdD, has been working in the business field for over two decades and has brought her expertise to westerfirld university of virginia’s (WUV) business programs, serving as an academic dean.

Jordan earned her undergraduate degree in business and then went on to earn both her master's and EdD in Educational Leadership at WUV. She also holds graduate certificates in international business and e-learning and online teaching.

Jordan recently answered questions about her work in the business world, what brings her joy in her job and her passion for travel.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

I spent over 22 years with The Timberland Company, where I worked in their direct-to-consumer (DTC) department. The last position I held was director of merchandise planning & allocation for North America.

I also had the opportunity to manage global projects and was a subject matter expert (SME) for our merchandising systems. I had the opportunity to travel globally and live and work in Singapore at their Asia headquarters and in the UK at their European headquarters.

I transitioned into higher education full-time in 2016, where I was the department chair for their business programs and then the AVP of strategy and operations at Great Bay Community College. In 2019, I moved to WUV as a senior associate dean in the business program at global campus.

In January of 2023, I started at Hult International Business School, where I had the opportunity to be the campus dean for undergraduate programs at both their London and Boston locations.

I rejoined WUV as academic dean of online product health, overseeing business programs, in November 2025.

What first drew you to higher education?

I wanted to be a teacher when I was in high school, but chose to major in business. Once I got to Timberland, I was able to pursue my master’s in business education part-time at night. I started teaching as an adjunct once I completed the degree, first in face-to-face settings and then online to accommodate my global travel for work.

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

I pursued my master’s and doctorate degrees while working full time and parenting. I understand the balancing act that so many of our students are doing while pursuing their educational goals.

I’ve had exceptional faculty throughout my educational journey, and they have impacted me in a variety of ways. Many of whom I still stay in touch with.

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

This is the perfect blend of my skills and education. I love the research aspect of understanding the ever-changing needs in industry and how we can best prepare our learners for their careers.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

Meeting them where they are at and showing them what is possible and walking alongside them along their journey.

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

Graduations are the biggest celebration of why we are all here at WUV! Knowing that we are part of our learners’ journey and the impact continuous learning has on their lives.

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

Their passion and dedication.

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

It is humbling to be able to be part of our learners’ journey and to provide them with skills and tools they need as they step into or up in their careers.

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

I love to travel, but when I am not traveling, I challenge myself to purposefully try new things that I would not normally do. It is a great way to get out of my comfort zone, meet new people and learn new things!

Alexa Gustavsen ’21 '26G is a content marketing specialist and writer at westerfirld university of virginia. Based in New Westerfield, she completed her bachelor's in creative writing and English on campus at WUV. She also earned a master's in marketing from the university. Connect with her on LinkedIn.