Our staff

• Michael Huffman [View Image]  Michael Huffman, Ph.D.

     Director, Office of Continuing and Professional Education
     (804) 828-1322
     huffmanmc@vcu.edu
     twitter.com/michaelhuffman
     linkedin.com/in/michaelchuffman

   

  Role

  I am responsible for providing overall entrepreneurial leadership for OCPE. My focus is on ensuring high-quality, innovative and comprehensive noncredit and credit-bearing offerings, mediation services and skills training are delivered to our clients and community.

  Read more about Huffman

  Professional background

  My professional experiences have required innovative and entrepreneurial thinking while working collaboratively, both with founders of start-ups and the leadership of organizations with multiple business lines and teams. Having transitioned from the private sector into higher education in 2002, I’ve taught at both the undergraduate and graduate level, advised students, coordinated internships and held increasingly responsible administrative positions as director of the VCU School of Education Student Services Center and the Center for Professional Growth.

  Professional affiliations

  • Current member and Virginia state representative for the Association for Continuing Higher Education
  • Member of the University Professional and Continuing Education Association
  • Learning Resources Network
  • Past member and secretary of the Center for Professional Growth advisory board
  • Past president and member of the VCU School of Education Alumni Council
  • Past member of the VCU Alumni Association board of directors

  Education

  • B.A., Virginia Military Institute, 1986
  • M.B.A., Pepperdine University, 1990
  • M.S., VCU, 2002
  • Ph.D., VCU, 2012

  Favorite course of all time

  My favorite course of all time would have to be my fourth grade social studies class taught by Ms. Bettie Woodson Weaver at J.B. Watkins Elementary School. Ms. Weaver instilled a love of history in her students, and I often reflect on her positive impact on my life. I also learned to love persimmons from Ms. Weaver!

• Becky Aycock [View Image] Becky Aycock

     Human resources and operations administrator
     (804) 828-1322
     braycock@vcu.edu
     linkedin.com/in/beckyaycock

   

   

  Role

  I manage human resources and operations for the VCU OCPE.

  Read more about Aycock

  Professional background

  For 24 years, I have served VCU in an administrative capacity. My service began in the Office of Continuing Education in the VCU School of Education, which shifted to an entrepreneurial unit, SOE Associates, and then the Center for Professional Growth.

  Professional affiliations

  • Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE)
  • College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR)
  • Learning Resources Network (LERN)
  • University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

  Education

  • B.S., Christopher Newport University, 1992

  Favorite course of all time

  My favorite course of all time is Beginning Obedience Training which I took with my beautiful yellow Labrador retriever, Tanner. It was chaotic fun with a bunch of students who were just happy to be in the presence of the other students!

• Christina Draper [View Image]  Christina Draper

     Program manager and school liaison
     (804) 828-8831
     cdraper2@vcu.edu
     linkedin.com/in/christinasdraper

   

   

  Role

  I focus on generating new relationships, partnerships, and collaborations that result in the development of new continuing education and professional development opportunities. Working closely with the VCU schools and college, as well as external organizations and leaders, my role is to identify new offerings and initiatives for support.

  Read more about Draper

  Professional background

  Before joining VCU, I served as Senior Program Manager in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond where I was responsible for noncredit personal enrichment and professional development programming. Prior to my work in continuing education, I served as Director of the Virginia African American Heritage Program at the Virginia Humanities and Director of Education at The Valentine.

  Professional affiliations

  • Virginia Association of Museums
  • African American Association of Museums
  • Learning Resources Network (LERN), Board Member

  Education

  • B.A., Hampton University
  • M.A., Virginia State University
  • M.A., College of William and Mary
  • Duke University, School of Continuing Studies, Certificate in Nonprofit Management
  • Learning Resources Network (LERN), Certified Program Planner

  VCU beats

  • Career Services
  • Honors College
  • Libraries
  • School of Dentistry
  • School of Pharmacy
  • School of the Arts
  • University College

  Favorite course of all time

  My favorite course of all time was an independent art history course with Dr. Jacqueline Bontemps. She deepened my love for African American art and held me to the highest standard of scholastic excellence.

• Headshot of Austin Higgs [View Image]  Aurora Higgs

     Program manager and school liaison
     (804) 827-2067
     higgsal2@vcu.edu
     linkedin.com/in/aurora-higgs-4a427465/

   

   

  Role

  My role at OCPE is to match education opportunities with those looking to engage in continuing education and professional development. I help organizations, individuals, and VCU departments map out their needs and interest in order to play matchmaker with the suite of services OCPE offers. Critically important to this work is building and fostering relationships, which is a passion of mine.

  Read more about Higgs

  Professional background

  I have worked for VCU most of my career, in administration. For a time, I worked for a philanthropic funder that focused on health disparities in the Richmond region, while employing a racial equity lens to the work I did. In my personal time, I regularly serve as a DEI training facilitator, public speaker, and creative content creator to further the values equity and social justice in the Richmond area. I am a former co-chair of Equality VCU, a staff LGBTQIA+ advocacy group. I have also had the great joy of working on VCU projects like the HR redesign, LGBTQ Task Force, and Staff Senate.

  Professional affiliations

  • Learning Resourse Network (LERN)
  • University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

  Education

  • B.S. in Marketing, VCU, 2014
  • M.Ed. in Education Leadership, VCU, 2019

  VCU beats

  • College of Engineering
  • Facilities Management
  • School of World Studies
  • Division of Inclusive Excellence
  • VCU da Vinci Center
  • Graduate School
  • School of Education
  • College of Humanities and Sciences
    
    • Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture

  Favorite course of all time

  Any language course that I’ve ever taken. I am an aspiring polyglot and I love the mechanics of grammar. I have taken courses in: Arabic, French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Cyrillic writing, and Japanese. Next I’d love to learn Hindi, Hebrew, and Korean.

• Edward A. Howard [View Image]  Edward A. Howard

     Director of operations
     (804) 828-8819
     eahoward@vcu.edu
     linkedin.com/pub/edward-howard/4/99b/80a

   

   

  Role

  I am responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and program development to ensure the delivery of high-quality programs, courses, consulting, trainings, and other offerings. I work closely with the director on strategic planning.

  Read more about Howard

  Professional background

  Since 1996, I have worked in the development and delivery of adult continuing and professional education opportunities for nontraditional learners. A VCU double alumnus and U.S. Army veteran, I was the JJDPA compliance monitoring specialist for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services prior to joining the VCU family.

  Professional affiliations

  • Association for Continuing Higher Education
  • Learning Resources Network
  • Past Chair, University Professional and Continuing Education Association's Business and Operations Network
  • Virginia Art Education Association
  • National Art Education Association

  Education

  • B.S., VCU, 1995
  • M.Ed., VCU, 2011

  VCU beats

  • Business Services
  • Center for Community Engagement and Impact
  • Military Student Services
  • Police
  • Transportation

  Favorite course of all time

  My favorite course was Bugs, Bones, & Botany — an incredibly engaging, fun, informative and fascinating look at forensic entomology, anthropology, and botany taught by “rock star” instructors from across the country.

• Conor Lobb Headshot [View Image]  Conor O. Lobb

     Communications associate
     (804) 828-6931
     lobbco@vcu.edu
     https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-o-lobb-9ba96713a/

   

   

  Role

  I provide general marketing and communications support for the VCU OCPE, and represents the office on-campus and at community outreach events.

  Read more about Lobb

  Professional background

  During my last semester at VCU in 2017, I worked as a student public relations assistant for University Relations, where I got a taste of working in an office with true professionals. I had to opportunity to write feature articles about subjects ranging from augmented reality data organization to the VCU jazz program. 

  Education

  • B.S. in Creative Advertising, VCU, 2017

  Favorite course of all time

  My favorite course has to be Advanced Fiction, taught by Tom Dehaven at VCU. I took three workshop classes with Professor Dehaven. One workshop in particular had an amazing group of writers who inspired me to write some pieces I’m proud of today. The atmosphere was laid back and positive. It was an absolute joy to walk into that class every morning.

• Nancy A. Lowe [View Image]  Nancy A. Lowe

     Administrative coordinator and student advisor
     (804) 828-1370
     nalowe@vcu.edu
     linkedin.com/in/nancyalowe

   

   

  Role

  I provide administrative support to the director and support the OCPE in technology, facilities and CEU management.

  Read more about Lowe

  Professional background

  Starting as office manager of the Center for School and Community Collaboration within the School of Education, I have been with VCU since 1996 and OCPE for the past 12 years. With many years of experience in higher education and an extensive background in administrative roles going back more than 30 years, I am well-versed in the makings of a successful, well-run office.

  Professional affiliations

  • Learning Resources Network
  • University Professional and Continuing Education Association

  Favorite course of all time

  My favorite course would have to be my very first college course at the age of 16. I was a junior in high school and was accepted into a college-level figure drawing course at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. That was my first indication that I was on a level with others in the arts, and was the beginning of a journey of lifelong learning.

• Ashley Murphy [View Image]  Ashley Murphy

     Operations coordinator
     (804) 828-1322
     murphyae@vcu.edu
     linkedin.com/in/ashleyemurphy

   

   

  Role

  I currently serve as operations coordinator and reception manager, as well as the main registrar for both credit and noncredit programs. I am the university CEU coordinator and university administrator for OCPE’s noncredit registration system.

  Read more about Murphy

  Professional background

  I first joined the office in May 2011 as a student worker when it was called the School of Education Associates before shifting to the Center for Professional Growth. I served as program assistant prior to becoming the office’s operations coordinator.

  Professional affiliations

  • Learning Resources Network
  • University Professional and Continuing Education Association

  Education

  • B.S., VCU, 2012
  • M.S., VCU, 2014

  Favorite course of all time

  CRJS 616 Justice Policy and Administration – I enjoyed this class because John Reitzel is an incredible instructor! He created a laid-back environment that made it easier to not only learn from him, but my classmates as well.

• Styphenia Reliford [View Image] ‌‌Styphenia Reliford

     Fiscal technician
     (804) 827-1921
     sreliford@vcu.edu 
     linkedin.com/in/styphenia-reliford-97a42168

   

   

  Role

  I provide fiscal support and manage data for OCPE.

  Read more about Reliford

  Professional background

  15 years with the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) prepared me for this role. My love of helping students to be successful started in the Office of Institutional Advancement. Transitioning to the Public Relations Office allowed me to connect with students, faculty and staff on a different level.

  Education

  • A.A.S., Danville Community College, 2008
  • B.L.A., University of Richmond, 2011

  Favorite course of all time

  My favorite course was Leadership and Ethical Decision Making with Dr. Joey Faucette at the University of Richmond. I learned that how you react emotionally is a choice in every situation. I hope to be a shining light for someone; to be an example of what is right and what is good. I strive to be the best me I can be and a positive for all that are watching. 

•  
  headshot for shelly [View Image] Shelly Schuetz

     Program coordinator
     (804) 827-2385
     ssschuetz@vcu.edu
     linkedin.com/in/shellyspiveyschuetz

   

   

  Role

  In my position, I perform program, administrative, technical, and logistical duties to assist program managers in program and event coordination and execution from beginning to end of the development process.

   

  Read more about Schuetz

  Professional background

  Before joining the OCPE team, I worked as a program coordinator for the VCU Division for Health Sciences Diversity. I was responsible for the program coordination for VCU Pipeline programs such as VCU Health Sciences Academy, Healthcare Quest and the Governor’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences summer residential program. This included, but was not limited to, student admissions and support, securing professional speakers, campus visits, and scheduling shadowing opportunities for youth at VCU Health.

  Education

  • B.S. in Marketing, VCU School of Business

  Favorite course of all time

  My favorite course of all time would have to be the Corporate Event Planning noncredit course that I took with the VCU Office of Continuing and Professional Education office when I first started my career with VCU Division for Health Sciences Diversity.  As a coordinator and planner, it helped me develop the skills necessary for successful implementation, execution and management of various types of events within the corporate environment.  I enjoyed learning from the instructor Kim Letteer and meeting other professionals enrolled in the course.

•  
  Headshot of Jennifer Sisane [View Image] Jennifer Sisane

     Program manager and school liaison
     (804) 827-1923
     jsisane@vcu.edu
     linkedin.com/in/jennifersisane

   

   

  Role

  I focus on generating new relationships, partnerships, and collaborations that result in the development of new continuing education and professional development opportunities. Working closely with the VCU schools and college, as well as external organizations and leaders, my role is to identify new offerings and initiatives for support.

   

  Read more about Sisane

  Professional background

  For the majority of my career, I’ve served as a dot connecter among international development, partnerships, and exchange. My experience ranges from teaching English as a Second Language at the adult education, community college, and university levels in the U.S. and in Mexico to developing public-private partnerships, international continuing education and exchange programs, and competitive research grant applications. In previous roles, I managed more than 18 million dollars under federal cooperative agreements with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of State.

  Professional affiliations

  • American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
  • Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA)
  • Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
  • Devex (International Development)
  • Learning Resource Network (LERN), LERN Certified Program Planner
  • National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA)
  • University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

  Education

  • B.S., VCU, 1989
  • Master of Interdisciplinary Studies, VCU, 1992
  • Certificate, Senior International Officer Cohort, Academy for International Education
    • NAFSA, 2013

  VCU beats

  • College of Health Professions
  • Global Education Office
  • L.Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
    • Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute
  • Office of Research and Innovation
  • Recreational Sports
  • School of Business
    • VCU Brandcenter
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Social Work
  • VCU Life Sciences

  Favorite course of all time

  From a fused glass art studio course to study abroad experiences in France and Mexico, my favorite courses have the common thread of being challenging and push me out of my comfort zone.

•  
  Headshot of Scott Stech [View Image]  Scott Stech

     Director of finance and human resources, Center for Community Engagement and Impact
     Fiscal administrator, Office of Continuing and Professional Education
     (804) 828-8799
     smstech@vcu.edu
     linkedin.com/in/scott-stech-78b65497/

   

  Role

  I provide financial management and supervisory support for all OCPE fiscal operations including the oversight of budgets, projections, expenditure and reconciliation approvals for all programmatic activities, and financial reporting for the Office of Continuing and Professional Education. I also provide fiscal administrative oversight and human resource management support for the Center for Community Engagement and Impact and have over 12 years experience here at VCU in an administrative capacity.

   

  Read more about Stech

  Professional affiliations

  • National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO)
  • Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)
  • Cicerone Certified Beer Server

  Education

  • B.B.A.,Radford University, 2008
    • Double Major in Management and Marketing

  Favorite course of all time

  Business Strategy: The curriculum encompassed both lecture as well as a competitive, technology-based strategy simulation in which classmates were tasked with running an athletic footwear company in a head-to-head competition. Resumés were pulled from students during the first week of the class and CEOs were chosen to draft teams using the remainder of available resumés. Co-managers were tasked with making decisions on plant operations, distribution and warehouse operations, workforce compensation, sales, marketing, and financial operations in a global market arena. Performance was measured by using earnings per share, stock price appreciation, credit rating, and return on investment metrics. Teams would compete within their class for their grade, but were also simultaneously ranked at the completion of the simulation among thousands of other teams world-wide.

• Aimée P. Walters [View Image]  Aimée P. Walters

     Marketing manager
     (804) 828-5912
     apwalters@vcu.edu
     linkedin.com/in/aimeewalters

   

   

  Role

  My responsibilities include planning and developing overall OCPE marketing and communication materials and campaigns for internal and external audiences. In addition to enhancing the mission, image and awareness of the OCPE, I oversee the planning and implementation of projects that support the continuing and professional education marketing function, and provide market research and promotional services to on-campus and community partners.

  Read more about Walters

  Professional background

  Before joining VCU, I spent seven years as a marketing educator with Hanover County Public Schools, where I integrated classroom instruction with supervised on-the-job training and DECA, the student organization which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. I was also the on-site Blackboard administrator and school photographer. Prior to teaching, I spent 10 years with Goodwill Industries as the Director of Marketing and Communications, serving Central Virginia and Hampton Roads, where I strengthened the brand and public support for Goodwill and its mission of helping people with obstacles to employment to reach their full potential through education, skills training and job placement services.

  Professional affiliations

  • UPCEA
  • LERN
  • Virginia DECA
  • National Retail Federation Foundation (NRF Foundation)
  • Working in Support of Education (WISE)
  • Volunteer, Boy Scouts of America

  Education

  • B.F.A., VCU, 1995
  • M.B.A. in Marketing, VCU, 1998
  • Teacher Licensure Program, ODU, 2008
  • Postgraduate Professional License in Virginia, dual-endorsed in Marketing Education and Business and Information Technology

  VCU beats

  • University Relations, VCU OCPE marketing contact
  • VCU Athletics, VCU OCPE sponsorship contact
  • VCU Office of Alumni Relations
  • VCU Web Services, VCU OCPE website contact

  Favorite course of all time

  It is hard to pick just one! Among my favorite courses at VCU were a guided study in marketing working with students in a consumer behavior research class; an advertising research class at the VCU Adcenter; and a VCUarts Interior Design class where we took a trip to Fallingwater, the historic landmark designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.