Directory

Biography

Dr. Penfold Navarro’s is a scholar and leader, with a focus on transformational and adaptive leadership, Hispanic community college student success, creating a sense of belonging in online learning, and curriculum design. She previously was Vice Provost of Teaching and Learning at Trinity Western University in Vancouver, Canada. Prior to that role, her work focused on community college student success and transfer readiness. She was Project Director for a $1.89 million grant from the US Department of Education and Director of Student Success at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. There, she led initiatives in student success, supplemental learning, and learning in the community, which were recognized when Valencia College earned the inaugural Aspen Institute Prize for Community College Excellence.

Throughout her career, Dr. Penfold Navarro has led faculty and staff in the implementation of inquiry-based teaching and assessment strategies, implementation of action research focused on the infusion of college success skills across the curriculum, and integration of learning-centered strategies into academic advising.

Dr. Penfold Navarro has previously provided leadership for academic advising, faculty development, residence life, and other student development initiatives at the University of Kentucky, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Asbury College, and LCC International University in Lithuania. She has taught in the Higher Education and Policy Studies program at the University of Central Florida, the College of Education at the University of Kentucky, the Master of Arts in Leadership program at Trinity Western University, the New Student Experience at Valencia College, and the School of Education at Capella University.

Dr. Penfold Navarro holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Studies from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Education in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Roberts Wesleyan College.

Dr. Penfold Navarro is an aspiring minimalist, yoga practitioner, nature lover, and avid podcast listener who enjoys coffee-fueled conversations about leadership, teaching and learning, and creating lives we love.