Longwood GradCast - Beyond the Degree

In this powerful episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson sits down with Ebony Cherry (B.S.’04, M.S.’22), a double Longwood alumna, former student-athlete, and innovative school leader, to explore a journey defined by resilience, relationships, and purpose-driven leadership.Ebony shares her full-circle path from navigating childhood trauma and arriving at Longwood as a first-generation student-athlete to becoming a people-first assistant principal committed to creating safe, supportive environments for both students and educators. Choosing Longwood not once, but twice, Ebony reflects on how her undergraduate and graduate experiences shaped her evolution from survival mode to a confident, boundary-pushing leader in educational leadership.While completing her master’s in Educational Leadership, Ebony leaned into the same principles that guide her work today: authentic connection, accountability with empathy, and the belief that leadership is earned through trust. Drawing on her background in athletics and coaching, she brings a “player development” mindset into administration by using data, communication, and relationship-building to help both students and teachers grow.Throughout the episode, Ebony reflects on the Power of People that shaped her path: professors who showed up, literally and figuratively, during her hardest seasons, mentors who pushed her to see her own leadership potential, and a Longwood community that became a place of stability, belonging, and transformation.Now a noteworthy assistant principal, Ebony is redefining what leadership looks like in education by balancing high expectations with humanity, and ensuring every person in her building feels seen, valued, and supported.In this episode, listeners will explore:The realities of entering college as a first-generation student without a roadmapHow Longwood became a place of healing, stability, and lifelong connectionThe shift from athlete and coach to impactful educational leaderWhat it means to humanize leadership while maintaining accountabilityHow mentorship, relationships, and community shape lasting successWhy true leadership starts with investing in people, not power or positionEbony’s story embodies the heart of Season 3 by demonstrating how resilience, mentorship, and meaningful relationships can transform not only individual lives, but entire communities.“I'm gonna hold you accountable, yes, but I'm also gonna love you through the process.” — Ebony CherrySubscribe to Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree to hear more stories of alumni whose journeys prove the lasting power of people, connection, and opportunity.

How does a French soccer player end up co‑founding a global content brand with millions of followers?In the Season 3 premiere of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson sits down with Alex Durand (MBA ’22)—international student‑athlete turned entrepreneur and co‑founder of AT Frenchies—to explore how resilience, relationships, and opportunity intersect to create global impact.Alex shares his journey from leaving Paris as a teenager to navigating the American collegiate athletics system and ultimately choosing Longwood University for its flexible hybrid MBA program and elite athletic environment. While completing his MBA in just one year, Alex applied lessons in strategy, negotiation, communication, and leadership in real time—bridging the gap between content creation and sustainable business building.Throughout the episode, Alex reflects on the Power of People that shaped every step of his path: Longwood faculty and staff like Wade Edwards, who supported his visa journey; Coach Sean, who believed in him as a Division I athlete; and Tom, his childhood best friend and co‑founder whose partnership laid the foundation for AT Frenchies.From early social media videos documenting life as French expats, AT Frenchies has grown into a global brand with partnerships including NBC and Peacock, the Olympic Games, the French Embassy, and major international cultural and sports organizations. Alex also previews his upcoming book, Pardon Our French: The Parisian Way of a Happier Life, which explores joy, balance, and cultural perspective in a fast‑paced world.In this episode, listeners will explore:The leap from France into the U.S. collegiate and athletic systemWhy a hybrid MBA was the right fit for an entrepreneur‑athleteThe transition from “influencer” to business ownerHow relationships open doors across global industriesWhy purpose and people matter more than metricsAlex’s story sets the tone for Season 3—demonstrating how meaningful connections, mentorship, and community can shape careers far beyond the degree.“Your relationship is your new net worth.” — Alex DurandSubscribe to Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree to hear more stories of alumni whose journeys prove the lasting power of people, connection, and opportunity.

This season, we’re exploring The Power of People: the relationships that influence our paths, sustain us through change, and leave a lasting imprint long after graduation.Education is more than a degree. It’s the mentors who guide us, the professors who challenge us to grow, the classmates who stand beside us, and the communities that believe in our potential. Behind every success story, every career pivot, and every moment of resilience, there are people and often, it’s the people we have become along the way.In Season 3, Longwood graduate alumni reflect on the relationships that shaped their journeys and the ripple effect that comes from investing in others. These stories highlight connection, leadership, and courage, and how meaningful impact is built through human relationships.Whether you’re considering a graduate program, currently navigating one, or reflecting on your own life beyond the degree, this season offers insight, inspiration, and perspective grounded in the power of connection.BUILT ON CONNECTION, DRIVEN BY IMPACTEach episode reminds us that growth doesn’t happen alone. Join us as Longwood graduate alumni share how community, mentorship, and shared purpose have shaped their journeys, and how showing up for others leads to meaningful change.Because when people invest in people, powerful things happen.Stay connected and learn more about Longwood’s graduate programs at http://www.Longwood.edu/Gradprograms.

In this final episode of Season 2 of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson engages with Janine Cervantes (M.Ed.’05), a school librarian from Honduras, to explore her remarkable journey in education and libraries across the globe. Janine reflects on her roots and early life influences in Honduras, where her parents instilled a love for learning and languages. She shares how she originally pursued special education and later transitioned to library science, leading her to Longwood University. Janine recounts her academic experiences, highlighting the courses and faculty members who played pivotal roles during her studies.Throughout the episode, she discusses the various international libraries she has worked in, emphasizing the importance of cultural respect, adaptability, and focusing on positive influences. Janine shares the challenges and joys of working in countries like Morocco, Qatar, Thailand, and Egypt, noting unique experiences and professional growth in each. Now back in Honduras, she is opening a children's library, aiming to inspire and educate young minds through storytelling. Janine's journey underscores the transformative power of libraries and the lasting impact of a Longwood education.

In this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson welcomes two remarkable alumni, Katie Jamrozy-Hamby (B.S.’11, M.S.’21) and Kim Van Acker (M.S.’21), graduates of Longwood University’s Educational Leadership master’s program whose friendship has become as influential in their careers as the degree itself. Their conversation is equal parts professional insight and personal reflection, highlighting how shared experiences can transform both leadership journeys and lifelong connections.Katie and Kim recall their first meeting in class—what began as tentative introductions soon grew into a strong and enduring friendship that has supported them through challenges, milestones, and career transitions. Together, they navigated the sudden shift to virtual learning during the pandemic, finding in their cohort not just classmates but a trusted support system. Those bonds, they reflect, became critical to their success both then and now.The episode traces their transition from teaching to administration, exploring the defining moments that pushed each of them to embrace leadership. Katie and Kim share stories of early challenges, the lessons learned along the way, and the practical strategies that help them thrive as administrators. They emphasize the importance of presence—being visible in schools, engaging with students, and finding joy in everyday interactions—as a cornerstone of effective leadership.Dr. Anderson also highlights Katie’s exciting new chapter: her recent completion of a doctorate and her upcoming role as Program Director of the Educational Leadership Graduate Program at Longwood University. Both she and Kim speak passionately about the skills and confidence they gained in the program, and the ways those tools continue to shape their leadership philosophies.The conversation is rich with practical advice and personal wisdom. Katie and Kim discuss their favorite leadership books, including The Energy Bus and works by Malcolm Gladwell and Simon Sinek, and they open up about how they manage stress—whether through a “sacred day,” long runs, or baking. They also offer empowering advice for women aspiring to leadership roles: embrace the leap, find your rhythm, and don’t get caught chasing a perfect balance.As the discussion unfolds, listeners are treated to a glimpse of what Katie and Kim imagine as their “dream school”—a community-centered space with robust support systems for students and families. It’s a vision rooted in hope, collaboration, and the kind of leadership that uplifts others.The episode closes with gratitude: from Katie and Kim for the program that shaped their careers, and from Dr. Anderson for their ongoing impact as leaders and ambassadors of Longwood’s Educational Leadership program. It’s a heartfelt reminder that mentorship, friendship, and education can spark change far beyond the classroom.Subscribe now to hear more powerful stories from Lancers making a difference beyond the degree—and follow us to stay connected:Facebook: @longwoodgraduatestudiesInstagram: @longwoodgradstudies @kimvanarun @ktjamshambyTwitter: @longwoodcgps @WoodULead1839 @kimvanarun @KTJamsHambyYouTube: @longwoodgradstudiesWebsite: www.Longwood.edu/Gradprograms