Longwood GradCast - Beyond the Degree

What happens when a teacher follows her curiosity far beyond the classroom? In this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson talks with Dr. Becky Schnesker (B.S.’05, M.S.’06), a double Longwood alumna whose career has taken her from the classroom to the Amazon Rainforest, Antarctica and beyond. Becky is an educator, National Geographic educator and explorer, author, school founder and assistant professor of education. But at the heart of her story is something much simpler: curiosity, and the people who encouraged her to follow it. Becky reflects on how her Longwood experience shaped her as both an educator and a lifelong learner, including the professors and mentors who saw possibilities in her before she could see them herself. One handwritten note from a professor describing one of her assignments as "PhD caliber material" stayed with her for years. She also shares how a desire to rethink education led her to help open a tuition-free school, write Expedition Science, and take elementary students beyond traditional classroom walls. A chance conference conversation, a Twitter message and a grant application eventually opened the door to an expedition to the Amazon, followed by experiences in the Galapagos, Iceland and Antarctica. Now preparing the next generation of teachers, Becky continues to challenge conventional ideas about what education can be and what students are capable of. In this episode, Becky talks about: The Longwood professors and mentors who changed the direction of her life Why curiosity can be a powerful foundation for learning How she took elementary students' learning beyond the classroom The unexpected path from a conference conversation to the Amazon Rainforest What exploring the world has taught her about teaching Why she believes ideas should never be "too weird or too big" Bringing her Longwood experience full circle by mentoring future educators

How does a young girl inspired by exceptional teachers grow into a literacy leader who is now shaping the next generation of students and educators? In this inspiring episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson sits down with Madison Lewis (B.S. ’19, M.Ed. ’20), a double Longwood alumna completing the Reading, Literacy, and Learning program at Longwood, kindergarten teacher, mentor, and advocate for literacy, to explore a journey rooted in relationships, curiosity, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. From childhood teachers who helped her rediscover confidence and a love of learning to professors, mentors, and colleagues who continue to challenge and support her today, Madison's story is a powerful testament to the lasting influence of people who show up at exactly the right moment. Having dreamed of attending Longwood since she was a teenager, Madison reflects on how the university became a place where she found connection, leadership opportunities, and lifelong friendships. Through experiences as a Longwood Ambassador, Honors College student, student leader, study abroad participant, and graduate student in Reading, Literacy, and Learning, she discovered that the most meaningful lessons often happen outside the classroom. Now teaching in Cumberland County, Madison is carrying those lessons forward. Whether she's helping kindergarten students learn to read, partnering with families, mentoring future educators, or supporting colleagues, she approaches every interaction with the same philosophy that shaped her own journey: every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and understood. Throughout the conversation, Madison shares how influential educators such as Linda Moore, Dr. Dorothy Cosby, Dr. Wendy Snow, and many others helped shape her career and sense of purpose. She also reflects on the supportive community she found at Longwood and the network of mentors, family members, colleagues, and fellow alumni who continue to guide her today. As both a mentor and mentee, Madison demonstrates how meaningful relationships create ripple effects that extend far beyond a single classroom, school, or degree. In this episode, listeners will explore: How one elementary teacher changed the course of Madison's life and inspired her calling to education Why Longwood felt like home from the very beginning The power of storytelling, leadership, and community-building on campus Lessons learned from stepping far outside her comfort zone during a study abroad experience How the Reading, Literacy, and Learning program prepared her to become a literacy leader The evolution of the science of reading and its impact on today's classrooms Why mentoring future educators has become one of the most rewarding parts of her career How strong relationships with families, colleagues, and students create lasting impact What it means to be a "group project" and how the people around us shape who we become Madison's story perfectly captures the heart of Season 3 by reminding us that success is never achieved alone. From the teachers who first believed in her to the students she now serves, her journey illustrates how encouragement, mentorship, and authentic human connection can transform lives for generations. "Thank you, but Madison was a group project." — Tracy Lewis Subscribe to Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree to hear more stories of alumni whose lives and careers demonstrate the enduring power of people, connection, and opportunity.

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 roadmap How Longwood became a place of healing, stability, and lifelong connection The shift from athlete and coach to impactful educational leader What it means to humanize leadership while maintaining accountability How mentorship, relationships, and community shape lasting success Why true leadership starts with investing in people, not power or position Ebony’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 Cherry Subscribe 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 system Why a hybrid MBA was the right fit for an entrepreneur‑athlete The transition from “influencer” to business owner How relationships open doors across global industries Why purpose and people matter more than metrics Alex’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 Durand Subscribe 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 IMPACT Each 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.