Welcome to the next installment of our "Faculty & Staff Spotlight" series on the Trailblazers blog! 

Dr. Joanna Simpson, the Program Director of Teacher Credentialing at USU's College of Education, has swiftly made a significant impact here at USU. Starting as a Credential Analyst, Dr. Simpson's journey reflects a deep commitment to education, shaped by a decade of teaching in challenging urban environments and extensive experience in higher education. Her path from classroom to academia highlights her dedication to fostering future educators.

To explore more about Dr. Simpson's insights, experiences, and the impactful projects she’s worked on here at USU, dive into the full Q&A below.

What is your current role at USU? Would you like to share how long you've been here?

 I'm the Program Director over Teacher Credentialing in the College of Education. I've been here for 2 years and started as a Credential Analyst in the Office of Educational Placements and Partnerships.

Can you share a little about your professional background?

I taught English in inner-city Phoenix and Atlanta for 10 years before entering higher education. I've worked as a tenure track faculty member at a Research 1 institution, directed million-dollar grants, and have worked extensively in curriculum for pre-service and in-service teachers. I've been in higher education for about 15 years now and absolutely love helping students become teachers!

What is your favorite aspect of your role at USU?

Hands down my favorite thing to do is credential students. The process itself is a bit tedious but I love the reactions when I send them the "credentialed" email.

Can you tell us about a project, course, or initiative at USU that you're particularly proud of?

There are several. I'm located in AZ so getting approval for AZ teacher education programs was awesome. I also spearheaded the WASC submission for our EdD and EDS programs and getting that approved was a great feeling.

 How has your area of expertise or field changed since you first started working in it?

 We are a small team here in the College of Education so we all wear many hats. I started working in our Office of Educational Placements & Partnerships and now they report to me so that has been some fun growth.

What advice would you give to students in your field?

You started this journey because you love working with students. Don't forget that. Keep it in the forefront of your mind when you encounter apathy in the students, misunderstandings with the adults, and paperwork. You love those kids.

Is there a common misconception about your field that you'd like to clear up?

If you can't do, you teach. <----- Actually, if you DO anything it is because you were taught. Teachers create all other professions.

Can you share an interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues and students may not know?

 What's one hobby or pastime you enjoy outside of your work?

 That's a difficult question to answer because I'm a multipotentialite so I have a TON of hobbies. I think my most time consuming hobby are my plants. I have 28 plants inside my house and an entire greenhouse outside. Also, I live in the desert but all of my plants are tropical. It's an addiction.

What book, movie, or music piece has significantly impacted you and why?

 This is tough because I'm a reader and a writer. I'd have to say the Throne of Glass series as a whole changed me because of the strong female lead. I aspire to be as strong as Celaena Sardothien/Aelin Galathynius. I actually told Sarah Maas (the author) that at a convention we attended together and she said she felt the same way.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received and who was it from?

The advice was from my mom, who passed in November of 2022. She was my best friend. She told me to build communities that are so strong nobody really knows who the leader is. I love that advice and still use it. I value every person equally because of her advice and look for community builders when I hire new folks to work with us in COE.


Q: What's an accomplishment or event you're most proud of outside of your professional career?

 Raising my daughters. They are incredible - Jules is 15 and she is an actress, a model, and an athlete. Sage is almost 13 and she is a gamer, guitarist, and a video editor. They are incredible kids doing incredible things and I love being along for the ride.

Q: If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be and why?

 You know, I don't think I would. I knit, take care of tons of plants and animals, read, write and publish books, and work on puzzles and mini book nooks. I do not need any other skills at the moment. Well, maybe a Jedi mind trick that would let me calm down people in an instant. That would be cool.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like the USU community to know about you?


Interested in the College of Education? 

Meet Dr. Joanna Simpson

Welcome to the first installment of our "Faculty & Staff Spotlight" series on the Trailblazers blog! 


As we start to pull back the curtain on the diverse team of professionals that work tirelessly to support the United States University (USU) community, today, we're thrilled to introduce a team member who plays a vital role in our students' journey from learners to working professionals. Meet Logann Dolan, our energetic and inspiring Career & Alumni Services Specialist.

Logann brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, not only serving as a critical resource for students and alumni but also as a reminder of what it means to find a career you genuinely love. Her story, advice, and approach to her work truly encapsulate the spirit of USU - one of support, growth, and pursuit of one's passion.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and your role at USU?

 I am a proud first-generation college graduate and received my MBA specializing in Leadership, Consulting, and Business Analytics and my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration concentrating in Marketing from Binghamton University. I am a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), and also a Certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Practitioner.

I am the Career & Alumni Services Specialist here at United States University. I provide career-related support to our current students and alumni to help them pursue meaningful careers that they'll love and enjoy.

What do you enjoy most about your role at USU?

I love supporting our diverse population of students through career preparation and seeing them move into the next stage of their careers post-graduation becoming successful alumni!

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no typical day for Career Services, but my day-to-day activities tend to include having virtual appointments with students and alumni, reviewing student/alumni resumes or portfolios and helping them through the job search process, sharing new job and career fair updates on the D2L page and via email, and regularly hosting virtual professional development workshops tailored to each college.  Each day is different as each student/alumni has different needs!

What advice would you give to students related to your role?

I have two pieces of advice I would give students:


1. Start your career preparation early - don't wait until your last class. Start networking with faculty, other students in your cohort, and professionals early on to build connections in your field. Continuously update your resume with new activities, internships, clinical experiences, etc. Connect with career services several times throughout your program to ensure you are on track and feel prepared upon completion of your program.


2. You belong here - USU is home to so many supporting faculty and staff members (including myself) who truly care about you and want to see you succeed! We are here for you and happy to support you in reaching your goals.

 How do you see your role evolving in the next few years?

 As USU Career Services evolves, I strive to provide more opportunities for our students and alumni communities -- whether that be through hosting more virtual workshops, virtual career fairs or employer info sessions, further building relationships with employers to provide a pathway to employment post-graduation, and/or bringing new career-related resources to the university.

I am an avid crafter and owner of a small business called Lettered by Logann, where I make stickers, cards, and digital artwork, and have my own happy mail subscription! Check it out on Etsy!

Disclaimer: The mention of Logann Dolan's personal business, Lettered by Logann, is for illustrative purposes only, aimed at providing a comprehensive picture of her multifaceted personality and interests. United States University does not endorse or receive any form of compensation from this or any other non-affiliated business mentioned on our website or blog.

What's one hobby or pastime you enjoy outside of your work?

I love to go on walks and visit new parks around the state of Michigan with my 1.5-year-old Cavalier-Cocker Spaniel Mix puppy named Ollie and soon-to-be husband. We love going on new adventures and exploring.

I know it's a little silly, but as a kid/teenager, I loved the "Bee Movie". The main character, Barry B. Benson, tests out new 'jobs' around his hive to find the right one and determines that choosing one job to do for the rest of his life (as all the other bees do) is not for him and that there are so many opportunities outside the hive for him to explore. This is the mindset I like to instill in the students I meet with. It is very uncommon for individuals stay in the same job at the same place for their entire lives and I also encourage "going outside the hive" and pursuing other options!

 What's the best piece of advice you've ever received and who was it from?

 A mentor of mine from when I was in college used to remind me that "life is too short to do things you don't enjoy"... and I have engrained this into my daily life. There is a world of possibilities and opportunities out there waiting for you to enjoy them!

If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be and why?

 I would love to learn new languages! I used to be fluent in French (I'm conversational at best now) and was always fascinated with language and phonetics. It would be amazing to learn more languages and learn more about the linguistics and culture behind them.

Is there anything else you'd like the USU community to know about you?

Students, staff, and faculty are welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn at 

For students interested in connecting with Career Services, you can visit the webpage (

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Meet Dr. Joanna Simpson

Meet Logann Dolan: The Force Behind USU’s Career & Alumni S...