Mark C.

About Mark C.

Mission-driven leader, community-engaged educator, and equity strategist, I build learning systems that empower people and organizations to do their best, most impactful work.My work builds bridges across the K–16 education pipeline, nonprofit, and public sectors. This approach is driven by a core conviction: community engagement is the most powerful vehicle for equitable and sustainable change.As Director of Workforce Learning Innovation and an Associate Professor at Sacred Heart University, I put this conviction into practice by leading university-wide strategy in three key areas: accessible workplace learning, ethical AI, and inclusive community engagement. My leadership focuses on architecting scalable and sustainable programs that expand opportunity and build resilience.My core areas of expertise include:* Strategic Leadership & Organizational Change* Global Partnerships & Community Engagement* Ethical AI Strategy & Governance* DEIB, Accessibility & Universal Design for Learning (UDL)* Workforce Development & Experiential Learning* Strategic Communication & Policy AdvocacyMy approach translates strategy into measurable results across local and global contexts. Through service-learning projects in the U.S, Ireland, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Italy, I’ve directed initiatives with 30+ partners, generating over service hours and $315k+ in community impact while creating robust pipelines for student careers and public good. I\'ve also scaled faculty development to train 400+ colleagues annually, increasing inclusive teaching adoption by 25%.This commitment extends from local government to the global stage. As a mayoral-appointed New Haven Commissioner (former), I co-led equity oversight for $233M+ in public contracting. On the National Board for U.S-El Salvador Sister Cities, I provide strategic governance to advance human rights and transnational solidarity.I believe connecting institutional resources with community wisdom is the most powerful vehicle for equitable and sustainable change. I\'m always open to connecting with leaders and organizations dedicated to this work.

Experience

1. Associate Professor of Communication & Media Studies

   Sacred Heart University

   Aug 2020 — Present · Fairfield, CT, US

   Bridging higher education, workforce development, & strategic innovation through DEIB initiatives, community engagement, AI ethics, & global partnerships.Key Leadership Contributions:Transformative Service-Learning & Global Engagement:1. Designed 26+ service-learning courses, forging 20+ partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, NGOs, & advocacy organizations.2. Led international study-abroad programs in Costa Rica (Environmental Justice) & Ireland (Regenerative Tourism, Global Business Communication), advancing cross-cultural collaboration & global sustainability.3. Students contributed 12,500+ service hours, generating in community impact while developing workforce & leadership skills.Institutional Impact & Faculty Leadership:1. Spearheaded DEIB initiatives incorporating AI for accessible content creation & inclusive marketing communication.2. Revitalized PRSSA, increasing membership by 314% and expanding student leadership, industry partnerships, & career development.3. 15+ research publications on critical pedagogy, community engagement, & inclusive mentorship.AI for Accessibility & Inclusive Innovation:1. Integrated GenAI tools for ethical content creation, accessibility & inclusive storytelling in PR & communication courses.2. Developed AI-enhanced strategies for universal design in digital learning, ensuring accessible educational materials.3. Trained students & community partners in AI for organizational communication & DEIB initiatives.Impact Snapshot:1. student service hours in community economic impact.2. 314% PRSSA membership growth, expanding student career pathways.3. 155+ new student voters registered via civic engagement initiatives.4. Global service-learning courses advancing sustainability, equity & workforce development.Leading equity-driven education by connecting service-learning, global engagement & strategic communication to workforce readiness & social impact.

Education

• Wilkes University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Organizational Communication, General

  2004 — 2008

• University of North Carolina at Greensboro

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Communication and Media Studies

  2011 — 2013

• University of Maine

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Organizational Communication, General

  2014 — 2018

• East Carolina University

  Teaching Certification, Special Education and Teaching

  2008 — 2009

Skills

• Creative Writing
• Community Outreach
• Classroom
• Peer Tutoring
• Information Management
• Client Relations Skills
• Journalism
• Public Speaking
• Publishing
• Curriculum Development
• Event Planning
• Program Management
• Academic Publishing
• Communication
• Academic Journals
• Editing
• Diversity Program Development
• Relationship Management
• Faciltation
• Community Support
• Research Design
• Grassroots Organization
• Marketing
• Diversity Training
• Student Affairs
• Consulting
• Project Management
• Department Supervision
• Workshop Facilitation
• Organization Skills
• Academic Tutoring
• Independent Projects
• Research
• Diversity Relations
• Grant Writing
• Leadership
• Communication Theory
• Critical Skills
• Project Based
• Outcome Focused