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Hi, I'm Sunday Jegede, a Dissertation Peer Navigator living in Bunnell, Florida, with my wife and two kids. I emigrated to the U.S. in 2019 to serve as a resident pastor of a multicultural church and director of a non-profit organization. I hold a B.S. and M.S. in Microbiology from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and a Certificate of Higher Education in Theology from Middlesex University, London. I started my PhD in Educational Leadership at NU in 2021 and am currently working on my dissertation titled "Graduate Students' Perception of the Impact of Servant Leadership on Their Preparedness to Serve Society after Graduation."
I’m excited to use the knowledge and experience from my doctoral journey to support and encourage fellow students on their dissertation path.
I'm Beverly Hood, a lifelong Kankakee, IL resident and Dissertation Peer Navigator. I’ve taught Business as an Adjunct Professor at Olivet Nazarene University for 16 years and have extensive leadership experience as a Vice President and Senior Bank Manager.
I’m pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) focusing on Human Resources Management at National University and am in the dissertation phase. Having experienced the importance of support as a student, I’m excited to serve as a Peer Navigator, offering guidance and reassurance to fellow students. In my free time, I enjoy pickleball, line dancing, and volunteering in church ministries.
I’m Elizabeth Graves, and I am pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Teaching at National University. Based in Denver, Colorado, I’m currently enrolled in the DIS9912B supplemental course as part of my academic journey. With a background as an elementary and special education teacher, as well as an autism behavior therapist, I’ve had the privilege of supporting students with diverse learning needs. I also serve as an instructional coach, helping teachers improve their practices and support student success.
As a Peer Navigator, I’m excited to share my experience and offer guidance to help you succeed in your studies, whether with course material, time management, or any other aspect of your academic journey.
I'm Nikole Ellis, a Dissertation Peer Navigator at NU and Director of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at a San Diego institution. I'm also a proud mother and U.S. Navy Veteran.
Currently enrolled in the PhD program in Education with a focus on Leadership in Higher Education, I apply my knowledge to support students daily. I hold a Master's in Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from American Military University and aim to achieve my long-term goals through a terminal degree from National University. I began my career as an instructor and developed a passion for helping students, which drives my work as a Dissertation Peer Navigator.
Hello! I’m Jeanneth Warren-Cortez, or "Ms. J," a Dissertation Peer Navigator based just outside of Las Vegas, NV. I’m a Lead Training & Curriculum Specialist for child and youth programs at Nellis AFB, and both my husband and I served in the U.S. Air Force. We have two children.
I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Early Childhood Education at the Sanford School of Education, enrolled in Dissertation Course 9902A. I’m passionate about supporting fellow students through their dissertation journey, offering encouragement and reminding them they are not alone. My goal is to strengthen my professional support skills as a Peer Navigator. I began my PhD journey at NCU in 2020 after choosing NCU for its military-friendly, one-on-one learning platform. In my free time, I enjoy action movies with my family and traveling. My motivation is to encourage others to continue their educational journey, knowing their impact will lead to positive change in the world.
Hello, I’m Curt S. Cooper, a Dissertation Peer Navigator. I live in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area with my spouse, Rebecca, and our four children. I’m the Vice President of Cooper & Cooper Consulting, LLC, a woman-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small business focused on government contracts.
I’m a PhD candidate at National University’s School of Business, nearing the completion of my dissertation. I joined the Peer Navigator Network to share insights and help others succeed in their doctoral journeys.
With a passion for learning, I’ve earned a master’s in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, a master’s in Public Administration, and a B.S. in Biology from Niagara University. I also serve my community as Chairman of the Planning Commission, a Scout Leader, and a coach for hockey and baseball. Additionally, I serve on the National Board of Governors for the Army Aviation Association of America Scholarship Foundation and the University of Tampa Association Board.
I am Auxilia William, a Peer Navigator at National University, currently pursuing my doctorate in education with a focus on early childhood education. I bring over two decades of experience as an educator and leader, and I currently serve as the Executive Director at Safari Kid, managing multiple early childhood centers. In a previous chapter of life, I was a state-level chess player and athlete—experiences that helped shape my discipline and strategic thinking.
I’m deeply passionate about supporting the developmental journey of young children and empowering early childhood educators to make meaningful impacts. As a Peer Navigator, I’m excited to offer guidance and encouragement to help you thrive—whether it’s navigating course materials, improving time management, or simply finding motivation along the way. I'm here to support your academic success and overall well-being.
Hello everyone! I am Jody Wright, a Peer Navigator based in Washington, D.C., National Capital Region. I’m a career service member with over 25 years in the U.S. Army. I am in the dissertation phase of pursuing my PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology here at National University. As a first-generation doctoral student, I want to show my children that they can reach any goal they put their minds to. Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of coaching, teaching, and mentoring at various levels of education. It is my passion to help others succeed.
As a Peer Navigator, I’m excited to share my experiences, both negative and positive, to provide peer support and resources to encourage students to complete their dissertations. I am excited to be in the role to help other students realize they are not alone in this process.
I’m Hannah Williams, a Dissertation Peer Navigator. I live in Saratoga Springs, New York with my husband and our dog, Jax. I graduated from Siena College with a bachelor’s in social work and then received my MBA with a focus in healthcare from the Sage Colleges. I currently work as a supervisor at a care management agency, where we support Medicaid recipients with mental health challenges by connecting them to resources that improve their quality of life. I am pursing my PhD in health psychology at National University’s JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences. In my free time I enjoy reading romantasy books and watching The Office.
I am excited to share my experiences as a student and provide guidance and resources to support others on their dissertation journey.
Hello Navigators! I’m Joshua Thomas, a Dissertation Peer Navigator originally from California and now living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I’m a father of two and work in the Private Security field. My academic journey at NU has been both challenging and rewarding. I'm currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a focus on Quantum Computing and Algorithms, and I’ve previously earned a Bachelor's and Master’s in Information Technology, along with studies in Video Game Design and Electrical Engineering.
What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to both expand my own knowledge and help others navigate the challenges common in software development. I’m passionate about supporting my peers, bridging learning gaps, and being a positive force for the university community. Outside of academics, I enjoy weightlifting, spicy food, ethical hacking, and pulling pranks on my sons. My NU journey began with the decision to stop holding myself back, and I’m proud to be part of this shared experience with all of you.
