Suzanne Healy, EdD
Educational Leader & Innovator

Suzanne
Healy,
EdD

"Designing learning that makes
the complex feel human."

Curricular innovation · AI-integrated learning · Strategic program development at the intersection of education, technology, and human connection.

15+Years leading
13+Certifications
7Nat'l talks
Who I Am

Part dean. Part designer. Completely human.

I am an experienced higher education leader with a passion for transforming how people learn. With a Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction and over 15 years at Case Western Reserve University, I specialize in designing and scaling innovative learning experiences that meet the real demands of the modern workforce.

My work spans curricular strategy, online and executive program development, AI integration, industry partnership cultivation, and faculty development — bridging academic rigor with market-driven thinking. I bring an intrapreneurial mindset to every initiative, from building industry pipelines with partners like Cleveland Clinic and Mercy Health to championing generative AI as both an instructional design tool and a pedagogical resource.

I am deeply committed to student-centered design, AACSB and HLC accreditation quality, and the belief that exceptional education can happen anywhere — in a classroom, online, or somewhere in between.

As a leader, I have navigated faculty resistance to new modalities, consistently finding ways to bring skeptics forward through trust, evidence, and practical support rather than mandate. I manage competing priorities daily — balancing what is essential against what is aspirational, always with an eye on budget, timeline, and the humans on both sides of the experience. When the work requires coordinating across departments with no formal authority, I lead through influence, clarity, and shared purpose.

Curriculum Innovation Online Learning AI in Education Industry Partnerships Executive Education AACSB Accreditation Quality Matters Faculty Development
Suzanne Healy illustrated avatar
☕ Caffeinated 🎓 EdD 🤖 AI-generated
🎓
Highest Credential
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Curriculum & Instruction, Capella University
🏛️
Current Institution
Case Western Reserve University
Weatherhead School of Management
📍
Location
Lakewood, Ohio
🏡
Beyond the Office
Wife, mom, grandma, and maker — currently covered in paper scraps and hot glue.
💼
Connect
LinkedIn ↗  · 
Impact at Scale

Numbers that tell the story

The residency isn't the only thing that worked. Here's what fifteen years of intentional program-building looks like at scale.

🏆
#11
Poets & Quants Ranking
First-ever national ranking for the Online Professional MBA — with one-third of the score driven by student feedback.
📰
#42
U.S. News & World Report
Top 50 debut in one of the most rigorous national rankings — a reflection of program quality built from the ground up.
📉
13%
Program Attrition Rate
Against an industry average of 20–40% for online programs. A direct result of intentional community-building and personalized learner support.
💰
$500K
Annual Budget Managed
Consistently on time and on budget. Guided vendor negotiations, contract management, and resource allocation across a complex project portfolio.
📐
100%
Faculty Course Template Adoption
Developed an LMS course template and instructional standards adopted by all faculty — including in their traditional face-to-face courses beyond the online program.
🤝
6 wks → 1
Faculty Review Cycle (via ARIA)
A review process that previously required six weeks of document construction was completed in under one week — with greater consistency and reduced bias across departments.
Career Journey

Professional Experience

A record of progressive leadership, curriculum innovation, and educational impact across higher education institutions.

01

Leads the organization and implementation of a school-wide strategic portfolio of market-driven learning opportunities spanning credit-bearing courses, microcredentials, and degree programs across all modalities.

  • Drives business development strategies with cross-institutional and external stakeholders, including program lifecycle planning, market intelligence research, and pro forma financial projections.
  • Cultivates and manages industry partnerships with Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth, Mercy Health, Summa Health, and Medical Mutual of Ohio — spanning advisory boards, experiential learning, executive site visits, guest speakers, sponsored projects, and tuition partnership agreements.
  • Champions generative AI integration across the school's educational ecosystem: developing AI-powered tools for program evaluation, teaching quality assessment, and faculty development; guiding faculty in incorporating AI as both an instructional design tool and classroom pedagogical resource.
  • Leads development of new program formats — online, hybrid, microcredential, and executive education — from concept through launch and continuous improvement.
  • Oversees student experience strategy and advising operations for the Professional MBA program, ensuring holistic support across the full student lifecycle from enrollment through graduation.
  • Oversees the continued evolution of the online MBA residency program — four-day immersive on-campus experiences serving 65–80 students annually, consistently cited as the single most impactful element of the student educational journey.
  • Ensures curriculum quality and compliance with AACSB and HLC accreditation standards across the full course lifecycle.
  • Manages a multifaceted project portfolio utilizing design thinking, intrapreneurial mindset, and formal project management methodologies.
Curricular Strategy AI Integration Industry Partnerships Microcredentials AACSB / HLC MBA Residency Student Success Executive Education
02

Partnered with senior academic leadership to develop and execute strategy for the school's entry into the online continuing education and degree markets. Oversaw course administration, design, and delivery of all online and hybrid courses.

  • Designed and personally executed annual four-day on-campus residency programs for 65–80 online MBA students, delivering immersive, sun-up-to-sundown experiences integrating academic content and intentional community-building — consistently cited by students as the single most impactful part of their educational journey.
  • Directed student advising operations and experience initiatives for the Professional MBA program, designing support structures that improved retention, satisfaction, and community for a diverse adult learner population.
  • Managed multi-stakeholder projects to deliver on-time and on-budget course and program launches.
  • Developed and delivered faculty training focused on online pedagogy, student engagement, and educational technology.
  • Engaged vendor partners in market research, recruiting, and production.
  • Oversaw the distance education budget.
Online Program Strategy Budget Management Faculty Training Vendor Relations Hybrid Learning
03

Develops and delivers MBA program courses using a student-centered approach:

  • MBAP 501: From Silos to Systems – Breaking Down the Barriers in Healthcare Systems
  • MGMT 456: Beyond Silicon Valley – Growing Entrepreneurship in Transitioning Economies (co-instructor)
  • MBAP 499: Introduction to Learning Skills
  • MBAP 421H: Culture in Healthcare Organizations (co-instructor)
  • MBAP 401H: Leadership Assessment and Development (co-instructor)
  • MBAP 404H: Managing People and Organizations (co-instructor)
MBA Instruction Healthcare Systems Entrepreneurship Leadership
04

Facilitated graduate and undergraduate courses to enhance student learning and build community in a fully online, tuition-free global institution:

  • UNIV 100: Online Education Strategies
  • EDUC 5520: Curriculum Design & Instruction
Online Education Curriculum Design Global Learners
05

Led curriculum design and user support services. Supported development of educational experiences grounded in learning theory and effective use of technology.

  • Developed and delivered training programs and orientation sessions for faculty, staff, and students.
  • Managed course design projects involving multiple internal stakeholders to deliver on time and on budget.
  • Supervised staff and student employees.
Instructional Design Learning Theory EdTech Team Leadership
15+ years in higher education leadership"Major kudos to Dr. Healy and the WSOM staff!!!"65–80 students shaped by the annual MBA residencyTwo fully online MBA programs launched from scratchCleveland Clinic · University Hospitals · MetroHealth · Mercy Health · Summa Health · Medical Mutual of Ohio"Suzanne is the backbone of an amazing program."13+ professional certifications7 national conference presentationsAI tools built on the Anthropic platform — in production today"The amount of passion she pours into this program inspires me in a way I can't find words to describe."1 peer-reviewed publication with Boyatzis 📖 Think Like a Showrunner — Available on Amazon NowPrograms across online · hybrid · microcredential · executive education15+ years in higher education leadership"Major kudos to Dr. Healy and the WSOM staff!!!"65–80 students shaped by the annual MBA residencyTwo fully online MBA programs launched from scratchCleveland Clinic · University Hospitals · MetroHealth · Mercy Health · Summa Health · Medical Mutual of Ohio"Suzanne is the backbone of an amazing program."13+ professional certifications7 national conference presentationsAI tools built on the Anthropic platform — in production today"The amount of passion she pours into this program inspires me in a way I can't find words to describe."1 peer-reviewed publication with Boyatzis 📖 Think Like a Showrunner — Available on Amazon NowPrograms across online · hybrid · microcredential · executive education

The best learning doesn't
feel like learning at all.

— Suzanne Healy, EdD
Core Competencies

Areas of Expertise

A multidisciplinary skill set refined across 15+ years of educational leadership, design, technology, and strategy.

Hover each card to go deeper →

🏗️
Curriculum & Program Design
  • Program lifecycle management
  • Market-driven curriculum strategy
  • Microcredential development
  • Quality Matters frameworks
  • AACSB & HLC compliance
🏗️

"I don't just design programs — I design the conditions that make learning inevitable."

15+ years translating market demand into curriculum that actually works for real learners.

💻
Online & Hybrid Learning
  • Online course administration
  • Blended learning design (COI)
  • LMS platform management
  • Community building online
  • MOOC / SPOC development
💻

"Online learning fails when it forgets it's about people. I never let it forget."

Launched two fully online MBA programs — and built the communities inside them.

🤖
AI Integration in Education
  • AI-powered program evaluation tools
  • Teaching quality assessment with AI
  • Generative AI faculty development
  • AI as instructional design tool
  • AI as classroom pedagogical resource
🤖

"AI is only as human as the person who designs with it. That's the work I do."

Built AI tools on the Anthropic platform for program review, accreditation risk, and faculty development.

🤝
Industry Partnership Development
  • Healthcare, nonprofit & corporate sectors
  • Industry advisory boards
  • Experiential learning placements
  • Tuition partnership agreements
  • Sponsored student projects
🤝

"The best classroom is the real world. My job is to build the bridge."

Active partnerships with Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth, Rockwell Automation, and American Greetings.

📊
Strategy & Business Development
  • Market intelligence research
  • Pro forma financial projections
  • Revenue-generating program design
  • Executive education development
  • Launch implementation planning
📊

"Strategy without soul is just a spreadsheet. I bring both."

From pro forma projections to program launch — I've built the business case and then built the program.

🗂️
Faculty & Operations Leadership
  • Online pedagogy training
  • Multi-stakeholder project delivery
  • Distance education budget oversight
  • Design thinking approach
  • Intrapreneurial mindset
🗂️

"Faculty grow when they feel trusted. I lead with trust and follow with tools."

From onboarding to ongoing development — I build faculty cultures that embrace change.

Academic Background

Education & Credentials

A deep commitment to lifelong learning reflected in a rich academic foundation spanning education, technology, and leadership.

🎓
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Capella University
2016 – 2019
Curriculum & Instruction
🏛️
Master of Nonprofit Organizations
Case Western Reserve University
2019 – 2024
📜
Post-Master Certificate
Capella University
2017 – 2018
Curriculum & Instruction
📜
Post-Master Certificate
Capella University
2016 – 2017
Leadership & Accountability
💡
Master of Education
Western Governors University
2011 – 2013
Learning & Technology
🖥️
Bachelor of Science
Western Governors University
2007 – 2010
Information Technology
Professional Certifications

Certifications & Continuing Education

A robust set of credentials bridging technology, education quality, and instructional design.

Flagship Credentials
Quality Matters Peer Reviewer Quality Matters Certified Facilitator Quality Matters APPQMR Adobe Certified Professional — Captivate CompTIA Project+
Technical Foundation
CompTIA A+ — IT Technician CompTIA Network+ CIW Professional CIW Web Foundations Associate CIW Web Design Specialist CIW v5 Database Design Specialist Oracle Database SQL Expert Sun Microsystems Java
Leadership & Learning
Emotionally Intelligent Leader (WSOM) Foundations of Coaching (WSOM) QM: Creating Presence in Online Courses Blended Learning Design — COI Framework (Educause) Looking for the Pedagogy in Blended Design (Educause) Using MOOCs to Spur Innovation (Educause) Adobe — Podcasting
Thought Leadership

Presentations & Publications

Contributing to the national conversation on online learning, community building, and innovative pedagogy.

2026 UPCOMING
The Residency Effect: From Pixels to People — Designing cohort belonging from Week One to Day Four
Graduate Business School Roundtable Symposium · New York City
2024
From Matriculation to Graduation – Creating Community in an Online Program
Online Learning Consortium Accelerate Conference
2024
Online Learning Orientation: A Key to Success
Online Learning Consortium Accelerate Conference
2023
Building Community & Belonging in an Online MBA Program
Online Learning Consortium Innovate Conference
2023
Building Community & Belonging in an Online MBA Program
Teaching & Learning Technologies Conference
2023
The Next Best Thing to Being There — Telepresence Robots in the Classroom
Online Learning Consortium Accelerate Conference
2019
Is it a MOOC? Is it a SPOC? No, It's a SAGES Course!
University of Akron — Next Generation in Teaching
2019
Using Teamwork as a Project Management Tool for Course Development
Learning Solutions Conference
Published Book · Available on Amazon

Think Like a
Showrunner

Designing Engaging Online Learning Through Pedagogical Production
Suzanne L. Healy, EdD

What if you stopped directing individual class sessions — and started running the whole show? Think Like a Showrunner gives online educators the vocabulary, frameworks, and practical tools to design their teaching environment the way broadcast producers design a season: with intentionality, consistency, and respect for their audience's attention.

Grounded in learning science. Built for busy faculty. Everything you need to move from improvised to intentional — without buying a single piece of expensive equipment.

🎬 Design Intentional Experiences
💬 Engage Students in Real Time
🎛️ Produce With Purpose & Clarity
🤝 Build Connection & Community
📄 Peer-Reviewed Publication
Using Leadership Competencies as a Framework for Career Readiness
Howard, A. R., Healy, S. L., & Boyatzis, R. E. (2017). New Directions for Student Leadership, 2017(156), 59–71. https://doi.org/10.1002/yd.20271
✍️ LinkedIn Newsletter · Published Regularly

The Human Side
of Work

"Insights on leading with self-awareness, trust, and purpose."

Because the best strategies fail when the humans behind them aren't seen, supported, or trusted. This newsletter is where I think out loud about the leadership questions that don't have easy answers — and the ones that do, but we keep avoiding.

Topics I write about
🪞
Self-Awareness in Leadership
Why knowing yourself is the first leadership competency — and the hardest.
🤝
Building Trust at Work
Trust is not given. It is built — in small moments, consistently.
🎯
Purpose-Driven Teams
What happens when people know why they're doing the work — not just how.
🌱
Human-Centered Leadership
The organizational problems we keep trying to solve with systems that need people first.
Student Voice

What People Say

The measure of great education is what students carry with them long after the last class.

Major kudos to Dr. Healy and the WSOM staff!!! I'm really grateful for the facetime with classmates and faculty.

— MBA Residency Participant

Suzanne is the backbone of an amazing program.

— MBA Student

The activities were AWESOME!

— MBA Residency Participant

Ready to Collaborate?

Open to opportunities · Dean-level Academic Leadership · Senior Corporate L&D

Whether you're looking for an educational leader, an instructional design expert, or a strategic partner in online learning — I'd love to talk.