Olivia Harland
Adjunct Professor
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership (Ph.D. expected May 2026) with dual MBA degrees and over 25 years of leadership experience across profit and nonprofit sectors, specializing in community development initiatives in Africa. Strong scholarly perspective enhances teaching effectiveness, supported by expertise in Organizational Leadership, Nonprofit Management, and Ethics. My dissertation research titled 'Project Sustainability Among Nigerian NGOs' investigated the application of Agile Retrospective Review Systems by leaders to evaluate and sustain community-based projects post-implementation aimed to contribute to leadership practice and ethical accountability in global cimmunity developement. I am ommitted to fostering critical thinking and values-based ethics among diverse student populations,
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Academic Mentor
Columbia International University
South Carolina
03.2026 - Current
- Developed individualized academic plans to support student learning and success.
- Facilitated workshops on effective study strategies and time management skills.
- Facilitated ongoing mentorship for students, promoting personal and academic development.
- Coordinated with faculty to align student resources with curriculum objectives, ensuring cohesive educational support.
Student Mentor
University Of Georgia
Athens Georgia
08.2025 - Current
- Conducted academic support sessions aimed at enhancing student comprehension and participation.
- Developed personalized mentorship plans addressing individual student needs and goals.
- Coordinated workshops on study strategies and time management techniques for students.
- Evaluated student progress, providing constructive feedback to foster academic growth.
Chief Executive Officer
OLIVIA NICOLE INC
01.2021 - Current
- Lead global leadership development and operational strategy initiatives
- Drive sustainability-focused programs and organizational growth
Director of Operations
The Change Foundation
01.2021 - Current
- Provide governance and strategic oversight for nonprofit initiatives
- Lead community impact and organizational development programs
Team Manager
TechNovation Group
01.2008 - 01.2020
- Led leadership development and organizational effectiveness initiatives
Skills
- Subject expertise
- Study strategies
- Academic advising
- Data interpretation
- Motivation techniques
- Collaboration
- Active learning
- Assessment analysis
- Feedback delivery
- Group facilitation
- Teamwork
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Goal setting
- Professionalism
- Student support
Academic Profile
Doctoral Candidate in Organizational Leadership with over 25 years of leadership, nonprofit governance, and global business experience. Scholar-practitioner focused on ethical leadership, sustainability, and organizational effectiveness.
Education
Ph.D. - Organizational Leadership
Columbia International University
South Carolina 08.2023 - 05.2026
MBA - Management & Strategy
Western Governors University
Utah Arizona 10.2014 - 05.2017
MBT - Management & Technology
University of Georgia
Athens Georgia 08.2018 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Science - General Management
Western Governors University
Utah Arizona 10.2008 - 04.2014
Affiliations
Board Member, The Change Foundation
Teaching Areas
Organizational Leadership, Human Resource Management, Business Ethics, Nonprofit Leadership
Research
Dissertation: Sustainability and Retrospective Review Systems in NGOs in Nigeria
Teaching Philosophy
- My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that education should not only inform but transform. I integrate academic rigor with real-world leadership application and ethical reflection.
- I foster a student-centered, collaborative learning environment where adult learners connect theory to practice through discussion, case studies, and reflection.
- I emphasize ethical leadership, accountability, and service, preparing students to lead with integrity and impact.
- In online environments, I prioritize engagement, clarity, timely feedback, and meaningful interaction.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Academic Mentor
Columbia International University
03.2026 - Current
Student Mentor
University Of Georgia
08.2025 - Current
Ph.D. - Organizational Leadership
Columbia International University
08.2023 - 05.2026
Chief Executive Officer
OLIVIA NICOLE INC
01.2021 - Current
Director of Operations
The Change Foundation
01.2021 - Current
MBT - Management & Technology
University of Georgia
08.2018 - 04.2021
MBA - Management & Strategy
Western Governors University
10.2014 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - General Management
Western Governors University
10.2008 - 04.2014
Team Manager
TechNovation Group
01.2008 - 01.2020