A Community That Brings Theory to Practice

I've learned a lot about the impressive people who comprise ASTD's Higher Education Community of Practice since the community launched this past spring. I'd like to introduce you to a couple of them.

Nandi Shareef is a Millennial pursing her PhD in organizational development while also working full time as a global training manager. I first met Nandi at ASTD's 2012 International Conference and Exposition, and I could tell she was taking in all the conference had to offer and was a high-energy, driven professional. We met again at the Academy of Management annual meeting in Boston this summer and the flood gates of ideas opened. She's now guest blogging each week, presenting a session on Millennials in the workplace at ASTD's 2013 International Conference and Exposition in Dallas, and serves as an adviser for ASTD's student and young professional outreach.

Catherine Lombardozzi is a great representation of who our community members are—an academic and practitioner. Catherine works every day to tie research to practice and helps learning and development practitioners use research and theory to see results in their daily work. You'll see some of Catherine's work as she, too, is a guest blogger for our community and also writes for T+D's Re:Search column.

The Higher Education Community of Practice includes an array of students, faculty, higher education staff, and practitioners all with a common goal: tying academics and research to workplace learning. If this sounds like you, read more!

Many of our members are professors; some are full time and others are practitioners who also teach. Is this you? If so, sign up to receive our Faculty Forum newsletter and see what your peers are blogging about on the Higher Education Community website. Have something to say? Email me about becoming a guest blogger yourself.

Are you a student pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in a learning and development-related program? Do you know someone who is? Check out the Dissertation Award, which has a cash prize and publishing opportunities for your findings; the student membership scholarship; or the ASTD membership discount giving you full access to all member benefits, research, and resources.

Even if you're not a student or professor, or working in higher education, this community has something to offer you. Many of our community members are looking to partner with practitioners to share what they've learned through research to help your company. Learning should never stop—and the Higher Education Community of Practice is committed to serving the needs of learners both on and off campus.