About 

My passion for learning and curiosity has provided me with many amazing opportunities, one of which is the opportunity to partner with the Global Curiosity Institute (GCI). The GCI is on a mission to empower individuals, organizations, and society to unlock their full potential through a relentless pursuit of learning, discovery, and innovation. I am excited to partner with the GCI as a Fellow serving higher education and non-profit organizations in North America. Partnering with Fellows from around the globe who serve(d) in different industries is incredibly inspiring as it takes my curiosity to vast and interesting spaces. 

How does curiosity show up for you? Take a few minutes to complete the GCI's free Individual Curiosity Scale Diagnostic and include your email address to get a report with unique insights about curiosity.

Publishing thought pieces with colleagues has been a meaningful way to further my thinking and contribute to bodies of knowledge. Creating original scholarship about the curricular approach to student learning and organizational effectiveness represented two signature experiences along my career journey thus far.  

First, my 2016 dissertation, Organizational Perspective On Implementing The Residential Curriculum Approach: An Ethnographic Case Study, was the first published research on the curricular approach to student affairs. Looking to conduct some organizational scanning and goal setting? Download the Organizational Barometer that I created from my dissertation research. 

Second, co-authoring the Curricular Approach to Student Affairs book  (2020) was a signature professional experience. Getting to share ideas about organizational effectiveness, student learning, and various other topics, while collaborating with wonderful colleagues, was meaningful.  In 2025, the Chinese translation of the book was published. 

On a related note, it was a professional honor to serve as co-chair for the ACPA - College Student Educator International's 2013 Residential Curriculum Institute and 2023 Institute on the Curricular Approach. I continue to draw on the joys and experiences of serving alongside dedicated mid- and senior-level colleagues to design, implement, and assess a global professional learning community, as I engage and support them in furthering their organization's strategic priorities.

Education

Ph.D., Educational Administration in Higher Education

University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC      

Cognate: Human Resources & Management 

Dissertation: Organizational Perspective On Implementing The Residential Curriculum Approach: An Ethnographic Case Study

M.A., Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education

Ball State University, Muncie, IN

Thesis: Self-efficacy beliefs of assistant residence hall directors at Ball State University

B.A., Psychology, and Spanish for the Professions

Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

MY SPECIALTIES

• Compassionate, Inclusive & Transformative Leadership

• Leading & Navigating Organizational & Systemic Change

• Coaching, Consulting & Stakeholder Relationships

• Project Planning, Resource & Budget Management

• Presentation and Facilitation

• Instructional Learning Design, ADDIE, Adult & eLearning Techniques, & Instruction 

CLIFTON STRENGTHS

• Input

• Responsibility

• Learner

• Futuristic

• Strategic

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

The following awards and recognition are proudly shared with the colleagues I serve alongside in my role as Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life at Seattle University:

• Seattle University, Best Place to Work on Campus, Housing & Residence Life Department (May 2025)

• Division of Student Development “Collaboration Award: Orientation & Housing & Residence Life”, Seattle University (April 2023)

• Division of Student Development “Department Allstars Award” from Vice Provost, Seattle University (February 2023, 2022)

• Division of Student Development “Dean’s List” from AVP & Dean of Students, Seattle University (April 2022)

I am grateful and humbled to have also received these awards and recognition: 

• Outstanding Advocate for First-Year Students Award, University of South Carolina (April 2021)

• The State Media Co.’s 17th Annual 20 Under 40 Class for 2020 coordinated by The State (March 2020)

• Continuing Excellence (5+years) Award, University of South Carolina, Division of Student Affairs & Academic Support (April 2018)

• Residence Hall Association Presidential Pin Recipient (April 2017)

• Featured in the University of South Carolina, Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support’s, 2016 Essay publication in the “Expert Advice” section (regarding residential curriculum): http://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_affairs/our_news_and_publications/news/2016/essay_expert_advice_hilary_lichterman.php

• Outstanding Mid-Level Professional Award, Southeastern Association of Housing Officers (February 2015)

• Chi Sigma Alpha Pillars of Excellence Award, University of South Carolina (April 2013)

• Inducted into Chi Sigma Alpha – Lambda Class, University of South Carolina (January 2012)

• Outstanding New Professional for Mid to Senior Level Professional Award, University of South Carolina, Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support (May 2010)

• Outstanding New Professional Award, University of Missouri, Division of Student Affairs (September 2006)

• Advisor of the Year, University of Missouri-Columbia Residential Life (April 2006)