Dr. Nancy Doody
For 32 years, Dr. Nancy Doody has been part of the fiber at Wilmington University. She started as a secretary to the vice president for finance and soon learned that WilmU offers more than just a place to work.
“WilmU gave me a career path,” she says.
The school also provided ready access to education. While Dr. Doody pursued her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, she worked in payroll administration. Completing her degree led to a position in HR. After earning a master’s in Human Resources Management at WilmU, she began teaching.
“Furthering my education was such an added bonus to working at the University,” she says.
“Furthering my education was such an added bonus to working at the University.”
— Dr. Nancy Doody
In 2017, she earned a Doctorate of Business Administration. Her latest role is associate director at the Center for Teaching Excellence, where Dr. Doody is a liaison between WilmU and the people who teach at the school. That’s a natural fit, as many of her students attest to Dr. Doody’s excellence as an educator.
“A lot of instructors just say, ‘good job.’ Dr. Doody actually pointed out what I could’ve done better, or would say what I did right, or wrong, and give suggestions,” notes one student. “She also did this in her live meetings/classes where she would go over homework, upcoming assignments, quizzes, ensuring students are prepared.”
Dr. Doody empathizes with the needs of students, many of whom are working while attending WilmU to further their careers.
“I have always taken my classes while working full time. I understand what it is like,” she says. “I often tell students I started as a secretary and worked my way up through education.”
College of Business Dean Kathy Kennedy-Ratajack says Dr. Doody also benefits Human Resources students by facilitating a prep course for students who want to take the certification exam.
“Nancy provides the personal touch to our students. In addition to adjunct teaching, she is also a lead for our SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) program. She is attentive to their needs and helps students to know that they are important to WilmU and the College of Business,” she says.
“Nancy provides the personal touch to our students.” — Kathy Kennedy-Ratajack
Dr. Doody also volunteers her time and expertise, conducting a workshop at Delcastle High School on interviewing and writing resumes.
Another WilmU student appreciates that Dr. Doody gave students the opportunity to improve their grades by offering extra credit — and made sure live meetings were scheduled during times when students could fit them into their schedules.
Says the student, “She was always making herself available so students can reach her. The live meetings weren’t boring, and she asked the class their availability and time. That’s probably why every time there was a live class, there’d be at least 10 students because she would give us choices.”
Dr. Doody says enhancing access to courses is an integral part of connecting with students.
“I try to put myself in their place. There are work constraints, family constraints, even time zone constraints,” she says. “Being able to help students succeed makes me love my work even more.”
— Eileen Smith Dallabrida