EdD Leadership for Change Program Welcomes New Director: Catharine Penfold Navarro, Ph.D.

Dr. Cathy Navarro

Fielding Graduate University is delighted to announce Dr. Catharine Penfold Navarro as the new Program Director of the Ed.D. Leadership for Change Program. A transformational higher-education leader, Dr. Penfold Navarro brings a wealth of experience, an impressive academic background, and a passion for equity-driven leadership to Fielding’s distinguished program.

Dean of Faculty Kathy Geller, Ph.D., said about the appointment: “It is my pleasure to announce Dr. Penfold Navarro as the ELC Program Director. Cathy’s promotion to the Program Director role recognizes her leadership role in redesigning the EdD Program and her work with students and colleagues. Joining a strong team, Cathy’s work at Fielding and in her prior experience well evidences her commitment to academic excellence, collaboration with colleagues, a focus on social justice, and transformational learning that enables a deeper understanding of self and society.”

Vision

We asked Dr. Penfold Navarro about her vision for the Program, and here’s what she shared:

As we prepare to launch the reimagined Ed.D. Leadership for Change Program, I am excited to carry forward the legacy of scholars, thinkers, leaders, and advocates at Fielding Graduate University who, together, strive to transform systems to create a more just and equitable world.

In the Ed.D. Leadership for Change Program, we develop leaders dedicated to promoting equity and addressing current and historic inequality. We offer a highly personalized doctoral program where students can pursue research that ignites their scholarly curiosity and connects with their hearts.

In a higher ed landscape that sometimes seems to have forgotten its soul, Fielding Graduate University is a place where students can bring their whole selves to their learning, develop deep and enduring connections with their faculty, and grow in their scholarship and leadership so they can be part of transforming systems to create a world we all want to live in. — Dr. Cathy Navarro

Leadership Philosophy: Inspired by People, Grounded in Purpose

Dr. Penfold Navarro’s leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, authenticity, and transformational growth. She inspires those around her to achieve more than they imagined while fostering systems that simplify and elevate educational outcomes. Calm under pressure and genuinely invested in people, she values creating authentic connections over a good cup of coffee. She believes in the profound impact of education on individuals and communities.

“I believe higher education changes the world,” Dr. Penfold Navarro shared. “It shapes the future of our communities and fulfills the dreams of students seeking to create better futures for themselves, their families, and society.”

Areas of Expertise and Research Interests

Areas of expertise

• Leadership: Leadership Theory, Leadership Development, Higher Ed Leadership, Leading Change, Personal Leadership Development, Storytelling for Leaders
• Teaching and Learning: Curriculum Design, Authentic Learning, Learning Assessment, Equitable Assessment, Learning Communities, Online Learning
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Community Colleges
• Hispanic Community College Students: Transfer perceptions, sense of belonging, online learning

Current research focus or projects

• I write about leadership, teaching and learning, and living a life you love at happierinhighered.com
• The research focused on Hispanic community college students: transfer preparedness, sense of belonging, and online learning.

Courses she teaches: Leadership, Teaching and Learning, Qualitative Research

Notable Achievements

• Founder of Happier in Higher Ed: A platform for elevating leadership, teaching, and personal fulfillment in higher education.
• Global Educator: Lived in four countries and taught leadership to students on four continents.
• Academic Leader: Previously Vice Provost of Teaching and Learning at Trinity Western University, Vancouver, Canada
• Award-winning Project Leader: Project Director for a $1.89 million grant from the US Department of Education and Director of Student Success at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. At Valencia College, Dr. Penfold Navarro led initiatives in student success, supplemental learning, and learning in the community, which were recognized when Valencia College earned the inaugural Aspen Institute Prize for Community College Excellence.

A Personal Touch: Beyond the Profession

Dr. Penfold Navarro lives in Florida with her husband, teenager, and two dogs. She’s an aspiring minimalist, yoga practitioner, nature lover, and avid podcast listener who enjoys coffee-fueled conversations about teaching strategies, curriculum design, and what matters most to people. She shared: “I believe every day is better if it begins with a walk.”

Her personal mantra for 2025: “Rise.”

About Dr. Penfold Navarro: A Catalyst for Transformational Leadership in Higher Education

Dr. Penfold Navarro’s research and teaching are focused on Hispanic community college students, designing inclusive learning communities, creating a sense of belonging in online learning, and curriculum design. She previously was Vice Provost of Teaching and Learning at Trinity Western University in Vancouver, Canada. Prior to that role, her work focused on community college student success and transfer readiness. She was Project Director for a $1.89 million grant from the US Department of Education and Director of Student Success at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. There, she led initiatives in student success, supplemental learning, and learning in the community, which were recognized when Valencia College earned the inaugural Aspen Institute Prize for Community College Excellence.

Throughout her career, Dr. Penfold Navarro has led faculty and staff in the implementation of inquiry-based teaching and assessment strategies across the undergraduate general education curriculum, implementation of action research focused on the infusion of college success skills across the curriculum, and integration of learning-centered strategies into academic advising

Dr. Penfold Navarro has previously provided leadership for academic advising, faculty development, residence life, and other student development initiatives at the University of Kentucky, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Asbury College, and LCC International University in Lithuania. She has taught in the Higher Education and Policy Studies program at the University of Central Florida, the College of Education at the University of Kentucky, the Master of Arts in Leadership program at Trinity Western University, the New Student Experience at Valencia College, and the School of Education at Capella University.

Dr. Penfold Navarro holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Studies from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Education in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Roberts Wesleyan College.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpenfoldnavarro

Fielding Graduate University warmly welcomes Dr. Penfold Navarro to this vital leadership role. With her guidance, the Ed.D. Leadership for Change Program will continue empowering scholars and practitioners to create lasting societal impact. As our motto goes: “Change the World. Start with Yours.”