Legal Studies and Public Policy Faculty

Miranda Brand is the dean and vice president of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and School of Aviation at Purdue Global. Brand's areas of expertise are in leadership development, industry partnerships, faculty mentoring and new program development. As dean, Brand oversees more than 700 faculty members across 45 academic programs and five academic departments. She also cultivates the more than 1,000 college-industry partnerships that the college maintains. Brand’s experience in education allows her to focus on student success while serving almost 11,000 students who are pursuing degrees at the doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, associate and certificate levels.

Since 2011, Brand has served as the associate dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. In this role, she facilitated the development and launch of twelve degree programs in the college, served on numerous university cross-functional action teams to promote institutional improvements and worked with then Dean Sander for over a decade to create and implement a strong college-industry partnership program for students and employer partners. Additionally, she has served in faculty and department chair positions within the college since joining the University in 2006. Prior professional experience includes 20 years of public education service in various roles including teacher, curriculum coordinator, district staff development presenter, and school administrator.

Education: EdD, Nova Southeastern University;  MA, Educational Leadership, Fayetteville State University; BS, Education, Methodist University

For many years, Lynn Massenzio's focus has been administrative, including strategic planning, accreditation, state approvals, and new program development. She previously served the University as an adjunct faculty member and assistant dean of faculty. Prior to entering the education field, Massenzio built on her experience as a former college athlete to start a small business as a fitness consultant and personal trainer. She earned her teaching certification through an alternative certification route at Oglethorpe University. After teaching high school science, she transitioned to higher education where she was a clinical instructor at Georgia State University and an assistant professor at LaGrange College. Both institutions, as well as Purdue Global, have enabled her to work with career changers entering the field of education through both traditional and alternative routes to certification.

Education: PhD, Georgia State University; MS, Georgia Institute of Technology; BA, Rutgers University

Tessa Holst currently serves as the assistant dean of students within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences where she oversees and generates initiatives to develop student engagement and improve student retention. She is also responsible for problem identification and resolution for second-level student complaints and conflicts. Prior to her current role, Holst served as the graduation director and event planner within the Provost Office. She was responsible for bi-annual graduation event ceremonies, celebrations, and faculty retreats. She has worked in higher education for over 25 years and recently completed her second term as school board member for her local school district, having served for 4 years as president. 

Education: MS, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global)

Honors and Achievements: 2017 Social and Behavioral Sciences Outstanding Non-Academic Support Team Award (Kaplan University), 2005 Hero Award (Kaplan University), 2003 Extra Mile Award (Kaplan Higher Education)

April Hrabar has been with Purdue Global since 2020 as an instructor with the School of Nursing. Before joining the Purdue Global team, Hrabar was the administrator of an online undergraduate health sciences program and the senior leader of a multi-leveled nursing department. In her 15 years’ experience in higher education, she has focused on adult and non-traditional learners, online instruction, program development and expansion, and institutional and programmatic accreditation.

As part of her passion for connecting students with global initiatives, she was previously the founder and executive director of an organization providing aid and medical care for Indigenous people of the Amazon Rainforest. Through this foundation, she has immersed students and faculty in life-changing cultural experiences to make a positive impact in these fragile communities. She continues to pursue community outreach in promotion of global health and wellness.

Education: EdD in Educational Leadership, Liberty University; MSN in Nursing Education, Liberty University; BS in Nursing, University of Maryland

Honors and Achievements: Nurse Leadership Institution Fellow (2010); Corporation for National Service National Service Award (2002)  

Research Interests: Professional behaviors, writing skills, faculty and student engagement in online environments

Gurmit Kaur joined Purdue Global as an adjunct faculty member in 2004. She has served as an academic department chair since 2007, overseeing several of Purdue Global’s legal studies programs. She also works on numerous innovations in curriculum, including modularized curriculum, course revisions, and competency-based programs. As the academic dean at Kaplan Higher Education, Singapore, from 2009 to 2011, Kaur worked to internationalize and globalize the syllabus in the Asia Pacific region. Prior to joining Purdue Global, she practiced law for 10 years and also taught law courses for the University of London External Law Program and at the Malaysia Bar Final examinations.

Education: LLB, University of London; BA, University of Malaya; AA, University of Malaya

Publications: Civil Procedure

John Berube began working for Purdue Global in 1999. He has played a variety of roles and has been a full-time faculty member since 2005. Berube teaches various undergraduate courses in legal studies at the University, such as business law, legal research, and interviewing and investigation, and is involved in a number of University committees. Prior to joining the Purdue Global faculty, he worked for law firms in Manhattan and Maine.

Education: JD, University of Maine School of Law; BA, Bowdoin College

Honors and Achievements: 2015 Best Veteran Presenter (KU Village Conference), presentation at Florida Political Science Association, additional teaching and research honors

Timothy Carlin teaches various undergraduate courses in legal studies, continually seeking ways to innovate in the classroom. He became an adjunct faculty member with Purdue Global in 2010, joining full time in 2015. He is also the course lead for the civil litigation course. Prior to joining the Purdue Global faculty, Carlin litigated both criminal and civil cases for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He then entered private practice and focused on veterans’ needs. In 2010, Carlin worked closely with his local courts and state Supreme Court, seeking the creation of the first local Veterans Court.

Education: JD, University of Dayton School of Law; BS, Troy University

Brian Craig teaches various undergraduate legal courses about topics such as legal research, legal writing, and civil litigation. He started teaching at Purdue Global (now Kaplan University) in 2007 and became a full-time adjunct instructor in 2015. Craig previously taught at the University of Minnesota Law School and served as an attorney for Thomson-Reuters, a judicial law clerk in Idaho, and a full-time legislative aide in the California Legislature.

Education: JD, University of Idaho; BA, Brigham Young University

Publications: Cyberlaw: The Law of the Internet and Information Technology, Real Estate Law Journal, North Dakota Law Review

Karla Drenner began her career with Purdue Global in 2013. Her experience includes over 20 years of teaching where she has taught both graduate and undergraduate courses with the last 9 years in online education.

Education: PhD, Saint Louis University; PhD, LaSalle University; MBA, Fontbonne College, MS, Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville; BS, West Virginia University

Publications: Research Anthology on Inclusivity and Equity for the LGBTQ+ Community (pp. 34-42). IGI Global. HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.4018/978-1-6684-3674-5 (2022).

Public Accommodations: Discrimination and Sexual Orientation. In Information Resource Management Association (Ed.), Research Anthology on Inclusivity and Equity for the LGBTQ+ Community (pp. 13-33). IGI Global. HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.4018/978-1-6684-3674-5 (2022).

Social Change: The Power of Place. In Information Resource Management Association (Ed.), Research Anthology on Inclusivity and Equity for the LGBTQ+ Community (pp. 43-68). IGI Global. HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.4018/978-1-6684-3674-5 (2021).

Faith-based influences on legislative Decision Making: Emerging research and opportunities. Information Science Reference. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-6807-1 (2021).

The Implications of Religious Liberty. In Information Resource Management Association (Ed.), Research Anthology on Religious Impacts on Society (pp. 455-468). IGI Global. HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.4018/978-1-7998-3435-9.

Certifications: Human Resource Management, Purdue Global, 2016; Healthcare Policy, Georgia State University, 2013; Advanced Instructor Driving Safety Certificate Program, Smith System, 2002; International Environmental Management System Auditor ISO 14001, Det Norske Veritas, 2000; Certified Environmental Specialist, Environmental Assessment Association

Honors and Achievements: “Faculty Scholarship Award” Purdue Global, 2022; “Engagement and Inspiration Award” Purdue Global University, 2021; “Outstanding Professor Award” Purdue Global University, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017; “Outstanding Service Award” Purdue Global University, 2019; “Above and Beyond – Academic Recognition”, 2017; “Women of Excellence Award” National Foundation for Women Legislators, 2016; “Clean Water Champion” Georgia Water Coalition, 2014-2016; “Heroes & Heroine” Atlanta Freedom Band, 2015; “Excellence in Community Service” ANIZ, 2013; “Environmental Leadership Award” Georgia League of Conservation Voters, 2001-2012; “Champions for Equality Award” Georgia Equality, 2011; “Legislator of the Year” Organization of DeKalb Educators, 2006; “Courageous Service Award” Stonewall Bar Association, 2005; “Dan Bradley Humanitarian Award” Human Rights Campaign, 2004.

Research Interests: Women in public service, legislative studies including environmental policy, religion, and social equity issues.

John Gray is a faculty member for Purdue Global’s undergraduate legal studies program and has also taught various graduate legal studies courses. He began his academic career teaching at Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky. Prior to first being licensed to practice law almost 20 years ago, he worked for various nonprofit organizations for several years. Gray also conducted a live radio program for 7 years and a taped television program for 2 years.

Education: JD, Jones School of Law; LLM, Samford University; MA, Lipscomb University; BA, Heritage Christian University; BBA, University of North Alabama

Jeffrey Gulley joined Purdue Global as an adjunct faculty member in 2007. He now serves as a full-time adjunct faculty member teaching undergraduate legal studies courses and as a course lead. Gulley has been a licensed attorney for 30 years, with practice experience in civil litigation, employment law, and criminal law. He also has more than 12 years of public service as a Superior Court judge and magistrate judge. In addition, Gulley established a business that has provided specialized training and consulting services in the area of domestic violence prevention and intervention.

Education: JD, Maurer School of Law at Indiana University Bloomington; Judicial Studies Program, National Judicial College

Honors and Achievements: 2016 Outstanding Professor of Legal Studies (Kaplan University)

Research Interests: Advocacy work on domestic violence issues

Jane McElligott is a full-time faculty member in Purdue Global’s legal studies and legal support and services programs, where she serves as a course lead and teaches courses on legal philosophy, law and society, constitutional law, and business law. Before joining Purdue Global, McElligott practiced family law and Social Security disability law and served as an adjunct faculty member for University of Massachusetts Lowell, Massachusetts School of Law, and Northern Essex Community College in Massachusetts.

Education: JD, Suffolk University Law School; MS, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global); BA, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Honors and Achievements: Presentations on topics relating to criminal justice, education, and animal law at the Southern Criminal Justice Association and Western Criminal Justice Association conferences

Memberships: Purdue Global Library Committee, Faculty Curriculum Committee, and Institutional Review Board

Cristina Nolan joined Purdue Global as an adjunct faculty member over 18 years ago. Nolan has taught a wide spectrum of courses, specializing in the legal support and services curriculum. Before joining Purdue Global, Nolan worked as an attorney for several years and practiced workers’ compensation and family law. She has presented on a variety of topics related to distance learning, and written several articles on business law, investing, and finance.

Education: JD, Saint Louis University School of Law; BA, DePaul University

Certifications: Licensed to Practice Law in IL

Honors and Achievements: 2021 and 2016 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Adjunct Award Purdue Global; 2020 Purdue Global Distinction Award Recipient on the Faculty Persistence Committee

Memberships: Chicago Paralegal Association, Purdue Global Professional Skills and Communications GEL Committees           

Research Interests: Business Law, Distance Learning, Legal Technology, and Legal Marketing

Sait Tarhan joined Purdue Global in 2009 and is a full-time adjunct faculty member in the paralegal studies program. Before joining Purdue Global, Tarhan had a private law practice for 10 years, primarily in the areas of family law and bankruptcy, before going into higher education full time. He started his academic career at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, where he created the school's first online business law course as well as other Internet/distance learning courses. He later moved on to full-time distance teaching with various universities including the University of Phoenix, Texas A&M University, the University of Louisville, and Cincinnati State.

Education: JD, University of Kentucky; BA, University of Kentucky

Honors and Achievements: 2017 College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Legal Studies Outstanding Teacher of the Year (Kaplan University), KU Village and other presentations

Memberships: Purdue Global Academic Administrative Council

Heather Valdes began teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Purdue Global in 2004 and joined the legal studies full-time faculty team in 2015. She teaches various undergraduate courses in legal studies including legal research and writing, family law, and business law. Valdes has worked in immigration practice and child advocacy, and currently has a private practice centered on smaller issues such as contract construction, real estate leases, small business issues, immigration, divorce, and child custody.

Education: JD, St. Thomas University School of Law; MS, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global)

Honors and Achievements: 2016 Outstanding Course Lead for the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences (KU Village), Best Delivery and Presentation (KU Village)