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• Who’s Who at VCU Business: Tanya Wineland

Professional Experience

Dedicated to fostering multicultural student success and institutional excellence through strategic academic advising, research, and collaboration. Adept at building meaningful partnerships with stakeholders to drive equity-focused initiatives that improve academic experiences for post-transfer college students. Creative problem-solver with a disciplined approach to student development, program enhancement, and data-driven decision-making. Passionate about lifelong learning and advancing education through innovative solutions.

Teaching in Higher Education

Consistently committed to student empowerment by guiding learners in defining and pursuing meaningful academic goals. Strives to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment that prioritizes critical thinking, self-efficacy, and academic resilience. Skilled in tailoring mentoring and instructional approaches to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring equity-driven pathways to success. Focused on equipping students with the tools and confidence to navigate higher education, advocate for themselves, and achieve their aspirations.

Research and Scholarship

My research focuses on college transfer student success, examining the critical role of meaningful academic experiences in shaping post-transfer achievement. Through my work, I analyze how intentional engagement, supportive learning environments, and equity-driven academic pathways contribute to improved retention and graduation rates. By bridging research and practice, I aim to illuminate strategies that empower transfer students, ensuring they thrive and persist in their educational journeys

From Insight to Action: Campaign Management

In many ways, I've had a front-row seat to the systems that shape people’s lives. Policies and corporate decisions can uplift communities or erode opportunity, equity, and dignity. I've witnessed the transformative power of education, but still see college students struggling against barriers that shouldn’t exist. I’ve worked within systems that are often slow to change because good intentions aren’t enough without accountability. These experiences have made one thing clear: we need leaders who are ready to disrupt the status quo. That’s why, in July 2025, I began serving as campaign manager for Ericka Kopp in Virginia's First Congressional District. To learn more about Ericka, visit her website at https://erickakopp.com/.