About the Advisory Board
The Advisory Board for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Human and Organizational Development (HOD) program brings together VCU alumni and key partners from higher education, industry, and specialized fields to help shape a forward-thinking curriculum that prepares graduates for the evolving demands of today’s workforce.
The HOD program equips students to lead in human resources, training and development, organizational consulting, and instructional design. To ensure graduates are ready for the future, the Advisory Board will provide strategic guidance on emerging trends in human capital development, organizational behavior, instructional design, and the impact of AI on workplace learning. Members will also advise on curriculum updates, internship opportunities, and ways to bridge the gap between academic preparation and professional practice.
Meet Our Advisory Board Members
The Advisory Board represents a wealth of expertise across sectors.
Amanda Loucks, Organizational Design and Change Specialist at ESL Federal Credit Union, brings expertise in HR strategy, organizational development, and learning & development. She holds a Master’s in Human Resource Development, is PROSCI-certified in change management, and is passionate about translating theory into real-world impact.
Dr. Brianne L. Jackson, Dean of Teaching and Learning at Reynolds Community College, brings expertise in instructional design, faculty development, and organizational learning. She holds a Ph.D. in Education with a focus on Curriculum, Culture, and Change and is passionate about advancing inclusive, neuroscience-informed teaching strategies.
Crystal Kardys, Director of Global Talent Acquisition, with 20 years of experience, brings expertise in HR strategy, global recruitment operations, and talent management systems. She holds a Master’s in Management and Leadership and is passionate about developing professionals and building scalable, high-impact hiring solutions.
DaVontte Archie is a human resources leader with more than 10 years of experience in people strategy, global talent acquisition, and organizational development. He is passionate about building inclusive, high-performing teams and leverages data-driven insights to align people initiatives with business goals. DaVontte partners with leadership to shape culture, optimize workforce planning, and deliver measurable outcomes that drive organizational success.
Erin McClinton, Board Operations Assistant in the Office of the President at VCU, has worked in higher education for 25 years and brings expertise in organizational efficiency, executive leadership administration, and talent alignment. She holds an M.Ed. in Adult Learning (Human Resource Development) from the VCU School of Education’s program, and is passionate about strategically aligning teams to achieve institutional goals.
Letitia Cherry, a learning and development strategist, brings expertise in inclusive leadership, organizational development, and culture transformation. She holds nearly 20 years of experience integrating DEI principles into adult learning and is passionate about creating equitable, data-driven solutions that foster belonging and systemic change.
Rodney Steppe, Learning and Development Instructional Design Specialist, brings expertise in instructional design, training development, and human resources. He holds an M.Ed. in Adult Learning with a focus on Human Resource Development and is passionate about creating impactful learning experiences that empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Shellie Smith, Vice President, Human Resources at Unboxed Training and Technology, is a Human Resources and Learning and Development leader with more than 15 years of experience, brings expertise in HR strategy, organizational development, and coaching. She holds a master’s degree in human resources and is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, passionate about helping individuals and teams reach their full potential.
