Professional Summary

With a lifetime of experience in innovative curriculum design, leadership development, event management and global research, I thrive at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies. My extensive international travels have deepened my understanding of our complex world, fueling my commitment to inspiring meaningful change and empowering others to make a lasting impact.

Global Traveler, Writer & Strategic Communicator

Engaged in global travel, every continent and many cultures and spanning the full spectrum of travel experiences, from luxury to subsistence, to deepen understanding of our human experience.

Authored Tenacious, a unique view of living in the arena, lessons filled with authentic pain and passion that teach the reader to overcome, adapt and accelerate their personal and professional lives.

Pursuing graduate studies focused on strategic communication and investigating sports and politics and our world.

Community and Engagement Advocate

Led community initiatives, foundation participation, and strategic outreach at six universities to build success in non - profit endeavors.

Assisted with travel planning, game-day management, and recruiting efforts for over 100 college football games, supporting athletic department operations.

Created college football recruiting, team, staff, and charitable activities in my home.

Received Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service from President Barack Obama.

Penni Leigh Graham | linkedin.com/in/PenniGraham | PenniLeighGraham.com

Education leader with 25+ years designing curriculum, securing grants ($15M+), leading instructional innovation, and building community–industry partnerships. Experienced in digital learning, strategic communications, team building, and cross-cultural engagement.

Summary of Experience: 
Global Traveler & M.A. Candidate, Strategic Communications — 2023–Present • Deepening intercultural perspectives to inform pedagogy; graduate research on sports, politics, and culture.
Community Engagement Advocate and Leader  — 2006–2023 • Led community initiatives and strategic outreach across six universities and many non-profits; developed and hosted recruiting and charitable events that grew programs impact.
• Mentored graduate interns and directed and supported athletic operations (travel planning, game-day logistics, recruiting support for 100+ games).
Director, Community & Corporate Education / Associate Dean, Business & IT — Tulsa Community College — 2002–2006 • Launched academic programs, grew enrollment, designed marketing, and taught Humanities and Business online/in-person courses.
Director, Interactive Learning — West Virginia University — 2001–2002 • Trained faculty in distance/technology-enhanced instruction; secured federal/state grants to expand digital learning statewide.
Director, Organizational Development — MetroMedia Restaurants — 2000–2001 • Implemented operational process improvements and technology integration across 1,000+ locations.
Director, Curriculum & Instruction / USDOE Project Director — 1994–2000 • Researched, developed, and secured $15M+ in grants; launched the first Virtual High School (1997) and a college-within-high-school model.
• Led teacher training in technology and brain-based instructional strategies.
Technology Pioneer & Gifted/Talented Teacher — 1994–1995 • Early adopter of internet-based instruction; collaborated with MCI, Vint Cerf, and Cisco on online learning initiatives.
History Department Head & Educator — 1991–1993 • Led curriculum development, statewide textbook selection, and teacher development; contributed to Blue Ribbon School recognition.
Historical Studies, Teacher Certification — University of Texas at Dallas (Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) 
Education M.S., Higher Education & Curriculum & Instruction — Texas A&M University–Commerce
Ph.D. coursework: 
  • Educational Technology, Texas Women's University 
  • Educational Technology (Professor of Practice), Southern Methodist University
  • Educational Leadership, West Virginia University 
  • Organizational & Industrial Psychology, University of Tulsa
  • Learning Design, Oklahoma State University
Core Skills Curriculum & instructional design | Grant writing & fundraising | Digital learning & edtech | Strategic planning & communications | Community & corporate partnerships | Team leadership & facilitation | Intercultural engagement
Certified Mediator | National Staff Development Certification | True Colors & Covey Seven Habits Facilitator
Email: PenniLeighGraham@icloud.com

K–12 & Higher Education Thought Leader

Launched one of the first internet-connected classrooms in public schools leading education initiatives that informed national conversations on digital learning.

Developed innovative programs that brought in millions of grant dollars for education.

Mentored graduate students at multiple universities through internship programs, fostering academic and professional growth.

Taught thousands, middle school to graduate level students, emphasizing civic engagement, history, and digital literacy.

Led evaluation and development of history curriculum for the state of Texas. Served as history department head.