Gebren Blakely EdD

Dr. GeBren Blakely is the Assistant Director for Student Initiatives and Academic Advisor for the RN-BSN program. Since 2015, she has been an academic advisor at the University of La Verne. With over 20 years of higher education experience, Dr. Blakely has encouraged diverse populations of students through academic advising, admissions, career advising, outreach and recruitment, teaching, and management roles. Dr. Blakely has recruited and advised for various degree programs relating to healthcare, technology, education, and business.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UC San Diego in 2002, Dr. Blakely began a career in higher education working in the areas of admissions and academic advising. During that experience she discovered her passion for motivating adult learners to pursue higher education, which inspired her to embark on a journey that led her to enroll in a master’s degree program to highlight her leadership abilities.

After working in higher education for more than 15 years in advising and leadership roles, Dr. Blakely began the Doctor of Education program in Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.) at the University of La Verne. Dr. Blakely’s doctoral research highlights academic advising and support strategies that contribute to the academic success of military and veteran students.

Dr. Blakely continues to demonstrate a passion for working with adult learners, while motivating and encouraging the pursuit of higher education.

Educational Background

• 2021: University of La Verne – Doctor of Education, Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.)
• 2007: Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University – Master of Business Administration, concentration in Human Resources (MBA)
• 2002: University of California, San Diego – Bachelor of Science, Psychology (BS)

Publications

• Doctoral dissertation, “Academic advising perceptions, strategies, and practices that influence the academic success of military and veteran students.”