Dr. Cindy Mathena is an educator and leader with a strong commitment to student success. With 28 years of experience in academia, she has held various roles, demonstrating her dedication to advancing educational innovation and excellence. Currently, she serves as the Interim President/Provost of National American University.
Dr. Mathena’s journey in education began in Occupational Therapy. She pursued her academic aspirations, ultimately choosing to focus on the possibilities online education held for educating health science practitioners. Her Ph.D. is in Educational Technology with a focus on the effectiveness of online education for physical and occupational therapists. She has held a diverse range of positions over her career, each contributing to her commitment to educational advancement. Her previous roles have included Faculty member, Program Director, Director of Online Education, Dean, VP of Academic Operations, and Campus Director. These positions have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape, from the classroom to administrative leadership.
Throughout her career, Dr. Mathena has shared her passion for education at institutions such as the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University and as a consultant in the areas of program start-up, accreditation, curriculum development, and outcomes assessment.
Dr. Mathena’s scholarly interests have focused on interprofessional education and online education, reflecting her commitment to innovative teaching methods. She has presented her findings at national conferences and has co-authored a textbook titled “Interprofessional Education and Collaboration: An Evidence-Based Approach to Optimizing Health Care.”
Since 1999, she has participated in a variety of accreditation roles. She has served as an educational evaluator, chair, and subject matter expert for the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) as well as in programmatic and institutional accreditation roles. She enjoys roles on advisory committees and professional associations, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining educational standards.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Dr. Mathena’s career has been her involvement with Rocky Mountain University’s Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. She is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with professional Occupational Therapists (students), teaching and mentoring capstone projects.
Outside of her professional life, she resides in St. Augustine, FL, where she enjoys scuba diving, paddleboarding, travel, and staying active through Orangetheory Fitness.