Dr. Dippold became passionate about student success in higher education while still an undergraduate student studying psychology at James Madison University. Her M.S. in counseling and college student development provided a solid framework for early positions in orientation and career services at University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She served as a career counselor and administrator as well as a career development course instructor for 7 years at Florida State University, where she also completed her Ph.D. in higher education and leadership studies.