Dr. Penny S. Seals is a dedicated educator with over 12 years of experience in higher education administration. As a first-generation scholar, she understands the transformative power of education firsthand. Dr. Seals holds a PhD in Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College in Illinois, and a bachelor’s degree from Samford University, providing her with a diverse educational background that informs her approach to student learning.

Most recently, she served as the Associate Director of the Academic Success Center at Samford University. In this role, she provided academic support to students as they navigated through the University. This included meeting one-on-one with students facing a wide range of challenges to provide academic support and accountability.

Dr. Seals has worked at both private and public educational institutions and has a broad and nuanced understanding of the many facets of the University— its people, programs, and processes and how they collectively contribute to student success.

Known for her commitment to student success, Dr. Seals is passionate about creating a supporting and engaging learning environment where students are motivated to excel. She has worked with a wide range of students, including undergraduate, graduate, and adult learners, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. Her goal is to empower students to reach their full potential and to instill in them a lifelong love of learning.