Academia Coaching, Events, and Resources

Dush is the ideal coach for success in higher education leadership because he understands the unique challenges and demands of academic leadership. From navigating institutional change to fostering collaboration among faculty and administration, higher education leaders must balance vision, strategy, and people management. Dush’s coaching empowers university leaders, administrators, and faculty to enhance their leadership presence, improve decision-making, and drive meaningful impact within their institutions. His approach helps clients build confidence, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and create a culture of innovation and student success. What sets Dush apart is his blend of personal experience, proven coaching methodologies, and a deep commitment to leadership excellence. As a graduate of the Michigan Medicine Executive Coaching Program, a Certified Professional Coach, and a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), he applies best-in-class coaching techniques tailored to the academic environment. His ability to foster self-awareness, strategic thinking, and transformative leadership makes him a trusted partner for higher education professionals seeking to elevate their careers and institutions. If you are ready to lead with confidence and create lasting impact in higher education, Dush is the coach to guide you there.

I am an experienced higher education practitioner with an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration. I specialize in supporting non-traditional, first-generation, and graduate students as they navigate academic expectations, online learning, and the challenge of balancing school, work, and life. My background in advising, academic operations, teaching, and student success enables me to help students build confidence, develop structure, enhance writing and communication skills, refine study strategies, and maintain accountability. I excel at making college feel manageable and clear — especially for students who haven’t always felt seen, supported, or prepared within traditional academic environments. My coaching approach blends empathy, strategy, and empowerment. I help students understand how higher education truly works, create systems that fit their lives, and build momentum they can maintain. Whether you’re returning to school, beginning a graduate program, or navigating online learning, I’m here to help you succeed with clarity and confidence.

Welcome to my profile! With a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Utah, I bring a wealth of academic and professional experience to my coaching. As the Founding Director at Tufts University School of Medicine and former Department Chair at Idaho State University, I have hired dozens of novice faculty members and mentored numerous faculty in acquiring the skills needed to break into the industry and excel in higher education. My research and teaching experience, particularly in the field of physical therapy and motion analysis, have equipped me to guide professionals in achieving their academic and career goals. Having coached various individuals across wide social and professional backgrounds, I am passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of academia. Let's work together to unlock your potential and achieve your aspirations!

Following my Ph.D., I worked at Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, the University College Dublin (UCD), the University of Nottingham, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) and SSPI. I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University. I was an Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins University. I was an Associate Professor of Education at UCD. I was Full Professor, Chair in Education, at the University of Nottingham. I was Full Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston). I was Vice President for Research and Evaluation at SSPI. I was also CEO at IRINSTITUTES. I am a chartered psychologist (CPsychol) and was named a Fellow (FBPsS) of the British Psychological Society and Fellow (FAcSS) of the Academy of Social Sciences. I am the recipient of numerous scholarships, grants and awards. I was the recipient of the American Psychological Association’s early career award in educational psychology, was named the Association for Psychological Science Rising Star. My research has been published nationally and internationally through peer-reviewed articles and books. As the principal investigator, I have designed and led a series of funded multiyear, multisite projects.

I'm here to answer any and all questions about academia! I have about 10 years of experience across three different universities, and am always happy to discuss career pathways within academia, the academic publishing process, and general tips for flourishing within the university system.

Having published over 25 peer-reviewed publications and presented over 50 medical research abstracts, all while in medical school and residency full-time, I have learned what it takes to publish impactful research and do it efficiently! I also have experience mentoring over 100 pre-medical students, medical students, and medical residents, all of whom have cumulatively successfully published hundreds of peer-reviewed articles. It is my honor to pay this experience and knowledge forward and share with you my best tips, tricks, and strategies for successfully getting your research published. I look forward to helping you succeed!

I came to Higher Education through a non-traditional corporate route! I started my career in feature animation production (film) in Los Angeles. I was ultimately offered roles at the University of Southern California (USC) both at the Cinema School and the Marshall School of Business, both without a Masters degree. In higher education, particularly in elite universities, you understand that this is a rare occurrence. I ended up working with Undergraduate, MS and MBA students at the Marshall School of Business for almost 7 years, before my family and I relocated to NC to be closer to family and buy our first house (after 22 years of renting in LA!). I have been working with MS and other graduate business students at NC State for almost 3 years. I've navigated several significant career pivots in my life and have a unique ability to draw out a person's story and help them wrap words around what matters to them in a compelling and authentic way. I've worked with private clients from entry level executive assistants at talent agencies and television writers, to commercial real estate executives and K-12 teachers. I am happy to talk with you about career paths (on the admin/staff side) within student services, academic advising, student life, program management, admissions, career advising, etc. If you're not sure that you want to go into higher ed (or stay there) I am happy to facilitate conversations around other creative applications of your skill set in the private sector.