Administration and Staff

Vincent Kiernan

Vincent Kiernan, Ph.D. Dean, Metropolitan School of Professional Studies (202) 319-6260
kiernan@cua.edu

Dr. Kiernan joined the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies in June 2016. Previously, he served as an associate dean at George Mason University and Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies, where he led the university's undergraduate program for working students. He earned a Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Maryland, College Park; an executive master's in leadership from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business; and a master of science in adult and continuing education from Kansas State University. Prior to his work in academe, Dr. Kiernan worked for more than 20 years as a science and medical journalist, and his academic research centers on science and medical journalism, more particularly on relationships between journalists and the scientific establishment. His 2006 book, Embargoed Science, critically examined news coverage of the latest scientific research.

LaShay Boyd

LaShay Boyd M.A.T
Director of Admissions and Communications (202) 319-6376
longlas@cua.edu

LaShay Boyd, is the Director of Admissions and Communications for the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies. Prior to joining Catholic University, LaShay began a career in education in 2005, as an Education Consultant for Sylvan Learning Center. She continued her career at an education technology company, 2U Inc. for 4 years supporting the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education by training new staff on programs, and facilitating virtual marketing events. LaShay’s passion for education continued as a Program Director for Baltimore County Public Schools, and classroom teacher for Baltimore City Public Schools district. LaShay holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Goucher College and a Bachelor of Science concentrating in Education and Psychology.

Chad Smith

Chad Smith, Esq. Director of Legal Programs (202) 319-4389
smithcha@cua.edu

Chad Smith joined the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies in October 2017. He has been a licensed and practicing attorney in the South Florida area since 2009. Mr. Smith earned a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Florida and J.D. from Nova Southeastern University. Previously, he was adjunct faculty at Nova Southeastern University and Brown Mackie College – Miami. Over the last 8 years, Mr. Smith has taught several courses in the areas of Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, and General Education. In his role as Director of Legal Programs, Mr. Smith looks forward to establishing the Paralegal Program as a mainstay at the Catholic University and helping to provide students with support and guidance to further their academic and legal careers.

Jean-Luc Nshimiyimana

Jean-Luc Nshimiyimana, M.Ed Academic Advisor (202) 319-6667
nshimiyimana@cua.edu

Jean-Luc began a career in education as a research/teaching assistant in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UT Arlington and he joined the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies in March 2018. Prior to joining MSPS as the Admissions Coordinator, Jean-Luc worked as a Curriculum Design with the University of Management and Technology. Additionally, he served as Coordinator/Educational Advisor for TRIO-Upward Bound Programs, helping low-income and first-generation college students make a successful transition from secondary to post-secondary education. Jean-Luc holds M.Ed in Educational Leadership and Policy and currently pursuing an M.A in Policy and Finance in Higher Education.

Twila Lindsay

Twila Lindsay, Ph.D Assistant Dean(202) 319-6375
lindsayt@cua.edu

Dr. Twila Lindsay joined the Metropolitan School of Professional studies in October 2018. Prior to joining The Catholic University of America, she served as a Campus Dean at Strayer University for several campuses in the Metropolitan area. In addition, she served as a Research Psychologist for the Department of Transportation, and CEO for a Residential Treatment Facility for Youth. Dr. Lindsay was an adjunct instructor at Montgomery College, the University of the District of Columbia and Strayer University where she taught several courses in the field of Psychology. Dr. Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of the District of Columbia, and a Master’s of Science and Ph.D. degrees in Psychology, concentration in Human Development, from Howard University.

Cierra Dillon

Cierra Dillon Assistant to the Dean(202) 319-5808
dillonc@cua.edu

Cierra Dillon graduated from Catholic University in 2018 with a B.S in Biology. She joined the Metropolitan School family in 2019. Prior to working at the Metropolitan School, Cierra worked as a Research Assistant in the department of Biology. In her undergrad she worked in the department of Disability Support Services and the Office of the Controller at Catholic University. Cierra is passionate about helping others and worked at Anne Arundel Hospital in Labor Delivery in 2015. She wants to continue her education and encourage others to do the same.

Shannen Gora

Shannen Gora Admissions Coordinator(202) 319-6087
gora@cua.edu

Originally from northern New Jersey, Shannen Gora joined the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies in June 2019. She enjoys her role as the Admissions Coordinator, getting to know students and assisting them in their pursuit of higher education and advanced degrees. Shannen graduated from Catholic University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics. While pursuing her BA, she interned at numerous institutions around DC and completed a Parliamentary internship at the House of Commons in London. Following graduation, she joined the Democratic Party of Wisconsin as a field organizer for the 2018 midterm elections. She is currently working toward an MA in Congressional and Presidential studies from Catholic University. ”

Julius Serrano

Julius Serrano Alexandria Site Director202-319-4479 serranoj@cua.edu

Julius Serrano is the newest addition to the Metropolitan School family. He will be stationed at our new offsite facility in Alexandria, Virginia as the Site Director. Prior to Catholic University, Julius worked in higher education in other institutions such as Strayer University, and most recently served at George Washington University where he managed the operations department for the Marvin Center and several other venues under the Division of External Relations. Julius who is considered to be a "jack of all trades" brings with him a diverse back ground and plenty of experience. Living in Northern Virginia for most his life, he is very familiar with the Old Town Alexandria area and also the DC Metropolitan area. When not at work, Julius spends most his free time with family and friends. He with his wife stays busy raising two children under the age of five. He is "thrilled and excited" to start this new chapter of his career with MSPS.

William Tippin

William TippinAssistant Dean for Summer Programs, Metropolitan School of Professional Studies.202-319-4999 tippin@cua.edu

William Tippin, DM, CMC, joined the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies as Assistant Dean for Summer Programs in April 2022. Over his academic career, he has served as the Program Director and as a Faculty Member for a graduate program in Organizational Development and Change. He has also taught management and leadership, change management, project management, and capstone information technology and management courses. In class he has taught face-to-face, hybrid as well as online in Washington, DC, Keflavik, Iceland, Leiden, Netherlands, and Vienna, Austria. Dr. Tippin earned his Doctor of Management degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and master's and undergraduate degrees in Public Administration from the University of Arkansas. In parallel with his work in academe, Dr. Tippin spent his professional career working with global architectural/engineering firms designing and building projects for clients such as NASA.

Thomas Morra

Thomas Morra Instructional DesignerTelephone TBA
morra@cua.edu

Thomas Morra is an educator who conducts research on learning choices and the use of emerging technologies to enhance the learning environment. Thom teaches online courses at both CUA and NVCC in Annandale, Virginia. He also has published a textbook on Intercultural Communication along with various articles on learning choices theory. Thom consults on textbooks for various publishers of learning theory and communications courses and speaks at conferences and workshop on online learning and technology in the classroom. Finally, Thom is also an organic farmer working with his family in Winchester VA raising pastured poultry for eggs and meat, grass fed beef, pastured pork and brick oven breads and pizzas.