Faces of GPS: Meet Toni Doherty
July 12, 2024
In the past month, we've had the pleasure of welcoming several new members to the Brandeis GPS and Brandeis Online teams. In this newest addition of Faces of GPS, we are thrilled to introduce our new student advisor, Toni Doherty, to the greater Brandeis community!
Get to know Toni!
What are some fun facts about you?
I live with my fiance, Jack; my cats, Mikki and Lulu; my bunny, Bean; and my fiance’s turtle, Crush.
Can you tell us about your background?
I lived throughout Massachusetts for 24 years, six of which were spent getting my bachelor’s and master’s degree in public health as well as a minor in mathematics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. UMass gave me a voice and room to grow in a way growing up in a small town in Massachusetts had not. This is where my love for working with students began. I tutored students in mathematics courses as an undergraduate student and then coached students with learning disabilities throughout graduate school.
I then moved to Baltimore, where I started working for a national social work program. I also started teaching cycling classes at the Johns Hopkins University gym, where I realized how much I missed working with students, and transitioned into advising at Johns Hopkins. I worked there for several years before transitioning to the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut as an advisor for online students. My dream of moving back to Massachusetts finally came true, which led me to Brandeis University.
In my free time I craft and spend time outdoors, as well as teach group fitness classes and personal train.
What attracted you to Brandeis Online? What inspired you to work for Brandeis Online?
I was inspired by the origin story of the University on giving those who were not accepted at other universities based on religion, gender, race, ethnicity, class, etc. a place to study and better themselves. I was also impressed by the University’s continued efforts of promoting an inclusive, welcoming culture that focuses on collaboration and holistic growth and well-being. These factors make Brandeis University not only competitive, but a long-time proponent of diversity and inclusion. Online learning makes education much more accessible and thus is a primary part of advancing this mission and vision.
What are the responsibilities of your role at Brandeis Online?
My primary responsibility as an advisor is to promote students' success on their academic, professional, and personal journeys throughout their time at Brandeis. I want to ensure that students feel supported holistically by meeting students where they are to help them accomplish their goals.
What excites you the most about your new position? What are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to the growth that comes from working with diverse, lifelong learners — whether they be students, university staff, or faculty. As an advisor, I get to collaborate with all three. Becoming a part of the Brandeis University community, especially the Rabb School, gives me the ideal environment to learn from others with similar goals and core values.
For more information about advising at Brandeis Online, please visit our Advising page.