Dr. Xu is dedicated to unlocking the potential of every mind to transform their aspiration into success. Born and raised in China, she obtained my B.A. from Nanjing University, a prestigious university in China. She holds a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University and has completed all the coursework for an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Additionally, Dr. Xu is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Within her 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Xu has served as a research scholar, tenured professor, department chair, and online program director. Her career passion started from supporting the success of learners at all levels, including K-12, college students, and adult learners. As a published scholar, Dr. Xu has served on several book prize/grant/competition committees for the American Historical Association, HumanitiesDC, Rockefeller Foundation, National History Day, etc. Dr. Xu has received several curriculum development grants, and used to serve as Research Associate with Harvard University Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies.
Dr. Xu's expertise extends beyond education and humanities into project management. In 2020, Dr. Xu obtained the Project Management Certificate from Syracuse University and then the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute. In 2021, Dr. Xu developed the Project Management Certificate Program for a top 50 college, serving as Online Program Director since then. Dr. Xu has trained 1,500+ working professionals of all backgrounds, supporting their career upskilling and reskilling goals. From 2021 to 2022, Dr. Xu served as Vice President of Professional Development at the Project Management Institute Silver Spring Chapter. Currently, Dr. Xu serves on the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council and as a Board of Director at the Online Learning Consortium.
As a working mom with three daughters, Dr. Xu has had the privilege of teaching and mentoring learners of all ages - from age 0 to 60+. She deeply believes in the power of lifelong learning and continuous self-reinvention. With her humanities training and extensive overseas experience, Dr. Xu brings global competency and deep empathy to her mentoring.
In her leisure time, Dr. Xu enjoys reading, playing piano, and exploring local parks and community festivals with her family.
