Meet UNH CPS Business Instructor: Stephanie Caban
Getting to Know Stephanie
Stephanie Caban is the Program Director for Undergraduate Business Programs and Senior Online Faculty at the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Stephanie has held leadership roles across public and private institutions, including as program chair, chief diversity officer, and chief of staff. Her expertise includes strategic academic planning, accreditation, and student success. An award-winning DEI practitioner, Stephanie was honored with the Inspiring Programs in Business award by Insight Into Diversity for her leadership in inclusive strategic initiatives.
Insights from an Inspiring Educator
We caught up with Stephanie to learn more about her passion for teaching, her journey to UNH, and what inspires her work with students every day.
Is there a topic you’re especially passionate about teaching?
I love teaching leadership and strategy because it allows me to show students what really happens behind the scenes in order for organizations to make the decisions that shape what we experience as consumers. I am a nerd for it! I eat, sleep, and breathe this stuff. The beauty of leadership and strategy lies in the complexity of the “behind the scenes.” There are invisible and complex steps that make great ideas come to life.
What sparked your interest in joining the UNH College of Professional Studies faculty?
Joining UNH was the perfect intersection of passion and purpose. What drew me in was its commitment to serving adult learners and non-traditional students; these are populations I’ve always been passionate about supporting. Right away, I was met with so much energy and enthusiasm from faculty and administrators who are equally committed to providing high-quality education that meets students where they are. I knew joining the team would be an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to help advance the ongoing goal of bringing quality online education to UNH students.
How can an online college experience benefit those studying business?
I’ve pursued two online business degrees. From my experience, studying business online is a practical way to pursue academic goals without pausing life. Further, our approach to supporting adult learners is practical because we ensure that students can use what they are learning right away, making the knowledge more relevant to everyday life.
What do you enjoy most about teaching adult students?
For one, some students bring work or life experience into the classroom. When students refer to examples from their own life, it allows me to connect what we’re learning to their life experience. Second, this population has a different level of motivation – adult students often return to school with clear intentions (like seeking a promotion or job change). On my end, it makes teaching more purposeful because I have an active role in their life progression. Finally, there is a deeper appreciation for education. Adult learners tend to have a gap between college and secondary education, and a deep appreciation of education forms in that gap. Adults returning to college must learn how to be students again, in addition to learning new content, juggling multiple life responsibilities, and applying what they learn on the job. I truly admire their grit and perseverance.