Todd began his PhD in Higher Education Administration in fall of 2025 after transferring from another doctoral program. A proud and lifelong Tennessean, Todd has served the state in progressive roles across numerous fields including nonprofit management, state government, and higher education. Todd arrived at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2022, and at the beginning of 2024, launched the Center for Student Advocacy within the Division of Student Life and was named the Center’s inaugural Director.

Todd holds professional membership in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and serves as the Co-Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives for NASPA Region III. In addition to NASPA, he has previously served within leadership roles of several nonprofit boards within the communities he has lived. In 2018, he worked alongside other community leaders to launch the first ever City of Athens, TN/McMinn County young professionals’ organization, going on to serve on the board and hold multiple executive roles. Todd was recognized as a member of the Daily Post Athenian’s “20 under 40” class the following year. Recently, Todd completed two terms as the president of the board of directors for the Tennessee Wesleyan University Alumni Association.

Todd’s approach in student affairs administration is grounded in the belief that for students to achieve optimal growth, students should be supported holistically while facing the challenges of post-secondary education. Through family support, leadership development, and intentional advocacy, administrators can create effective environments that are inclusive of the individual student’s needs and create an opportunity for success.

Todd earned a Masters in Public Administration from Golden Gate University and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Theology from Tennessee Wesleyan University. Todd’s research interests include education policy negotiation, workplace experiences of higher education staff without higher education degrees, and freedom of expression on college campuses. Todd is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, holding accreditation to work with folks to explore their strengths and how they can find greater success by leveraging what comes naturally to them.