Nicole G. Rayfield, Ph.D.
- Assistant Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Education
- PhD, Organizational Leadership (2023)
Eastern University (PA) - MS, Human Resource Development (2010)
Drexel University (PA) - BA, English and Communication (1997)
La Salle University (PA)
About Me
I am a firm believer that you can not solve a problem from a bystander position. Rather, in order to support the developmental, educational, social and personal needs of an individual, one must work deeply and closely with that person. Thus, I have dedicated my professional career to working with people from a disadvantaged background whose needs may often go unmet due to lack of education, exposure or empathy. Having produced several self-help guides and presentations addressing issues such as self-esteem, career development and entrepreneurship, I enjoy the challenge of designing custom solutions for a broad and diverse audience and welcome the opportunity to lend my strategic organizational background and experience to a wide range of issues which impact higher education.
Research Interests
Power dynamics, Organizational citizenship behaviors, Female minorities in higher education, Women in leadership
Publications
Rayfield, N. G. (2022). Are Invisible Women Doing Invisible Work? A Phenomenological Study of Black Women Higher Education Leaders in Predominantly White Institutions (Doctoral dissertation, Eastern University).
Symposium Co-Presenter, “I Do ENOUGH!”: Exploring the Connection Between Above and Beyond Behaviors and Stereotype Threat.’” Black Women’s Studies Association - Looking Forward: Black Women’s Studies in the 21st Century. Virtual. October, 2023
Presenter, “Are Invisible Women Doing Invisible Work?: Findings From Lived Experience.” Association of Black Women in Higher Education – 45 Years of Reflection, Unlimited Lessons for the Future Conference. Philadelphia, PA. October 2023
Symposium Co-Presenter, “Making the Invisible Visible - Validating the Work of Black Women in Predominantly White Spaces.” International Leadership Association- Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging Summit. Virtual. June 2023
Presenter, “Are Invisible Women Doing Invisible Work? OCB and Black Women in PWIs.” International Leadership Association- Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging Summit. Virtual. August 2022
Panelist, “Hold Up the Mirror: Career Reflections for Career Experts!” Delaware Valley Career Planners Conference, December 2021.
Invited Lecturer, “Making Leadership Matter” Introduction to Leadership Class, Eastern University. October 2020
Co-presenter, 2020 Eastern University Campolo School of Business Leadership Research Forum: Sponsorship and Leadership Development of Black Women in Higher Education: Evolution of a Research Project
Co-presenter, 2019 International Leadership Association, Ontario, CAN: Sponsorship and Leadership Development of Black Women in Higher Education: Evolution of a Research Project
Co,-presenter, 2018 International Leadership Association, West Palm Beach, FL: Do As I Say, Not as I Do: An Examination of the Relationship between Power and Youth Serving As Ambassadors of Peace" (Poster Presentation)
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Member, Black Women Studies Association
Member, International Leadership Association
Association of Black Women in Higher Education - Conference Proposal Selection Committee Member
MBTI Certified Assessment Administrator
Awards
2020 Leadership Research Forum, Mini-grant Recipient - Eastern University 1st Annual LRF
2019 Certificate in Organizational Leadership
2018 Emerging Scholar - International Leadership Association 20th Annual Conference