Faces of NLU: Meet MoDena Stinnette

A social justice-minded doctoral student shares how she has persisted through adversity on her way to earning her third degree with NLU.

In many ways, MoDena Stinnette is the ultimate NLU student. She first graduated with her BA from National Louis University in 2007 and went on to earn her MBA in 2009. Now, she’s set to graduate with her PhD in Community Psychology from NLU in 2022. Along the way, MoDena has remained an active member of the NLU community, evidenced by her position as the President of the Student Assembly and her participation in the Black Student Union. MoDena says NLU’s progressive community and unique educational model convinced her pursue multiple degrees at the University:

“Initially, my decision to entrust NLU with my educational career was solely based on the recommendation of a trusted colleague. My decision to continue, however, was a direct result of the University’s progressiveness, ease of admission, and usage of the cohort model of education.”

MoDena’s path to success has not always been smooth, though. While earning her PhD in Community Psychology, MoDena has had to overcome personal tragedy and the unique challenges of pursuing doctoral study during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, MoDena says this adversity has led her to become stronger than ever:

“Surviving tragedy (my innocent family member shot and killed by a Waukegan Police officer and my lifelong best friend passed away within days of each other) and aggressively pursuing a doctoral degree while concurrently navigating the complexities and nuances of a global pandemic, have taken my determination to new and unintended heights. This new normal has forced me to establish and maintain healthy boundaries while adjusting to an unexpected 'balancing act' of prioritization.  My perspective of what I represent in this process has shifted, as I now understand how the demands of coursework, dissertation, career and personal life all serve the purpose of enhancing my overall quality of life.”

With strong determination and a healthy prioritization of her obligations, MoDena is set to graduate with her Ph.D. next year. She credits the NLU Community Psychology faculty with helping her find, and pursue, her passions within the field:

“My professors have shown that they are invested in my success as a student and a future leader in the field of Community Psychology (CP). The unyielding support from the CP department has been beneficial in my efforts to aggressively reshape/reconstruct what prisoner reentry looks like as I serve and support this population in my career. Additionally, the University’s resources and their applicability in both academia and the community support my quest for balance, and they renew my energy to continue to forge forward. Lastly, just being an active member of the NLU 'campus life' continues to be an invaluable proving ground for career preparation, as well.”

What’s next for MoDena? She says she envisions herself using the advanced skills and knowledge she’s gained from her PhD program to further social justice causes, all while maintaining her strong connection to the NLU community:

“In five years, I see myself powerfully involved in the NLU Alumni Association and remaining committed to the values of Community Psychology by fighting oppression, reducing social inequalities, and working with marginalized populations toward empowerment.”

Having persisted through adversity multiple times on her academic journey, MoDena shares some advice for fellow NLU students:

“Always remember: You can never think into better behavior but must behave into better thinking. Put in the work until it becomes second nature!”

Interested in our academic programs in Psychology? Visit the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences or contact an Enrollment Specialist at enrollment@nl.edu or 888.658.8632 to discuss your educational goals.