Adina Chapman, PhD, a lauded, longtime leader in higher education, is the North American regional higher education manager at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, working closely with her dedicated team and spearheading initiatives designed to support public and private colleges and universities. Dr. Chapman collaborates with institutions to facilitate students’ acquisition of credits toward general education programs. Her position requires extensive travel, during which she delves into key events and conferences. Dr. Chapman also puts her proven leadership and organizational abilities to work organizing crucial meetings and team retreats.
Dr. Chapman’s professional journey began at the Kentucky Approving Agency for Veterans Education, where she served as a senior consultant. This role marked the beginning of her extensive career in higher education policy and management. She then transitioned to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education as a senior associate for academic affairs. During this period, she gained invaluable experience that paved the way for her subsequent role as project coordinator for Tuning USA at the Institute for Evidence-Based Change. In 2013, Dr. Chapman joined The College Board as the director of higher education policy analysis, where she worked until 2015. Before her current position at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, she offered her expertise as an educational consultant for various initiatives.
Dr. Chapman’s strong educational background has been instrumental in shaping her career. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Science, both in higher education, from the University of Kentucky, after completing a Bachelor of Arts in history from Berea College. Her academic foundation is complemented by a series of certifications that underscore her commitment to leadership and professional development. Notable credentials to her credit include certifications through Leadership Kentucky, the College Business Management Institute, and the President’s Leadership Seminar at Kentucky Community and Technical College. Dr. Chapman’s professional accomplishments extend to her involvement in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System/University of Kentucky Oral History Project, where she contributed to documenting the history and impact of these institutions. Her commitment to professional growth is further evidenced by her membership in various organizations, including the National Association of Professional Women, the American Association of University Women, and the Association for Institutional Research.
Complementing her professional achievements, Dr. Chapman has made significant contributions engaging with her community. Since 2015, she has been a board member of Hands Up for the Children, an organization dedicated to advocating for educational opportunities and support for youth. Her commitment to the field has earned her several accolades, including being selected as the VIP Woman of the Year from the National Association of Professional Women in 2015 and multiple Berea College Labor Awards. Reflecting on her career, Dr. Chapman ascribes her success, in large measure, to the educators and mentors who have supported her on her path. Initially aspiring to be an elementary school teacher, her career trajectory shifted when she took on tutoring roles for general education and international students. These experiences were pivotal in shaping her current work in higher education and solidifying her dedication to enhancing educational opportunities.
Dr. Chapman plans to continue her impactful work with Cambridge University Press & Assessment. She is committed to realizing her vision of improving educational quality for students on a global scale. Balancing out her impressive career achievements, Dr. Chapman places immeasurable value on her family life, viewing it as integral to her overall well-being. Her early aspirations to make a meaningful impact in education have been more than realized, and she remains devoted to advancing educational opportunities. In her personal time, Dr. Chapman enjoys jet skiing, snorkeling, yoga, and hiking—hobbies that illustrate her commitment to a well-rounded lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental wellness alongside professional excellence.