Sharon L. Shappley, PhD, has built a dynamic career at the intersection of language, education, and innovation, becoming a trusted leader in curriculum development and instruction. As a professor at Academia Universal and LeadHigher, she brings a lifelong dedication to teaching into every classroom, guiding students with insight, empathy and expertise. Her academic reach has included service as an adjunct professor at the School of Nursing at Jersey College, supporting future nurses in mastering essential communication and critical thinking skills. Whether in person or online, her work reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of education and its ability to shape individual lives and broader communities.
Dr. Shappley’s academic background has been central to her professional development and pedagogical approach. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Ashford University, followed by a Master of Arts in English language and literature from National University. She completed a Doctor of Philosophy in education from Northcentral University, where her doctoral work focused on innovative teaching methods and student engagement strategies. These academic achievements have equipped her with a strong foundation in educational theory, research and instructional design, allowing her to lead effectively in both classroom and administrative settings. Her scholarship supports her commitment to equity in education and her ability to design inclusive, student-centered curricula.
Dr. Shappley’s entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Sharon’s Classes, an education platform that emerged from a student-led project in Moscow. Originally launched as “Sharon’s English Classes,” the initiative quickly gained traction for its individualized approach to language learning. Today, Sharon’s Classes offers structured instruction for a wide range of age groups and language proficiency levels, tailoring lessons to the unique needs of each learner. The platform stands as a reflection of her belief that education should be accessible, relevant and responsive to changing student needs and global demands.
In addition to her work in higher education and online instruction, Dr. Shappley is the founder and owner of Noah’s Ark Business Services. Initially established as a preschool to support working families while allowing her to remain active in her own children’s education, the program evolved into a full-scale learning center serving young learners with a focus on academic excellence, creativity and social-emotional growth.
Dr. Shappley’s contributions extend well beyond formal education. She remains active in civic life, volunteering with the Florida Atlantic University Club and participating in various local arts initiatives. She believes in using her time and talents to support creative expression and community engagement. Her dedication has been acknowledged through multiple honors, including the Visionaries Award at the Education 2.0 Conference and commendations from UTech and Oratrics for her work in user education and outreach.
A lifelong learner herself, Dr. Shappley enjoys traveling, photography and reading. Her fluency in multiple languages—including English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Russian and Hebrew—allows her to connect with a wide range of learners and underscores her dedication to global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding.
Looking ahead, Dr. Shappley plans to develop educational software for use in schools and underserved communities around the world. Her long-term vision involves designing tools that support personalized, engaging and effective instruction for students regardless of location or economic status.