Dr. Nancy Brainard, Palm Beach Atlantic University’s (PBA) executive vice president for enrollment and student experience, has been a vital part of the university’s heartbeat for more than three years, encouraging students to reach their potential in higher education and graduate with pride.
Her passion for higher education took root during her junior year of college when she discovered a love for clerical and administrative work.
A defining moment in her career came during her time as a home education service provider when a mentor encouraged her to pursue a master’s degree in management, which she earned from Boston University. Driven by a passion for education, she continued her academic journey, earning an EdD from Oral Roberts University (ORU) in 2002. Before joining PBA, she served as ORU’s vice president for enrollment management. In July 2021, she brought her expertise to PBA, stepping into the role of vice president for enrollment management. These key milestones ultimately shaped her leadership in recruitment and retention efforts at PBA.
“I want students to have a great time, succeed and graduate from PBA,” Dr. Brainard said.
Balancing Motherhood and a Career
Dr. Brainard’s identity is not solely defined by her work, though. She is also a mother of two boys, and observing other women balance motherhood and work was crucial in shaping her career.
“I make sure my kids don’t suffer because their mom can’t pay attention to them,” she said. “It’s very important for me to be present with my children.”
Dr. Brainard explained that many of the challenges in her career came during periods of uncertainty, especially when she didn’t have a solid footing during times of change. However, these challenges led her to embrace ideas of re-evaluating her job and values.
“It was important to learn how to use my voice so I could continue to be authentic and genuine,” she said.
A Supportive Community
For Dr. Brainard, working at a Christ-centered university has strengthened her faith because of the supportive community her coworkers have cultivated, centered around encouragement, curiosity and care.
Though not a West Palm Beach native, Dr. Brainard’s colleagues have gone out of their way to help her feel at home in her South Florida community.
“They have encouraged my faith and helped me continue to pursue God with everything inside me,” Dr. Brainard explained.
Each day, she strives to encourage students to pursue their college education and dream careers.
“It’s pretty awesome to be able to help students find a university where they know their faith will be challenged and honed, and where they can develop what God has planned for them,” she said.
