Fellows

Kim O'Brien is an experienced leader with expertise in strategic communication, knowledge management, and business operations. With a background that spans higher education and the Department of Defense, Kim is an Air Force veteran and military spouse of 21 years.

Kim is currently a Senior Manager of Evaluation Operations at Western Governors University, where she leads continuous improvement, data analytics, project management, and change management initiatives. Additionally, she served as an Associate Faculty Instructor at the University of Arizona Global Campus from 2011 to 2023, where she taught courses in Educational Technology and History. Recognized with the Outstanding Achievement in Teaching Award in 2017, she has contributed as a speaker and author at conferences focused on teaching and learning.

Earlier in her career, Kim served in roles such as an administrative coordinator at U.S. Southern Command, where she oversaw records management, security, and travel administration. During her military career, she was an Information Manager in the United States Air Force from 2000 to 2005, managing the lifecycle of records and ensuring compliance with military and federal regulations.

Kim holds a Master of Education in Learning and Technology and a Master of Arts in Global History. Her Bachelor of Arts is in Communication Studies, and she earned her Community College of the Air Force Associate of Science degree in Information Management. She is certified in data analytics, change management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.Outside of her professional career, Kim is an award-winning artist and volunteers as the PTA National Art Reflections Program Chair, where she leads program operations and competition events.

Travis is a U.S. Army Combat Veteran who's originally from West Georgia/East Alabama-but now calls South Florida home. He has a knack and passion for collaboration and negotiation. For example, he teamed up with higher education professionals, military actors, and veterans to enhance support for student veterans. Travis' efforts resulted in the creation of the FIU Inaugural Graduating Veterans Recognition Ceremony for Fall Semester 2018. He is a lifelong learner and has earned two Associates Degrees: Applied Technology with Central Texas College and Supply Chain Management with Coastline Community College. Furthermore, Travis is a graduate of the Honors College at Florida International University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, to include two undergraduate certificates: Afro-Latino Studies and Human Rights/Political Transitions. Travis completed a rigorous and highly selective certificate program called Tuck Next Step Transition to Business at Dartmouth College. Currently, he is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration, to include a graduate certificate in African and African Diaspora Studies. Travis has 8 years of experience, working in higher education with the following institutions and organizations: Florida International University, Miami Dade College, Summerfuel at Tufts University, Warrior Scholar Project, John Hopkins University, and Brown University. Moreover, he is a substitute teacher for grades K-12 with Miami-Dade County public schools. Travis loves cooking, fine dining, napping, reading, and traveling.

Cory retired as a Colonel from the United States Air Force in December 2024, after serving 22 years as a Medical Service Corps officer. He was a two-time medical support squadron commander at Travis Air Force Base, California, and RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. He later returned to RAF Lakenheath as the hospital commander before finishing his career at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, as the Medical Support Division Chief at Air Mobility Command headquarters. Cory also served in Germany, Greenland, the Pentagon, and he had a deployment in Qatar. He is an in-residence Air War College graduate where he earned a Master of Strategic Studies degree. Cory also holds Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Public Administration from Missouri State University. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in History with Liberty University. He and his wife Jennifer reside in the Missouri Ozarks with their four children.

Meaghan Gargin is a military spouse who earned her Doctor of Education from Liberty University. She also holds a Master of Science in nutrition and a Master of Public Health, and she is a certified registered dietitian. Meaghan is passionate about online education and has experience as both an online student and an online educator for undergraduate and graduate public health courses. Additionally, she has experience in higher education academic support services. Meaghan volunteers for the New Mexico Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Mark A. McKinney, Ed.D. currently serves as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs & Retention Services for the East Campus of Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) in the Tampa Bay Florida area. Dr. McKinney has over 25 years of service in healthcare administration, higher education, emergency management and strategic planning. Dr. McKinney served eighteen as a healthcare administration, operations, planning and information technology officer for the U.S. Army prior to his retirement in 2014. Dr. McKinney has experience with healthcare information technology along with Lean Six Sigma. Dr. McKinney received his doctorate from the University of New England and has eight information technology certifications. Dr. McKinney is a Fellow of the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University; graduate of the Walter Bumpus Leadership Institute; and with the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC), he completed the Next Level Leadership, Florida College Professional, and Certified College Professional programs, and is the immediate past President of the Pasco Hernando State College Chapter of AFC, Vice President of the AFC Faculty Commission, and Secretary of the AFC Career & Professional Employees Commission. Dr. McKinney serves on the Patient-Centered Education & Research Institute National Board; Professional Development National Board for the Health Information Management System Society (HIMSS); and Board of Adjustment for the City of Temple Terrace, Florida. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the America College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Health Information Management System Society (HIMSS) and the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). He is a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM), and Meritorious Unit Commendation for his combat service with the U.S. Army and the ACHE Service Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Stephen Onley, a former paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, served in the US Army from 2008 to 2015. His service took him to Afghanistan in 2009, where he worked alongside various special operations groups and foreign militaries. Today, Stephen is the Assistant Director of the Veterans Resource & Outreach Center at Hudson Valley Community College, providing support and guidance to fellow veterans and ensuring they receive the resources they deserve.

In his personal time, Stephen is dedicated to giving back to the community. He volunteers his time training service dogs and organizing adaptive sports activities for veterans and children with disabilities.Beyond his professional and volunteer commitments, Stephen is a devoted single father to a 13-year-old daughter who is currently attending La Salle Institute. Together, they enjoy training for softball, playing with their two dogs, and traveling. This balance of service, work, and family encapsulates Stephen's commitment to his community, his country, and his loved ones.