Dr. Yolanda Harper, PhD

Professor and Applied Behavior Science Program Chair, Yolanda Harper PhD teaches in several programs in the College of Arts & Science at UAGC She earned her PhD and master’s degrees in clinical psychology from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and her Bachelor’s in Psychology from University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Harper has worked in higher education (teaching and administration) in both the private and public sectors. She has extensive university teaching experience both online and in traditional classrooms as well as leadership and organizational consulting experience.

Dr. Harper joined Ashford University, now UAGC, as a full-time professor in 2013. She loves having the opportunity to work with students as they integrate course information with their own expertise and apply academic and professional knowledge and skills to real world contexts. In classes and in mentoring, her style is often like a coach. “I believe in my students’ abilities, and I look for ways to connect course content to their passions and to empower them to persist.”

“One of my overarching goals in my classroom is to create vibrant, engaging learning spaces allowing all participants to demonstrate, and hone, their strengths in ways that can benefit them for years to come and share smiles along the way."

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to be a partner in my students’ success and I celebrate their accomplishments with them. I know many of the participants in my classes have complex lives with multiple responsibilities. I have tremendous respect for what each one achieves—at times, with ease, and at times, while overcoming significant challenges.”

“For me, Culture of Care upholds the inherent value of every member of our community as esteemed, cherished and loved. From a foundation centered on caring, we are able to align with organizational values, purposes and goals in ways that foster our community members’ respect, dignity, wellness, and abilities to thrive holistically.”

Dr. Harper’s industry expertise includes the following: leadership, positive psychology, career development, community mental health, inpatient and outpatient intervention, child and family assessments and interventions, older adults, youth in the juvenile justice system, individuals with substance use disorders, case management, inclusive excellence, working with interdisciplinary teams, psychological testing and assessment, behavioral pathology, behavioral interventions across the lifespan, holistic wellness, stress/life management, program evaluation, human resource/talent recruitment and development, research methods, higher education teaching/pedagogy, online and traditional learning pedagogies, academic and student affairs administration, corporate training and consultation, organizational psychology, and the incorporation of the creative arts in interventions (music, art, literature, drama).

When not teaching, Dr. Harper enjoys spending time with loved ones, writing, traveling, photography, cooking, supporting several community organizations, spending time outdoors in nature, and participating in cultural activities as well as the fine and performing arts. Dr. Harper’s wellness-related training and certifications include TaiQi, QiGong, and Laughter Yoga.