SOUTH HAVEN, MN, April 11, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Traci K. Arends, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Arends, owner of Arends Consulting, has dedicated 25 years to her profession, with the last 15 years focused on providing thought leadership in curriculum and program development. Her work primarily involves collaborating with companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and higher education institutions in needs assessment, project management and implementation. Dr. Arends specializes in enhancing the student experience. Through her transformational leadership style, she prioritizes healthy organizational culture and the well-being of people. Her expertise ensures that mental wellness elements are considered in the management strategies, leading to greater organizational productivity.

Dr. Arends' career began in the late 1980s when she served in the United States Air Force as a Korean linguist and worked in military intelligence. This experience laid the foundation for her adaptability and innovative approach to her profession. After her military service, her creative and innovative depth led her to the field of education, where she was at the forefront of designing instruction that bridged the transition from the face-to-face setting to the distance learning environment. From there, she transitioned into broader program development, creating and implementing curricula for over 70 libraries across Wisconsin. Her work in curriculum development led her to corporate and higher education roles, including lead instructional designer and technologist at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul.

In 2023, Dr. Arends held dual roles at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota as senior director of curriculum and instruction and director of online graduate programs. Her contributions to these positions were informed by her extensive background in curriculum design and her commitment to learner-centered education. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the International Society for Technology in Education, reflecting her dedication to teaching excellence.

Dr. Arends' academic journey is marked by significant achievements, including a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, a graduate-level certificate in the Korean language from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, a Master of Science in education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality in 2022, and a PhD in education from Liberty University. Her master's-level research on learner satisfaction in online learning has garnered approximately 2,000 mentions, highlighting its impact on the field. Her doctoral-level research is focused on the essential factors in curriculum and instruction that lead to student transformation and well-being.

Beyond her professional educational endeavors, Dr. Arends has a thriving spiritual direction practice. Deeply involved in civic activities, she serves on the board of trustees for the Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality and the Pleasant Ridge Home Owners Association and volunteers with organizations such as Jonathan House and Catholic Eldercare. As a eucharistic minister, she brings communion to the homebound monthly, demonstrating her commitment to community service. Concepts of design permeate Dr. Arends' endeavors, including coursework at the New York School of Interior Design in support of her creative pursuits.

In her personal life, Dr. Arends enjoys exercise, travel, hiking, attending concerts and theater productions, listening to podcasts, reading, and spending time with family. She completed the Camino de Santiago solo from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago in 32 days, an experience that underscores her resilience and determination. With a blended family of six children and six grandchildren, she values family deeply. Dr. Arends is concurrently rebranding her consulting company and developing Reclamation Point, a wellness and retreat center designed to help individuals reconnect and find renewal. Looking ahead, she plans to teach at the collegiate level, conduct further research, expand retreat offerings and partnerships, write a book highlighting acts of courage and further develop her spiritual direction practice.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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