Dr. Drake earned a B.A. in Communication–Electronic Media and an M.A. in Organizational Communication from Southeastern Louisiana University, as well as an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. In addition to her publications in journals such as Community College Journal of Research and Practice and Research Issues in Contemporary Education, Dr. Drake serves on the University Belonging Council and the Employee Wellness Committee.
She has presented her work on cultivating belonging and experiential learning for first-year and Gen Z students at conferences including the National Conference on the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. Dr. Drake currently serves as the Senior Academic Advisor for the First-Year Forward Learning Program in the Office for First-Year Success, in addition to her teaching role within the Department of Communication and Media Studies.
Her research explores experiential learning, academic transitions, and how digital media and communication shape students’ engagement with higher education. Dr. Drake’s expertise centers on the first-year student experience, with a particular focus on belonging and engagement among Generation Z learners and beyond.
Dr. Drake’s teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning in digital media and communication through the lens of generational theory. She designs courses that support creativity, connection, and critical reflection to meet the learning needs of Generation Z and emerging generations. She teaches courses including The Art of Public Speaking, Digital Audience Research and Behaviors, Social Media Communication, and SE 1020: First-Year Seminar (First-Year Forward).
