“Education provides upward economic mobility, and I am living proof of its power. This is why I am
passionate about higher education.”

Maria Altobello

For the last 22 years, Maria worked with first-generation college students through the development of
undergraduate, graduate, and pathway programs. She aims to reduce the entry barriers by providing potential students with access to higher education opportunities. She also strives to create environments that support students through their journey. Increased access and a supportive environment have a positive impact on student retention and success.

Maria received an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education and an M.B.A. from Nova
Southeastern University, a specialization in Finance and an A.L.M. in Information Technology from
Harvard University, and a B.S. in Business from Universidad Metropolitana (Venezuela).
As Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Labouré College of Healthcare, Maria oversees associate, baccalaureate and certificate programs designed with the working adult student in mind. In her words, “At Labouré we transform lives, and I am honored to be part of each student’s journey.”

Committed to lifelong learning, Maria’s research interests relate to issues surrounding adult learners,
including prior learning assessment, retention, and quality in distance education. She has been the recipient of grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Center for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) destined to study prior learning assessment and retention in adult student populations.
Engaging in community service is an important component of her work. Maria served as Chapter Vice President of Sigma Beta Delta Local Chapter 2004-2018, and also served as Chapter Councilor for Alpha Sigma Lambda 2013-2021. In 2017, she began her service as Member at Large of Alpha Sigma Lambda followed by my service as Treasurer. At Labouré, she worked with the Dean to install the local Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter where they inducted 133 students during their inaugural ceremony.

Continuing as the Society Treasurer, we’re excited to work alongside Maria as we help adult students navigate their way towards graduation by providing access to and exploring opportunities.

Learn more about the ASLHS team here.