Jumana Lakdawala joined Arizona College of Nursing – Fort Lauderdale in 2020. Bringing over two decades of experience in education, she has worked with learners of all ages and backgrounds. Her philosophy centers on the idea that teaching goes beyond transferring knowledge—it is about inspiring curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging personal growth. Before transitioning into education, Jumana also built a successful career as a software programmer specializing in Java and Oracle.
Education: MBA, University of Phoenix | Bachelor's Degree, University of Pittsburgh
Duke has held a variety of leadership positions including Managing Director, Campus President, and Executive Director of Admissions throughout his 15+ year career in Business Consulting and Higher Education. Duke was directly responsible for meeting/exceeding admission enrollment targets for several higher education clients located throughout the east coast. Duke also holds a Lean Six-Sigma Black Belt certification and has leveraged his expertise in helping clients increase operational efficiencies. Duke Cooper holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
In their spare time, Duke and his wife Amie enjoy attending the sporting events of their three children, playing with their miniature poodle (Cupcake), and spending time participating in outdoor activities. Duke is also a military veteran, serving 8 years in the United State Air Force – Air National Guard.
Duke will serve as the Executive Director of Enrollment Services and oversee campus operations, the office of admission and Financial Aid services.
Education: Ph.D. in Nursing Leadership – The University of Southern Mississippi | MSN in Nursing Education – South University | BSN – Auburn University Montgomery
Dr. Kwanza Thomas, a seasoned nurse educator, scholar, and executive leader, is the Founding Dean of Nursing at Arizona College of Nursing’s Atlanta campus. With over two decades of experience in nursing education and healthcare leadership, Dr. Thomas is deeply committed to facilitating student success, promoting academic excellence, and equipping future nurses to deliver care with both empathy and clinical competence.
Her academic background is anchored in leadership and education, having earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing Leadership from The University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN-Ed.) from South University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Auburn University Montgomery. She holds dual national board certifications as a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC), and is an Amy V. Cockcroft Leadership Fellow.
Education: Ed.D. in Higher Education, Southern Methodist University (Expected 2028) | M.Ed. in Counseling and Human Relations, Northern Arizona University | B.S. in Education, Northern Arizona University
Prior to joining Arizona College in 2025, Mike served as the Associate Dean of Nursing Administration for West Coast University (WCU) in North Hollywood, CA, and prior to that he was the Director of Student Affairs for WCU. Earlier in his career Mike served various colleges and universities in the world of Academic Advising and Student Affairs. Mike’s early professional career was as a high school drama teacher, and while he loved being in the classroom and directing shows, he has a different sense of purpose and fulfillment working in administration with BSN students guiding them on their way toward licensure. Currently, Mike is a doctoral student at Southern Methodist University where he is studying enrollment trends related to trades and professional schools.
Education: M.P.A. in Public Administration, George Washington University | B.S. in Criminal Justice, Radford University
Courtney joined Arizona College in 2025 based on its student-centric mission and the opportunity to work with future nursing leaders. She previously led admissions and retention teams as Enrollment Manager with Ruffalo Noel Levitz and Helix Education. Prior to those roles, she served as Associate Director of Admissions with HotChalk, Inc., supporting admissions efforts for multiple campus partners and academic programs.
As Executive Director of Enrollment Services, Courtney oversees the admissions department and campus support coordinator.
Education: M.Ed. in School Counseling, University of the Southwest | Bachelor of General Studies, Texas Christian University
Pam Andrews joins Arizona College of Nursing with over 17 years of leadership in education, advocacy, and counseling. Holding degrees from Texas Christian University and University of the Southwest, she’s led equity-driven initiatives that uplift students and families. Her collaborative, strategic approach will shape inclusive enrollment practices, ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and set up for success.
Education: B.A., University of Florida
Jeremiah brings over twenty years of experience in proprietary higher education, with fifteen years spent in senior-level leadership roles. Before joining Arizona College of Nursing, he served as Regional Director of Operations for the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, where he oversaw multiple campuses, accreditation readiness, and alignment of academic and operational functions. His prior leadership roles at Strayer University, Kaplan University, and Everest Institute spanned global operations, campus management, admissions strategy, and online education development. Jeremiah also serves on the Board of Directors for the Career Schools Private Education Network.
As Senior Campus President, he leads all strategic, academic, and operational functions for the Chesapeake and Greenville campuses, working closely with academic leadership, student services, and community partners to support student success and institutional growth.
Education: MBA, Stanford | BS, California State University, Chico
Education: MA, New York University | BA, UCLA
Cheryl McInerney, MSN, RN has spent her 34-year career in nursing working to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities, including vulnerable and underrepresented populations, in a variety of settings. The last 13 years have been in nursing education as a professor and administrator in nursing education programs serving non-traditional students. Dean McInerney considers it a privilege to help prepare the next generation of nurses for practice. She describes her practice as “outcomes focused using data and best practice evidence to guide decision making”.
Dean McInerney has presented at several academic conferences and poster exhibits including at the National Conference of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and The Silverman Symposium of the Silverman Institute for Health Quality and Improvement at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. She has been the recipient of the Massachusetts Nursing Association’s Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice and the Faculty of the Year Award from Bay State College.
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Dean McInerney relocated to the sunny skies of Arizona to take the role of Dean of Nursing at Phoenix. She has five adult children and six grandchildren. Her eldest son is a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and her youngest daughter is a registered nurse working in pediatrics.
Education: Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing from Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts | Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts | Associate Degree in Nursing from Bunker Hill Community College