Gavien Rutledge

BIOGRAPHY

Gavien C. Rutledge began his collegiate journey at Alabama A&M University, where he developed a passion for education and student development. In 2010, he transferred to The University of Alabama, earning a degree in Human Development and Family Studies with the intent to become a licensed counselor. During a post-graduation internship at a middle school in Baton Rouge, he discovered his love for teaching, which inspired him to pursue a career in education.

Over six years, Gavien taught in K-12 classrooms, fostering a connection with his students and creating impactful learning experiences. His dedication to education extended beyond the classroom during a two-year tenure in financial aid at Virginia College. This role solidified his interest in higher education, where he saw opportunities for long-term influence while maintaining his passion for student success.

In 2022, after facing the personal loss of students to violence and accidents, Gavien transitioned fully into higher education administration. He first served as an admissions coordinator for a Physician Assistant program in Nashville, Tenn. He now works as the Program Manager for the Nurse Educator EdD program at The University of Alabama. He is also pursuing his EdD in Higher Education Administration, where his research interests include curriculum design, diverse admissions policies, and strategies to improve minority retention and graduation rates.

Gavien is committed to leveraging his expertise and experiences to enhance educational access and equity, both in and outside the classroom.