OREM, UT, September 18, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Laurie A. Sharp 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. Sharp currently serves as the senior associate provost for academic programs, assessment and accreditation at Utah Valley University, a position she has held since 2022. In this capacity, she oversees the university's academic program portfolio, focusing on assessment and accreditation processes. As the institution's accreditation liaison officer with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Dr. Sharp ensures compliance with rigorous standards and fosters continuous improvement. She collaborates closely with faculty to advance pedagogical development, guiding them in implementing effective teaching strategies. Dr. Sharp is also leading efforts to develop flexible modalities that enable students to pursue their courses and degree programs online, thereby expanding access and meeting the diverse needs of learners.

During her tenure at Utah Valley University, Dr. Sharp has been particularly proud of her work over the past three years in establishing continuity in business processes within her department. Through a shared governance approach that engaged both direct reports and faculty stakeholders, she and her team documented reforms and streamlined procedures. This initiative resulted in an eight-month reduction in the time required for curriculum approvals, demonstrating her commitment to operational efficiency and collaborative leadership.

Before joining Utah Valley University, Dr. Sharp was assistant vice president for strategic academic initiatives at Tarleton State University from 2021 to 2022. In this role, she was responsible for advancing key academic projects aligned with institutional priorities, fostering innovation across departments and supporting strategic planning efforts.

From 2020 to 2021, Dr. Sharp served as dean of the University College at Tarleton State University. She provided leadership for student success initiatives and oversaw programs designed to support undergraduate achievement and retention.

Between 2019 and 2020, Dr. Sharp held the position of assistant dean of undergraduate studies for first and second year experience at Tarleton State University. She developed programming aimed at enhancing the transition and persistence of new students, working collaboratively with faculty and staff to improve academic outcomes.

Dr. Sharp was recognized as the Dr. John G. O'Brien distinguished chair in education at West Texas A&M University from 2016 to 2019. In this prestigious role, she contributed to research, teaching and service activities that advanced educational excellence within the institution.

Her earlier career includes serving as an assistant professor at Tarleton State University from 2010 to 2016, where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses while engaging in scholarly research. She began her higher education teaching career as an instructor at Tarleton State University from 2009 to 2010.

Additionally, Dr. Sharp was an adjunct professor at Tarrant County College from 2009 to 2014, where she provided instruction in foundational education courses.

Before transitioning into higher education, Dr. Sharp worked as a classroom teacher in Mansfield Independent School District from 2005 to 2009 and in Volusia County School District from 2004 to 2005, where she gained valuable experience in elementary education.

Dr. Sharp is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Colleges and Universities, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing best practices in academia.

Her educational background has played a crucial role in shaping her career trajectory. Dr. Sharp earned a Doctor of Education in educational leadership with a specialization in reading curriculum development and assessment from Tarleton State University in 2010. She completed a Master of Education in elementary education at the University of Central Florida in 2005, following her receipt of a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the same institution in 2004. Her academic journey began with an Associate of Arts degree from Daytona State College in 2002.

In addition to her degrees, Dr. Sharp holds a graduate certificate in teaching writing grades kindergarten through grade twelve from the University of Central Florida, awarded in 2005. She is certified by the Utah State Board of Education with credentials in elementary education for kindergarten through grade eight, as well as an endorsement in English as a second language. The Texas Education Agency has also certified her as an English as a second language generalist, generalist for grades four through eight, master reading teacher for grades early childhood through grade twelve and reading specialist for grades early childhood through grade twelve.

Dr. Sharp attributes her professional achievements to the strong support of her family, as well as guidance from exceptional mentors and teachers who have inspired her life.

Her civic engagement includes serving as a Commissioner for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, where she contributes her expertise to uphold quality standards across institutions of higher learning.

Throughout her career, Dr. Sharp has received several teaching excellence awards recognizing her dedication to student learning and instructional innovation.

On a personal level, Dr. Sharp was born in the United States and is married to Dr. Jason Sharp, who is a professor of computer information systems. Dr. Sharp has two children, Casey McAdams and Katie McAdams, and one grandchild, Lilith McAdams. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising and reading.

Looking ahead, Dr. Sharp remains deeply committed to advancing higher education, whether through her current role or new opportunities that emerge. Her focus is on serving both students and faculty by aligning college education with workforce needs. She is dedicated to creating clear pathways that help students earn degrees and secure meaningful employment in their chosen fields, while ensuring employers gain graduates who are prepared to contribute immediately. This vision not only supports student success and employer readiness but also strengthens the broader economy.

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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