Diana Centanni

Background
I began my career as a strategic marketing and communication professional and crossed over to higher education in 2006, where I grew my expertise teaching and mentoring adult learners. 

My instructional formats have included online, hybrid, and traditional classroom formats, with has included curriculum development, assessment of learning, and course administration. Over the years I've taught many courses including Tools & Strategies for Academic Success; Strategies for Effective Adult Learning; Marketing Planning & Strategy; Communication Through New Media; Public Relations; Public Speaking; and Communication & Rhetoric.

As an experienced professor, I believe that every student brings a unique perspective and learning style to our class that's  shaped by their individual backgrounds, experiences, and motivations. I have had the privilege of working with diverse audiences, ranging from traditional 18-year-olds to adult learners, and I have seen firsthand how intrinsic motivation can drive success, regardless of age or prior experience.

While each student may learn differently—some through hands-on experiences, others through reading, listening, or through collaborative dialogue—the key is fostering an environment that encourages self-discovery and personal growth. By creating a supportive, flexible, and inclusive space, I am committed to helping learners of all types find their unique path to understanding, knowing that when students are motivated to learn, they will find a way to succeed. 

Education
Ph.D. in Learning & Instruction from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Graduated with honors and a 4.0 GPA. Research interests including risk-identified student populations, community building, engagement, and technology use in curriculum.

Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Hartford. Served as a Teaching Assistant and adjunct faculty member upon graduation. 

Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Mass Communication from St. Bonaventure University, with a minor in Italian Language. 

Publications

• Centanni, Diana Marie. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis to Explore the Experiences of Academic Advisors Who Serve Risk-Identified Students in Distance-Based Settings. Diss. State University of New York at Buffalo, 2023.