For over thirty years, Donna Younger, EdD, has served as a practitioner, consultant, and researcher in the field of adult human development and learning. Beginning with her doctoral work at the University of Memphis with Dr. Art Chickering, she focused on evaluating and developing learning environments that work best to support adult learning. As a faculty member at the School for New Learning, DePaul University, Donna taught and mentored hundreds of adult learners and served as Director of Undergraduate Programs. Also during that time, she became involved with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning and soon began twenty-five years of service as a CAEL consultant in adult learning theory and prior learning assessment. She has written a number of articles addressing adult learning and assessment and recently published The College Experience for Adults, a guide for adults returning to college.

This history captures the chronology of experience, but not the passions nor areas of particular expertise Donna has developed. Her early work with CAEL in assessing soft skills in adults led to years of study in emotional intelligence and the development of several courses in EI and leadership that she teaches at DePaul University. Years of work in the assessment of learning within higher education and beyond evolved to a commitment to illuminating links between adult learning theory and assessment operations that characterize her work as a consultant and trainer. Finally, thirty years of service in a competency-based adult program at the School for New Learning have led to a rich and deep understanding and passion for the core principles of competency development and assessment.