Education

1999 University of South Florida, B.S. in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences - Political and Environmental
2004 Springfield University, M.S. in Organizational Management and Leadership
2020 University of South Florida, Ph.D.

Career Specialties

Monika Alesnik, Ph.D., brings over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education and non-profits, with core strengths in institutional strategy, academic operations and organizational development. Her expertise spans fund development, where she has successfully secured and managed governmental grants, philanthropic investments and community partnerships to strengthen organizational growth and sustainability. Alesnik has deep knowledge of higher education leadership, funding and policy, with a proven ability to align institutional priorities with complex state and federal requirements.

Alesnik is highly skilled in curriculum and program development, having designed leadership training, student development initiatives and faculty advancement programs that support both academic excellence and organizational effectiveness. Her background also includes significant experience in resource allocation and budget management, with a track record of developing sustainable financial strategies for multi-million-dollar organizations. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Higher Education Administration) and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching, she pairs academic expertise with practical experience as an educator, facilitator and leader.

Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to lead diverse teams, foster collaboration across stakeholders and drive innovation in complex organizational environments. Alesnik's work consistently reflects a commitment to building strategic relationships, resolving challenges and advancing institutional goals through a blend of vision, policy expertise and practical execution.

Professional and Community

Alesnik currently serve as the Coordinator of Leadership and Competency Development at the University of Tampa, where she lead initiatives that advance the Spartan Ready competencies through student programming, leadership development and faculty and staff engagement. Previously, she was Chief of Staff and Strategy at the University of South Florida College of Nursing, guiding executive decision-making, advancing institutional priorities and strengthening faculty engagement. She has also served as Chief Executive Officer of the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas, where she directed fund development, policy advocacy and community partnerships to expand programs addressing homelessness.

Alesnik's earlier roles include Director of Operations at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Associate Director of Operations at Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing, where she focused on faculty affairs, accreditation, compliance and curriculum development. Beyond higher education, she has held leadership roles in non-profits, overseeing fund development and grant compliance and worked in political consulting, including serving as Regional Political Director for Bill McBride’s gubernatorial campaign.

Across her career, she has built a strong record of leadership in higher education, policy and community development, with expertise in program and curriculum design, faculty engagement and resource management. Her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Higher Education Administration) and Graduate Certificate in College Teaching provide the foundation for her work at the intersection of education, leadership and policy.