A Journey Sparked by Purpose

When Shawnna Sundberg first stepped into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, she didn’t yet see a long-term path unfolding ahead of her. What she found instead was meaning, and it changed everything.

“I needed a job, gave ABA a try, and very quickly realized how meaningful the work could be,” she shared. As she saw the growing impact her work had on both learners and the practitioners who supported them, she discovered her love for teaching and a passion for shaping the field.

Over time, this evolved into a commitment to “thoughtful, dignity-centered practice” and to supporting the next generation of educators. That combination, she said, “is what inspired me to keep moving forward in this field.”

Why Ball State? Flexibility, Support, and Community

As a first-generation college student raising a family while advancing her career, Shawnna knew she needed a program that understood the realities of life outside the classroom.

“I chose Ball State because it offered a realistic, accessible way to pursue my degree while continuing to work and raise my family,” she explained.

She emphasized the gratitude she feels for the flexibility of the program and the unwavering support of faculty and staff:

“I never would have been able to do this without the program’s flexibility and the support of the people here.”

Her mentor and dissertation chair, Dr. Susan Wilczynski, has made a particularly profound impact, shaping the way Shawnna thinks, teaches, and leads.

“She changed my life in ways I can never fully express,” Shawnna said. “I will always be grateful for the guidance and care she has shown me.”

Transformative Research Grounded in Dignity

Shawnna’s research focuses on helping practitioners make decisions that protect student dignity and support autonomy, an area that grew from her own reflections and professional evolution.

As she progressed through her doctoral program, she recognized practices she once followed that unintentionally caused harm. “That was a turning point for me,” she said. “I decided to shift my career toward improving how we teach and support practitioners so they can do better for the students and families they serve.”

Her work now centers on helping the field “move in a direction that honors learner dignity,” giving practitioners the tools and confidence to make thoughtful, respectful choices.

Growing Her Voice and Her Confidence

One of the most unexpected rewards of graduate school has been Shawnna’s personal growth.

“I came into the program very quiet and unsure of how to speak up,” she recalled. “Now my entire career is centered on having those conversations, teaching others, and advocating for meaningful change.”

She describes this transformation as “unbelievable in the best way,” crediting the program for helping her develop the confidence to use her voice as a scholar and advocate.

This growth is reflected in her professional accomplishments as well. Shawnna has presented at both state and national conferences, published alongside other faculty, including her dissertation chair, and become increasingly passionate about shaping practitioner training.

“I still remember my first presentation and how nervous I was,” she said. “Now I genuinely look forward to presenting.”

Honored for Excellence in Teaching

In 2025–2026, Shawnna received the Excellence in Teaching Award, a recognition she did not expect.

“When I found out I won…I was honestly shocked,” she admitted. Focused on her dissertation, she hadn’t been thinking about awards at all. But the recognition affirmed the heart of her teaching philosophy: showing up authentically and prioritizing what students truly need.

“Winning this award means a lot because it reflects the work I care about the most,” she shared. “It feels good to know that showing up for students in a real and authentic way makes a difference.”

Advice for Aspiring Graduate Students

Shawnna is honest about the challenges, and the value, of pursuing a PhD.

“I always tell people that getting my PhD has been both the most awful and awesome experience of my life,” she said. It changed her career for the better but required sacrifice and stepping far outside her comfort zone.

Her advice?

• Know why you’re doing it. “Go in with a clear reason…and stay connected to your purpose.”
• Give yourself grace to grow through the hard parts.
• Ask for help. “You do not have to do it alone. Someone will show up for you.”

Even more importantly, she reminds others: “Getting more letters after your name does not increase your value as a person.”

Looking Ahead

While the next chapter is still unfolding, Shawnna feels grounded in her purpose, to support practitioners, uphold learner dignity, and advocate for meaningful change.

Her journey illustrates the power of finding one’s voice, embracing growth, and choosing a path rooted in authenticity.