Dr. Courtney Wiest holds a Doctorate in Post-Secondary Education Leadership and a Master of Social Work. She combines expertise in higher education and social work to foster a comprehensive understanding of student development and well-being. She is currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) online program at the University of the Pacific, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting and advancing the online learning experience for graduate students.

With over 15 years of experience in social work and higher education, Dr. Wiest brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Before transitioning into academia, she worked as a Behavior Specialist, where she supported emotionally disabled students in high school settings. This experience deepened her understanding of students' unique challenges, particularly those with emotional and behavioral needs. Earlier in her career, Dr. Wiest worked with children and families within the dependency system, offering a range of services focused on trauma-informed interventions.

Dr. Wiest's current research interests are deeply rooted in the intersection of higher education, online learning, and social work. She is particularly focused on the concept of "sense of community" within online learning environments, exploring how faculty presence and engagement can foster supportive, inclusive communities for students. Additionally, she is dedicated to researching trauma-informed care models, specifically their application in K-12 education settings, and how they can be adapted and implemented to support students and educators in schools.