Amy J. Hauenstein (she/they) is the inaugural Director of Professional Programs at Northwestern University’s Office of the Provost, where since 2023 they oversee a diverse array of fifty+ professional graduate programs across the institution. Previously they spent a decade contributing to the MSC program as an administrator where their focus was on academic and student affairs, developing the program’s curriculum, and playing a pivotal role in launching its hybrid and online degrees, as well as designing and implementing various experiential non-degree programs.

In addition to their current role, Hauenstein is the founder and principal consultant of Learning Designs LLC, a specialized consulting and advisory firm dedicated to advancing inclusion and social justice in leadership, communication, and organizational development. Their work at Learning Designs LLC is a testament to their commitment to addressing systemic issues and fostering equitable practices.

Hauenstein’s expertise lies at the intersection of academia and organizations with a specialty in translating research into praxis. Their work is grounded in the interdisciplinary theories and practices of the discipline of curriculum studies, which explores how curriculum is culturally, politically, and economically positioned. Hauenstein’s research and consulting examine the intersections of racism, classism, neoliberalism, and patriarchy within educational institutions and learning organizations. They are particularly interested in how identity construction impacts leadership, communication, and advocacy.

Hauenstein earned a PhD in Curriculum Studies from DePaul University, an MA in Education from Ursuline College, and a BA in Integrated Social Sciences from The Ohio State University.