Faculty Feature: Katina Gholson, College of Professional Studies
by Jussara Oliveira Barbosa, MS in Project Management ’25
Professor Katina Gholson is a dynamic figure at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies, distinguished not only for her expertise in project management but also for her ability to engage students from all walks of life. She brings a unique perspective to the classroom, drawing from her extensive experience in project management, technology, and political science. In addition to her teaching role, she continues to lead complex IT initiatives, fueling her passion for managing large-scale projects and educating future leaders. Her diverse background exemplifies her adaptability and drive. With an undergraduate degree in political science and IT from Duke University, she later transitioned into the business world, earning a master’s degree in project management from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. She is also PMP certified, blending academic rigor with hands-on industry experience.
What drew Gholson to Northeastern University was the rare and comprehensive curriculum in project management, something she hadn’t encountered in her previous searches. While most universities offer project management as part of a business administration degree, at Northeastern, it is a focused discipline, which she found impressive. Moreover, the university’s diverse student body, with individuals from various cultural and professional backgrounds, was a significant attraction for her. “It’s exciting to teach students who are committed to learning, many of whom come from all over the world,” she says.
However, the diversity of her classroom presents one of her greatest challenges. With students arriving at different levels of experience, from those new to project management to seasoned professionals, Gholson must ensure her lessons meet everyone’s needs. She describes this as a delicate balance that keeps her on her toes and fuels her passion for teaching.
This adaptability also reflects her own thirst for knowledge. When asked what she would like to explore next, she enthusiastically responds with two topics: self-publishing and psychology. While self-publishing is something she sees herself tackling soon, her curiosity about psychology and psychiatry reflects her lifelong interest in understanding human behavior. “I’ve always been fascinated by how people live, learn, and grow—both through their environments and their psychological development,” she shares.
Her love of learning extends into the classroom. Katina’s teaching style is deeply rooted in open, honest, and engaging communication. She believes that everyone has the potential to teach, but not everyone can make learning exciting. “I try to engage students in a way that makes them want to learn,” she says. Her students agree, with many finding her classes both informative and engaging.
Outside of teaching, Gholson’s interests are as varied as her career experiences. A lover of travel, she has a bucket list of places she hopes to visit, including Canada and Spain. “I love traveling to places where I can experience the culture, not just the tourist spots,” she explains. In her spare time, she enjoys writing screenplays—an extension of her deep interest in film, which once had her considering a career in the movie industry. Though she hasn’t pursued it full-time, she continues to write on the side and sees it as a creative outlet.
As an educator and professional, Katina is always evolving, whether through her work or personal interests. And though she has already achieved so much, it’s clear that she’s far from finished. With a passion for learning and teaching, she is set to continue inspiring her students for years to come.
For those looking to get a glimpse of her interests, Katina highly recommends the book Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. “It’s a great read about adapting to change, something we all face in both personal and professional life,” she notes. It’s a fitting recommendation from a professor whose own career is a masterclass in adaptability and lifelong learning.
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