Earning a Doctor of Business Administration allowed Dr. Teaa Allston-Bing to build on her mission to lead with impact, mentor future HR professionals and drive meaningful change in the field. With a strong background in HR and a vision to mentor future professionals, she chose Capella University for its academic rigor and flexible format. Today she is a business owner, consultant and thought leader using her degree to shape organizations and inspire growth.
1. What inspired you to pursue your DBA at Capella University, and how did that decision shape your personal or professional goals?
Dr. Teaa Allston-Bing: What inspired me to pursue my DBA at Capella University was my long-term goal of teaching and mentoring future HR professionals, as well as the desire to continue building credibility within the human resources field. HR is truly my passion, and I wanted to ensure I had the highest level of academic and practical expertise to support both my leadership roles and my transition into higher education as an adjunct faculty. Capella’s flexible and rigorous program aligned perfectly with my professional life, allowing me to grow while continuing to contribute to the industry I love. Earning my DBA was not just about a title, it’s about becoming a more effective practitioner, thought leader, and educator in the HR space.
2. How did your experience at Capella influence or contribute to your academic journey?
Dr. Teaa Allston-Bing: My experience at Capella has significantly shaped my academic journey by reinforcing my endurance, discipline, and commitment to lifelong learning. Pursuing a DBA while balancing professional responsibilities and personal life has tested my resilience in so many ways that I never imagined. Capella’s curriculum and supportive learning environment challenged me to think critically, manage my time effectively, and push through moments of self-doubt, ultimately strengthening both my academic and professional identity. This journey has not only deepened my expertise in human resources, but it has also proven to me that I have the stamina and determination to reach the highest levels of academic achievement, no matter the obstacles.
3. How have you used the skills you gained from your program in education, business, and/or leadership?
Dr. Teaa Allston-Bing: Since earning my degree, I’ve used the skills gained from my DBA program to launch my own consulting firm, LocalGov HR Guru, LLC, which has positioned me as a sought-after HR consultant in the public sector. The program sharpened my business acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities, which are skills that have directly contributed to the success and growth of my company. I’ve also seen a significant increase in speaking engagements and training facilitation opportunities with organizations seeking my expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development. The knowledge and confidence I gained from my education have not only elevated my credibility, but also allowed me to lead, educate, and influence HR practices far beyond my own business.
4. Lastly, which resources at Capella—such as faculty, advisors, or enrollment teams—were most helpful to you during your program?
Dr. Teaa Allston-Bing: Throughout my DBA journey at Capella, the support from faculty and my mentor, Dr. Becky Siceloff, was instrumental in my success. Dr. B brought real-world HR expertise into the classroom, which helped me bridge theory with practical application, something that was especially valuable as I built my own consulting firm. Dr. B consistently provided guidance, encouragement, and timely check-ins that helped me stay focused and motivated, especially during the most demanding parts of the program. Her genuine investment in my progress made me feel seen, supported, and empowered to keep pushing forward toward my goals.
Are you a proud Capella graduate making an impact in your field or community?
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