Teresa (Terri) Edmunds Dunbar

Teresa (Terri) Edmunds Dunbar brings over two decades of experience in finance, technology, business strategy, and executive leadership. She is the CEO of Dunbar Consulting, Inc. (DCI), a Virginia-based, SBA–certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and SWaM-certified firm delivering innovative, scalable IT solutions to federal and commercial clients. Her career spans roles in software, operations management, human capital leadership, and real estate investment. A visionary entrepreneur and technologist, Terri holds a patent and has led initiatives across legal tech, healthcare IT, and financial services. Her earlier experience in commercial lending, credit risk analysis, and regulatory compliance continues to inform her strategic approach to business growth and digital transformation. In addition to her executive leadership, Terri serves as an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University, where she integrates industry insight and emerging technologies into the classroom to prepare students for the future of work.

At Mason, Professor Dunbar has been nominated the last two years for the Adjunct Online Teaching Excellence Award, in recognition of her commitment to student-centered design, digital pedagogy, and inclusive online learning environments. She teaches both BUS 303: Developing Your Professional Skills – Advanced Elements and MGMT 303: Principles of Management, where she champions AI-integrated learning, experiential assignments, and workforce-readiness skills. Her courses consistently emphasize collaboration, innovation, and career-focused engagement equipping students with practical tools to thrive in a rapidly changing digital economy.

Terri’s teaching approach blends academic rigor with industry relevance. She designs asynchronous online modules that incorporate real-world simulations, LinkedIn optimization, AI-driven job analyses, and team-based deliverables. Her pedagogical innovation extends to Canvas module architecture, rubric design, and video-based feedback ensuring a humanized and responsive learning experience that accommodates a wide range of learners.

Terri’s current research and consulting work explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on workforce development, ethical leadership, and digital transformation in public and private sectors. She frequently integrates emerging technology themes into the classroom to inspire dialogue on innovation, automation ethics, and professional adaptability.

Education

• MBA, Business Administration & Human Resource Management, Keller Graduate School of Management
• BS, Marketing, George Mason University
• Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia
• RMA‑ECU Commercial Credit & Lending School, East Carolina University
• Leadership Fairfax, 2004

Teaching Focus

• Online Course Design and Delivery
• AI-Enhanced Instructional Methods
• Career Readiness and Professional Skills Development
• Inclusive and Equitable Digital Pedagogy
• Teamwork and Leadership in Asynchronous Learning Environments

Awards and Recognition

• Nominee – Adjunct Online Teaching Excellence Award, George Mason University (2023 & 2025)
• Honored as a Finalist – SECAF Executive of the Year (Under $25M category), 2025
• Capstone Award – Kagan‑Rollhaus MBA Award for Outstanding Business Plan
• Top 10 Graduate – VBA School of Bank Management
• Multiple awards for excellence in CRM and Human Capital Leadership

Affiliations and Certifications

• SBA Women-Owned Small Business Certified
• SWaM Certified – Commonwealth of Virginia
• SECAF – Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum
• SHRM & NOVA SHRM – Served VP of Programs
• IEEE Computer Society
• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
• Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)

Volunteerism & Interests

Terri is a passionate advocate for children, animals, and education. She volunteers with Project Night Night, providing comfort packages to homeless children. A proud and visible supporter of George Mason University Athletics, she is often spotted cheering at home basketball games. Her personal passions include her family, fashion, and equine rehabilitation.