Dr. Rolanda P. Farrington Pollard is a Lecturer in the Schools of Management and Global Innovation and Leadership at San José State University. Dr. Pollard describes herself as a scholar-practioner because of her dual roles as a researcher and academician, as well as her private consulting. A mentor once said “Rolanda is at her best when she is following multiple paths”; a prediction which has proved true. The work Dr. Pollard does in any given facet of her career -- be it research, teaching or consulting -- has a consistent theme grounded in her strong desire to help people. She is adept at assessing her audience and creating practical applications of current theory and research, which add value for her clients.

Dr. Pollard has broad research interests. She has recently conducted assessment research for the City of San Jose, and is currently researching communication skill deficiency in San Jose State University business students, and creating a model for addressing communication diversity in the curriculum. Other research includes the topic areas of women entrepreneurs, organizational culture, organizational change, leadership, start-ups, and succession planning.