California alum spreads Sun Devil mission with educator roots

Linda Snider, ’81 BS in business administration and ’86 MEd, didn’t expect to become an educator following her undergraduate years.

But after earning a business degree and feeling a pull toward the classroom, she couldn’t ignore the calling that would soon shape her career and lifelong connection to Arizona State University.

Over the years, Snider has taught across Arizona and California, working with learners of all ages in settings ranging from high school and adult education to performing arts and special education. Through every chapter, she’s carried her Sun Devil spirit while helping to extend ASU’s impact beyond Arizona.

During her time at ASU, Snider says it was the curriculum and her professors who left a lasting impression.

“Their varied teaching styles offered techniques of how best to present lectures and other integrated classroom activities, such as teamwork,” Snider said. “This experience made me feel what kind of teacher I wanted to be, showing kindness, compassion and creativity to engage learners.”

Those early lessons inspired her long-term involvement with ASU’s alumni community. Snider has participated in the ASU Alumni Association’s Sun Devil Teacher Pack program every year since it launched eight years ago. This annual initiative provides complimentary, spirited ASU swag to K–12 educators, bringing Sun Devil spirit to the classroom.

“My favorite parts of Sun Devil Teacher Packs are seeing the new items, sharing with my students, teaching them how to make the pitchfork, and showing them Sparky, our beloved mascot,” Snider said.

Snider was also a participant in Class 3 of the ASU Leadership Institute, a nine-month professional and personal development program for Sun Devil alumni leaders. Inspired by the experience, she and her husband became proud Sun Devil Club donors, supporting women’s softball, Sun Devil Football and the Sun Devil Marching Band.

In her California classrooms, Snider actively brings ASU’s mission to life by promoting academic excellence, accessibility and inclusion for a wide range of students, including full-time employees, second-language learners and those from lower-income backgrounds.

“When I taught online and introduced myself to the class, I always mentioned being a ‘Double-Devil,’ earning both my undergraduate and master’s degrees from ASU,” she reflected. “Students would always comment that they were considering transferring after their community college courses, enrolling in an online program or going to Arizona for on-campus coursework.”

Beyond the classroom, Snider stays connected through the San Diego ASU alumni chapter, attending events like Padres games, golf tournaments and tailgate parties to locally represent her alma mater.

She also volunteers at the San Diego Zoo, where she enjoys welcoming visitors while wearing her ASU alumni sunglasses — a simple way to connect with fellow Sun Devils.

“They recognize my maroon and gold, or I see them wearing Sun Devil gear, and our conversation begins.”

Currently, Snider serves as a substitute teacher at Jamul Elementary School in East County San Diego. She finds the role immensely gratifying.

“Watching these young people grow and mature through the years has been very rewarding,” Snider said.

For Snider, giving back to her community through education is a passion. As part of the ASU family, she uses her gifts in a way that makes a direct impact while living out the mission of being a Sun Devil for life.