Real-World Skills for the Next Generation
Empowering students and young professionals to lead with confidence, communicate clearly, and thrive.
About Trudell Academy
Dr. Lori Trudell
Adulting Academy Events
Dr. Lori Trudell
Hi, I’m Dr. Lori Trudell — a college professor, first-generation college graduate, and founder of Trudell Academy.
As someone who came from a poor, rural background and was the first in my family to navigate college, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to figure things out on your own. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to helpi
Hi, I’m Dr. Lori Trudell — a college professor, first-generation college graduate, and founder of Trudell Academy.
As someone who came from a poor, rural background and was the first in my family to navigate college, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to figure things out on your own. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to helping students build the skills and confidence they need before they step into adulthood — whether that means going to college, pursuing a career, or simply learning how to present themselves with clarity and confidence.
By day, I’m an Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Clemson University, where I teach courses on leadership, startups, and entrepreneurship. But my true passion lies in helping students of all ages develop real-world skills that often get left out of the classroom — from elevator pitches and public speaking to time management, financial literacy and professional presence.
Trudell Academy was built to bridge that gap. I’m here to offer the kind of guidance I wish I had — practical, personal, and rooted in experience.
Trudell Academy
Adulting Academy Events
Dr. Lori Trudell
Where real-world skills meet real-life confidence.
Trudell Academy is an educational coaching platform designed to help students, emerging leaders, and young professionals build the skills they need to thrive in college, careers, and life. Founded by Dr. Lori Trudell — a first-generation college graduate and Clemson University professor —
Where real-world skills meet real-life confidence.
Trudell Academy is an educational coaching platform designed to help students, emerging leaders, and young professionals build the skills they need to thrive in college, careers, and life. Founded by Dr. Lori Trudell — a first-generation college graduate and Clemson University professor — the Academy bridges the gap between academic learning and everyday life readiness.
We offer one-on-one coaching, interactive workshops, and high-impact events focused on essential, often overlooked skills: public speaking, professional communication, time management, college preparedness, and more. Whether it’s preparing for a first job interview, writing a standout college application, or simply learning how to introduce yourself with confidence, Trudell Academy provides practical tools, supportive guidance, and a space to grow.
Our mission is simple: to equip the next generation with the knowledge, confidence, and voice they need to step into the real world — and own it.
Adulting Academy Events
Adulting Academy Events
Adulting Academy Events
The Adulting Academy event series was created to prepare students for the parts of life no one really teaches — how to speak with confidence, present yourself professionally, make smart decisions, and step into adulthood ready, not overwhelmed.
Led by Dr. Trudell and other highly qualified professionals, each event is designed to be engagi
The Adulting Academy event series was created to prepare students for the parts of life no one really teaches — how to speak with confidence, present yourself professionally, make smart decisions, and step into adulthood ready, not overwhelmed.
Led by Dr. Trudell and other highly qualified professionals, each event is designed to be engaging, practical, and empowering. In just a couple of hours, students will gain hands-on experience with essential life skills like crafting a strong elevator pitch, building a standout LinkedIn profile, using AI tools for applications, and communicating with clarity and purpose.
Whether they’re heading to college, starting a job, or still figuring things out, Adulting Academy helps students show up prepared — and leave feeling confident about what’s next.
Stay tuned for upcoming Adulting Academy events like:
Real World Ready (July 8th 2025)
Money Moves Financial Basics
College Unlocked
Speak Up!
First Impressions 101
Events & Activities
Get Ahead with One-On-One Sessions
College Skill Building
These one-on-one sessions are designed to help high school and early college students develop the essential skills they need to thrive from day one. Whether you're preparing for your first semester or already navigating college life, this session will help you feel more confident, organized, and in control of your experience.
We’ll cover key topics like:
- How to communicate effectively with professors and advocate for yourself
- Time management and study strategies that actually work
- How to find and use campus resources — academic, social, and financial
- Goal-setting, organization, and planning your college path intentionally
Public Speaking & Presentation Coaching
These one-on-one sessions are designed to help students and young professionals build confidence and clarity in their communication—whether they're preparing for a class presentation, job interview, or competition. If speaking in front of others feels intimidating or you want to take your delivery to the next level, this session is for you.
We’ll focus on core communication skills like:
- Crafting and delivering a strong elevator pitch
- Practicing impromptu speaking in real-time scenarios
- Organizing your thoughts clearly and persuasively
- Improving vocal delivery, posture, and stage presence
- Giving and receiving feedback to grow with confidence
Interview Prep
These personalized coaching sessions are designed to help students and young professionals prepare for interviews with confidence, clarity, and authenticity. Whether you're applying to college, competing for scholarships, or preparing for a job or internship, this session will give you the tools to make a strong, memorable impression.
We’ll focus on key areas like:
- Answering “Tell me about yourself” with clarity and purpose
- Structuring responses to common interview questions
- Mastering body language, tone, and presence
- Practicing with mock interviews and real-time feedback
Each session is tailored to your specific goals and opportunities.
Parent Q&A: How to support your student
This 30-minute session is designed to help parents feel more informed, confident, and prepared as they support their teen’s transition to college or post-high school life. Whether it's your first time navigating the process or you simply want to know how to be more helpful, this session will give you clarity and direction.
We’ll cover important topics like:
- What colleges and employers expect from today’s students
- How to encourage independence while offering support
- Ways to help your teen manage stress, deadlines, and decisions
- Understanding key resources your student should know about
- Practical advice for preparing your teen before they leave home
You’ll walk away with actionable tips and a better understanding of how to guide your student through this major life transition—without doing it all for them.
Unlock Your Potential
Testimonials
"Had it not been for Dr. Trudell’s impact on me, both academically and personally, I would not have had the opportunities I did or be in the position I am in today."
"I cannot express enough gratitude for Dr. Trudell, her teaching style, and her unwavering willingness to help. Having had the opportunity to learn from her both in the classroom and in real-world settings, I can confidently say she is a one-of-a-kind professor with a true passion for her work. Dr. Trudell’s influence extends far beyond the classroom, equipping her students with the confidence and skills to succeed in their careers and beyond."
"Best Professor ever, she cares a lot about her students and their success and makes class fun."
"Best class I had this year. Fantastic professor. The way she set up her class was AMAZING."
"I absolutely loved this course. I have never had a class where I got so much real-world experience like I did in Dr. Trudell's class."
"If I ever become a billionaire I'm going to credit this class and Dr. Trudell with being the spark to my success."
Contact Me
How can I help?
Every student’s journey is different — and that’s exactly why I’m here. Whether you’re looking for college prep support, confidence in public speaking, or help navigating life beyond high school, I’d love to learn more. Share a little about what you or your student need, and I’ll follow up with a personalized recommendation or next step.
Dr. Lori Trudell, Founder of Trudell Academy
Hours
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
