Dr. Lord began her career at Eastern Illinois University, her alma mater, in 2000, where she currently holds the rank of Professor Emeritus. During her tenure at EIU, she has served as a graduate coordinator, an associate dean for ten years, and then as an interim dean for one year for the College of Health and Human Services. She has presented at numerous state, national, and international conferences and has published in professional journals, and most recently authored a book on family caregiving. She has received university awards for teaching, research, service, and leadership.