What’s Your Why: Advice from Higher Ed Leadership - podcast cover

What’s Your Why: Advice from Higher Ed Leadership

RW Jones Agency/Rankin Climatewywpodcast.com
It started as a conversation over dinner. A group of higher education leadership began sharing stories on why they chose this challenging work and how their purpose guides them through. Now we're inviting listeners into these discussions. In What's Your Why?: Advice from Higher Education Leaders, hosts Kimberly Holmes-Iverson and Victoria Cabal interview college and university presidents to learn more about what drives them, inspires them and leads their work. Through this podcast, listeners will gain valuable insight into how leaders navigate difficult situations, build support on campus and advocate for students. The podcast is co-sponsored by RW Jones Agency and Rankin Climate.
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Episodes

Building Transformative Institutions: A Conversation with President Robert Iuliano

In this episode, Gettysburg College President Robert Iuliano shares his story -- a lifelong dedication to higher education shaped by his parents, who were first-generation college graduates and teachers. Iuliano discusses transformative power of engaging with different perspectives and shares his advice on how to make informed decisions that align with your core values.

May 21, 202418 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Trailblazing Leadership: President White on Empowering Student Success on Campus

Dr. Lori S. White is DePauw University's trailblazing 21st president. She became the first woman and person of color to lead the institution in 2020. President White, a passionate advocate for student success, has over 40 years of experience in higher education. In our conversation, she discusses the importance of fostering an inclusive campus culture through free expression and respectful dialogue and gives career advice on remaining open to new opportunities throughout your journey.

Apr 09, 202421 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Building Resilience: President Anita Thomas on The Power of Reflection

Dr. Anita Thomas is North Central College’s 11th president, as well as the first woman and first person of color to lead the institution. Thomas is a researcher, renowned scholar and psychologist. In our conversation, she shares her advice on how to be present and build resilience and emphasizes the importance of taking time for reflection.

Mar 26, 202418 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Preparing Global Leaders: A Conversation with President Mike Magee

Mike Magee is the president of Minerva University, a global community dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers. Before his current role, Magee was the founding CEO of Chiefs for Change, a non-profit organization supporting leaders of many of the nation’s largest K-12 public education systems. In our conversation, Magee reflects on the need to create racially and economically diverse school environments and the importance of helping students build skill...

Mar 19, 202419 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Opening Doors: A Conversation with President Jo Allen

President Jo Allen is the first alumna to lead Meredith College, one of the largest private colleges for women in the United States. She was named the 8th president of the institution in 2011. In our conversation, President Allen shares her thoughts on the small things all great leaders do and the importance of empowering the next generation of women through leadership, mentorship and institutional support.

Mar 12, 202429 minSeason 3Ep. 1

The Power of Hope, Joy and Love: A Conversation with President Mary Dana Hinton

Mary Dana Hinton has served as the president of Hollins University since August 2020. An active proponent of the liberal arts and inclusion, her leadership reflects a deep commitment to educational equity. President Hinton shares how recent events have shaped her ‘why’ and reminds us of the power of hope, joy and love.

Dec 05, 202334 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Empowering Students to Find Their Purpose: A Conversation with President Morris

Kathryn Morris, the 19th president of St. Lawrence University, has dedicated her life to higher education. Before her presidency, she was Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Butler University, overseeing key institutional priorities and strategic planning. In this episode, we discuss how education changed the trajectory of her family, how to ground yourself in your institutional mission and the importance of empowering students to discern their passions and develop their sense of ...

Oct 31, 202319 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Leading by Listening: A Conversation with President Alison Byerly

Dr. Alison Byerly has served as president of Carleton College since 2021 and is the school’s first woman president. A scholar of Victorian literature and culture, Byerly is the author of two scholarly books and has written and spoken extensively on the role of technology in higher education. In our conversation, she highlights the power of building relationships with your community and the importance of listening.

Oct 24, 202316 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Breaking Barriers and Building Inclusive Communities: A Conversation with President Linda LeMura

Linda LeMura, the 14th President of Le Moyne College, is the first female layperson to lead a Jesuit institution of higher education in the U.S. As a first-generation college student, LeMura explains education's pivotal role in shaping her life. She also shares what inspires her drive to give back and build inclusive communities and how she reconnects to her "why" in challenging times.

Oct 17, 202318 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Creatively Connecting To Your Community: A Conversation with President Wesley Fugate

Dr. Wesley Fugate, the 20th President of Wilson College, has led the institution since January 2020. Under his guidance, the college introduced new academic programs and initiatives for diversity and inclusion. In our conversation, he shares the importance of educating students about justice and honorable living and the power of using humor to connect with your community.

Oct 10, 202323 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Navigating Change: A Conversation with President Stephen Thorsett

Willamette President Stephen Thorsett is a prominent astrophysicist with over two decades of expertise as a scholar and academic leader. In our conversation, he shares the importance of creating nimble and dynamic institutions that can respond to the needs of their communities. He also shares his advice on how leaders can find the right opportunities to take on larger roles.

Oct 03, 202335 minSeason 2Ep. 5

The Importance of Feedback: A Conversation with President Barbara Mistick

Barbara Mistick is the President of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Before that, she served as the 19th president of Wilson College, where she implemented several initiatives to make the college more accessible and affordable to students. In our conversation, President Mistick describes how her childhood experiences shaped her career, how to turn to your core values when making difficult decisions, and the importance of welcoming feedback.

Sep 26, 202325 minSeason 2Ep. 4

The Power of Vulnerability: A Conversation with President John Bravman

John Bravman is among the longest-serving Presidents at Bucknell University, and under his leadership, the university has experienced some of the most significant achievements in its 176-year history. In our conversation, Bravman shares the importance of learning from failure and the power of vulnerability.

Sep 12, 202323 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Committing to Transformation: A Conversation with Katherine Rowe

Katherine Rowe, the 28th president at William & Mary, is recognized as an innovator in higher education. In this episode, she opens up about a time when her leadership was challenged and shares her advice on creating a sense of belonging on campus and removing obstacles to ensure student success.

Jun 06, 202316 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Sticking to Your Values: A Conversation with President Chrite

Brent Chrite, president of Bentley University, believes in the power of education to transform communities. In this episode, he shares his lessons from over 25 years in leadership positions. We discuss the importance of sticking with your core beliefs and his advice for remaining “relentlessly and energetically ” committed to students.

May 30, 202319 minSeason 1Ep. 9

The Power of Connection: A Conversation with President Elam

Harry Elam, president of Occidental College, is committed to creating environments where everyone can thrive. Having grown up in the turbulent era of court-ordered school desegregation in Boston, Elam is also a leader on issues of diversity and inclusion. We talked with President Elam about the power of connection and the importance of active listening.

May 23, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Leading with Heart: A Conversation with President Bilger

President Audrey Bilger, the first woman president of Reed College, is a prolific author and inclusive leader. Bilger has held numerous leadership positions across higher education. She is an active member of LGBTQ+ organizations and local Portland organizations committed to breaking down educational barriers. We talk with President Bilger about learning and questioning with joy and having the courage to lead with heart.

May 16, 202313 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Believing in the Good of Others: A Conversation with President Tetlow

President Tania Tetlow has led Fordham University since 2022 and is the first layperson and first woman in the role. She talks about the power of leading with humility and shares her advice for finding the good in people and learning from painful situations.

May 09, 202314 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Recognizing Purpose in Others: A Conversation with President Wippman

President David Wippman from Hamilton College is a champion of the liberal arts who encourages his students to create lives filled with meaning, purpose and active citizenship. We spoke with President Wippman about how his clear sense of purpose has guided his work and helped him through challenging times.

May 02, 202316 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Leading with Joy and Fun: A Conversation with President Altmann

This episode features Franklin and Marshall College President Barbara Altmann. President Altmann shares what it means to lead with information and empathy and why she’s committed to bringing joy and fun to the rigors of education.

Apr 18, 202326 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Being a Present Leader: A Conversation with President Casey

Brian Casey has served as Colgate University's president since 2016. He is a champion for campus well-being and a community builder. In our conversation, President Casey shares the importance of being present, following your heart and finding time to recharge.

Apr 11, 202323 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Courageous Leadership: A Conversation with President Richardson

L. Song Richardson, President at Colorado College, is an award-winning educator, legal scholar, and lawyer. Her vision for Colorado College is to prepare students to create a more just world by igniting their potential and encouraging them to reach across differences to find common ground. In our conversation, President Richardson shares the importance of engaging in courageous conversations and viewing failure as an opportunity for growth.

Apr 04, 202319 minSeason 1Ep. 1
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