Dr. Susan D. Stuebner, who has served as President of Colby-Sawyer College since 2016, has an inspiring journey that traces back to her early career as head women's basketball coach and admissions counselor at Albright College. Sue shares with host Jay Lemons how she has learned to embrace a guiding principle that has been instrumental to her success: the power of authenticity. She advocates for the importance of being true to oneself and following one's passions, emphasizing that genuine leadership not only fosters a positive environment but also paves the way for meaningful accomplishments ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University, takes us through her journey to the presidency. From a young age, her mother instilled in her the importance of not only obtaining an education but of finding ways to serve others through that education. She shares the importance of leading through the margins and encourages others to develop a lifelong commitment to learning and developing their leadership from a place of compassion. Interview recorded in August 2023 ..read more

In a special Pride Month episode, Dr. Jay Lemons was privileged to host Dr. Timothy Mottet, President of Colorado State University Pueblo. Dr. Mottet shared his inspiring story, beginning with his roots in rural Iowa, followed by his ascent to leadership in academia. He spoke about the importance of authenticity and inspiration in today's higher education landscape and the ways in which LGBTQ+ leaders can find success ..read more

Dr. Barbara Farley, President of Illinois College, shares her journey and the influential people and experiences that have shaped her as a leader. Dr. Farley discusses her Midwest roots, the importance of education instilled by her parents, the profound impact of teachers who sparked her passion for learning, and the influence her late husband had on her life. She also reflects on her career trajectory, including the roles she held at various institutions that led to her becoming the first female president of Illinois College and Chair of the Board of Directors at the Council of Independent Co ..read more

Dr. Charles L. Welch, President of the Arkansas State University System, recounts his path to leadership with host Dr. L. Jay Lemons. As an undergraduate student, Welch had his eyes set on becoming a lawyer, but after meetings with his academic advisor, he chose a career in academia. The first-generation college student ultimately found his passion in helping others achieve success through their education ..read more

President of the Council of Independent Colleges and author of A Leadership Guide for Women in Higher Education, Dr. Marjorie Hass, shares her story on how she moved from faculty to provost, and ultimately to the presidency. She discusses the challenges of leaving behind a discipline she loved to lead as well as advice she would give other women seeking leadership roles in higher education ..read more

Dr. Gary Crosby, the eighth President of Saint Elizabeth University, joins Jay to discuss his path through student affairs to the presidency and how being agile and flexible has been key to his success. Dr. Crosby, who is the first male and person of color to lead Saint Elizabeth, also shares how being a first-generation student led him to this role and guides him as a leader in higher education ..read more

In this episode, Jay is joined by Dr. Ronald Rochon, President of the University of Southern Indiana. Dr. Rochon talks about the important attributes he thinks make for a good leader, including empathy, accessibility, and humility – all qualities he saw in his mentors. He also advises new leaders to make time to build their networks, listen widely and well across the campus community, and be patient with change. Interview recorded in December 2021 ..read more

Jay talks with Dr. Javier Cevallos, President of Framingham State University, who talks about the role and impact of AASCU institutions in meeting the needs of their local communities. He shares his thoughts on leadership and identifies humility and honesty as being two critical attributes of good leaders. He also discusses how important it is for leaders to build a highly skilled team of individuals who share the values of the institution and to develop a network of peers through participation in leadership development programs. Interview recorded in October 2021 ..read more

Jay is joined by Deborah Stanley, President of the State University of New York at Oswego, who recently announced her retirement after more than 25 years in the post. Ms. Stanley shares her thoughts on the qualities and characteristics of great leaders and reflects on how those attributes have changed during her time as a university president. She also offers advice for new leaders on being patient and optimistic, and learning to love an institution before identifying areas for its growth and improvement. Interview recorded in October 2021 ..read more