Leaders on Leadership podcast with Jay Lemons (original) (raw)
EPISODE 42
Dr. John Bravman
President, Bucknell University
Dr. John Bravman’s journey from a small-town upbringing to leading Bucknell University is a story of perseverance and vision. As a first-generation college student who struggled through his first year at Stanford, President Bravman learned to embrace challenges, guided by transformative mentors and an unrelenting commitment to growth. Now, as Bucknell’s President, he reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership and the initiatives that continue to connect the university to its mission of access and excellence. Interview Recorded November 2024. Interview recorded November 2024.
EPISODE 41
Dr. Darrin S. Good
President, Nebraska Wesleyan University
Dr. Darrin S. Good, President of Nebraska Wesleyan University, didn’t always know he’d lead a college. He started on a path to dental school, envisioning a stable career and a comfortable life. But during his dental school interview, he realized his passion lay elsewhere—teaching, mentoring, and shaping the lives of students. In this episode of Leaders on Leadership, President Good shares the personal stories, moments of reflection, and mentors that inspired him to pursue a career rooted in impact and purpose. Interview recorded November 2024.
EPISODE 40
Dr. Flora W. Tydings
Chancellor, Tennessee Board of Regents
Dr. Flora W. Tydings, Chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, shares her inspiring journey from K-12 to higher ed leadership with host Jay Lemons. With a commitment to workforce development and a values-driven approach, she highlights the innovative programs, like Tennessee Promise, that boost enrollment and open doors for students across Tennessee. Chancellor Tydings reflects on the importance of building diverse teams and the state’s transformative investment in educational infrastructure, inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose and create lasting impact. Interview recorded October 2024.
EPISODE 39
Dr. Jann L. Joseph
President, Georgia Gwinnett College
Dr. Jann Joseph’s path to leadership is shaped by resilience and a deep commitment to growth. From her beginnings in Trinidad to leading Georgia Gwinnett College, Dr. Joseph shares her advice on knowing when to nurture the community around her and when it’s time to take bold steps forward. She highlights how her late husband’s unwavering belief in her potential guided her through pivotal moments in her career and also discusses the importance of building trust-filled teams and making impactful decisions with the future in mind. Interview recorded July 2024.
EPISODE 38
Dr. Kelly Damphousse
President, Texas State University
Dr. Kelly Damphousse, President of Texas State University, has a leadership journey that is anything but conventional. Originally aspiring to become a Canadian Mountie, Dr. Damphousse shifted his path in graduate school but remained committed to helping others. He continues to focus on student success and empowering the next generation, drawing from his unique experiences to guide Texas State with a deep commitment to serving its community. Interview recorded August 2024.
EPISODE 37
Dr. Debbie L. Sydow
President, Richard Bland College of William & Mary
Dr. Debbie L. Sydow, President of Richard Bland College of William & Mary, shares her journey from a first-generation college student to a leader in higher education, emphasizing the impact of mentors and the importance of strategic reinvestment in student success. She also reflects on the qualities of effective leadership, including comfort with ambiguity, open-mindedness, and a commitment to the institution’s mission. Interview recorded July 2024.
EPISODE 36
Dr. Larry Schall
President, New England Commission of Higher Education
Dr. Larry Schall, President of the New England Commission of Higher Education, shares his unconventional journey from a civil rights attorney to higher education leader, emphasizing the importance of relationships and authenticity in leadership. He discusses the challenges and opportunities facing college presidents today, including external pressures, the need for resilience, and the significance of long-term commitment to an institution. Interview recorded July 2024.
EPISODE 35
Dr. Susan D. Stuebner
President, Colby-Sawyer College
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. Dr. Stuebner 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. Interview recorded March 2024.
EPISODE 34
Dr. Montserrat Fuentes
President, St. Edward’s University
Dr. Montserrat Fuentes, President of St. Edward’s University, joins Dr. L. Jay Lemons in a compelling conversation about leadership in higher education. Dr. Fuentes shares how she finds harmony at the intersection of her two passions: music and mathematics and tells the story of her journey into academic leadership as a Hispanic woman. She highlights how she lives out her mission of preparing students for their futures through a strong educational community focused on student success. Interview recorded February 2024.
EPISODE 33
Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson
President, San José State University
In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson shares her ascent from humble beginnings in Alaska as a first-generation college student to the presidency of San José State University. She shares how other leaders tapped into her talents along the way, including encouraging her to strengthen her skills through the American Academic Leadership Institute’s Executive Leadership Academy. Discover her transformative journey and the insights that have propelled her forward in higher education. Interview recorded in December 2023.
EPISODE 32
Dr. Mary Dana Hinton
President, Hollins University
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.
EPISODE 31
Dr. Kathy Wilson Humphrey
President, Carlow University
Dr. Kathy Wilson Humphrey recounts her educational journey, including attending one of the first desegregated schools in Kansas City where she grew up. Dr. Humphrey’s passion for working in academia began when she served as a Resident Assistant at the University of Central Missouri. She shares with host, Dr. L. Jay Lemons, how she views her role as president and how a servant leadership style can transform institutions and build a sustainable and thriving culture. Interview recorded in August 2023.
EPISODE 30
Dr. Timothy Mottet
President, Colorado State University Pueblo
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. Interview recorded in June 2023.
EPISODE 29
Dr. Barbara A. Farley
President, Illinois College
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 Colleges. Interview recorded in April 2023.
EPISODE 28
Dr. Charles L. Welch
President, Arkansas State University System
Dr. Charles L. Welch, President of the Arkansas State University System, recounts his path to leadership in higher education. 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. Interview recorded in April 2023.
EPISODE 27
Dr. Marjorie Hass
President, Council of Independent Colleges
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. Interview recorded in March 2023.
EPISODE 26
Dr. Gary Crosby
President, Saint Elizabeth University
Dr. Gary Crosby, the eighth President of Saint Elizabeth University (NJ), 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. Interview recorded in September 2022.