Being an administrator in an academic setting means accepting the responsibility that comes with an important role which serves students, faculty, staff, the institution and the community. Consequently the following shapes my philosophy:
Receptive
An administrator wears many hats and must interact with a host of individuals who bring ideas, concerns, opportunities, and complaints that represent their interest. As an administrator listening and gleaning significance is most important and adds to relationship building as well as informed action and/or response.
Visionary
Understanding where a program, discipline or the institution is and its internal and external strengths and challenges, prepares an administrator to contribute responsibly. The objective is not to remain where you are, whether it’s good or bad, but to progress with the times and in some situations lead the progress.
Innovative
Administrators do not have to reinvent the wheel, but they must critically create to ignite energy, enthusiasm, and challenge the most difficult of situations.
Strategic
Assessing, interpreting, defining, organizing, planning, leading, and controlling are central functions of an administrator and the latter actions are completed with great thought, clarity, and solicited engagement.
Collaborative and Inclusive
Acting alone negates the very administrative role one has agreed to uphold in an educational setting that includes thinkers and doers–people well prepared to participate. As an administrator, it is my responsibility to facilitate the greatness around me.
Participatory
Sitting on the sidelines is not an option. An administrator is always representing someone or something, so engagement is mandatory for not only representation but clarity on the issues at stake.
A Philosophy that has Supported Action
- Engaged in scholarly activities like a Summer Fulbright in Senegal West Africa; conference presentations at Harvard, in Belgrade Serbia, in Austria, and a host of settings in the United States; and several publications from book review articles to book publications
- Utilized a spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity to make viable campus contributions that stregthen program awareness, sustainability, and contribution
- Enhanced leadership competencies by directing a campus leadership development institute and its first annual conference
- Strengthened diversity competencies via travel to 21 countries to-date, an abroad summer Fulbright, and two international teaching opportunities
- Collaborated with Vice Presidents over Financial Affairs, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs
- Developed and supervised campus and community events and programs
- Supervised over 150 employees
- Oversaw instruction at multiple campuses, including dual credit courses in high school settings
- Developed teaching and class schedules
- Facilitated master syllabi and ILO assessment development
- Evaluated instructors
- Mentored new faculty
- Wrote grants, program reviews, and other internal and external reports
- Managed budgets
- Obtained graduate degrees in English and management
Avis 