Leaders on Leadership

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. Read the full episode transcript here. 

Dr. Gary Crosby President, Saint Elizabeth University (NJ)

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. Interview recorded in September 2022. Read the full episode transcript here. 

Dr. Beatriz González President, Wolfson Campus, Miami Dade College (FL)

In this episode, Jay talks with Dr. Beatriz González, President of the Wolfson Campus of Miami Dade College. Dr. González shares her family’s story as Cuban exiles and how that experience influenced her desire to give back to others through leadership in higher education. She also discusses the need for leaders to be authentic, humble, and open to opportunity, and to surround themselves with a talented team and strong support network. Interview recorded in January 2022. Read the full episode transcript here. 

Dr. Ronald Rochon President, University of Southern Indiana

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 the full episode transcript here.

Dr. Javier Cevallos President, Framingham State University (MA)

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 the full episode transcript here. 

Deborah F. Stanley, J.D ,President, State University of New York at Oswego

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.

Dr. Loren Blanchard, President of the University of Houston-Downtown

In this episode, Jay talks with Dr. Loren Blanchard, President of the University of Houston-Downtown, who shares three pieces of advice for leading through crisis: being nimble, doing advanced preparation, and delivering clear, consistent and regular communication. Dr. Blanchard also discusses some of the proven strategies he has used to help close equity gaps and the importance of focusing on student success to achieve those efforts. Interview recorded in September 2021.

Dr. Félix Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor of the City University of New York

Jay is joined by Dr. Félix Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor of the City University of New York. Dr. Rodríguez shares his thoughts on how leaders can benefit from having a mentor or executive coach as they transition into a new role. He also discusses the importance of understanding your leadership style so you know your strengths and the areas where you need to grow.

Dr. Alisa White, President of Sam Houston State University

In this episode, Jay speaks with Dr. Alisa White, President of Sam Houston State University (SHSU). Dr. White discusses her experience transitioning to the presidency at SHSU during the height of the pandemic and the importance of virtue, courage, and honesty when building a strong team.

Dr. Shirley Collado, Former President & Senior Advisor, Ithaca College

Dr. Shirley Collado talks with Jay about how her earliest college experience as a member of the inaugural class of Posse scholars shaped her career, her perspective on access, success, and college completion, and her understanding of students’ desires for a sense of belonging and affirmation. She also discusses how aspiring leaders can prepare for the challenges of the future by gaining skills and experiences from across the varied sectors of higher education.