The 10 Inspiring Education Leaders, 2024

Building Bridges of Progress!

Dearreaders,

Inarapidlychangingworldwhereknowledgeiskeyandinnovationdrivesprogress,the realmofeducationstandsasacornerstoneofsocietaldevelopment.Asinstitutionsstrive toadapttothechangingneedsofstudentsandnavigatethroughthecomplexitiesof moderneducation,visionaryleadershipemergesastheguidingforcedrivinginnovation, equity,andexcellence.TheEducationMagazineisproudtopresent“The10Inspiring EducationLeaders2024,”aneditiondedicatedtocelebratingtheremarkableindividuals whoareshapingthefutureofeducationandinspiringpositivechangeinthelivesof learnersworldwide.

OurcoverstoryfeaturesMarkS.Cohen,DeanoftheUniversityofIllinoisUrbanaChampaign,avisionaryleaderwhosededicationtoacademicexcellenceandstudent successhasearnedhimwidespreadacclaim.Throughinnovativeinitiatives, transformativeeducationalstrategies,andacommitmenttoinclusivity,DeanCohen epitomizestheessenceofinspirationalleadershipineducation.Asreadersdelveintohis story,insights,andachievements,theywillgainvaluableperspectivesintohowthe UniversityofIllinoisUrbana-Champaignispioneeringnewfrontiersineducationunder hisguidance.

Butthejourneydoesn'tendthere.ThiseditionofTheEducationMagazineshowcases profilesofotherinspirationaleducationleaderswhoaremakingsignificantimpactsin theirrespectivefields.FromToriMurdenMcClure,whosededicationtoexperiential learningisredefiningoutdooreducation,toCamilleDavidson,whoseadvocacyfor diversityandinclusionisfosteringamoreequitableeducationallandscape,andDalia Sherif,whoseinnovativeapproachestoSTEMeducationareinspiringthenextgeneration ofscientistsandengineers,eachleaderbringsauniqueblendofpassion,expertise,and impacttothefieldofeducation.Dr.VernellA.Bennett-Fairsfurtherenrichesour explorationwithhergroundbreakingcontributionstostudentengagementandholistic learningexperiences.

Asreadersimmersethemselvesinthestoriesoftheseinspirationaleducationleaders,they willwitnessthetransformativepowerofeducationtochangelives,empower communities,andshapethefuture.TheEducationMagazineinvitesreaderstoexplore “The10InspiringEducationLeaders2024,”celebratingtheirdedication,resilience,and unwaveringcommitmenttocreatingabrightertomorrowthrougheducation.

Happyreading!

Parag Ahire Project Editor

From The Editor’s Desk

People Behind This Issue

Publisher: Archana Ghule

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10 MARK S. COHEN

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C O N T E N T

Cover Story

Dr. Elad Granot www.boler.jcu.edu

Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr www.troy.edu Dr. Evan D. Du www.ncwu.edu

Dr. Timothy Mottet www.csupueblo.edu Mark S. Cohen www.illinois.edu Tori Murden McClure www.spalding.edu

Camille Davidson www.law.siu.edu Dr. Vernell A. Bennett-Fairs www.loc.edu Dalia Sherif www.lonestar.edu

Winston Conrad B. Padojinog www.uap.asia

Dean Mark Cohen on

Carle Illinois College’s

Response to Evolving Needs of Medical Education

KeyPoints:

● TheCarleIllinoisCollegeofMedicineistheworld’sfirst engineering-basedmedicalschoolthatfullyintegrateshumancentereddesignthinkingandengineeringprinciplesintothe medicalcurriculum.

● Astechnologyandmedicalsciencegrow,theamountof informationthatstudentsneedtomasterforcompetencyinthe fouryearsofmedicalschoolcontinuestogrow.

● Dr.Cohensays,“Thebiggestinspirationformetochoosea careerineducationalleadershipistogrowtheimpactstudents haveontheworldandourfuture.”

IImagineamedicalschoolwhere engineeringanddesignarenot justelectives,butcore componentsweavedthroughoutthe entirecurriculum.Wherestudents learnnotonlyhowtodiagnoseand treatdiseasesandtake compassionatecareofpatients,but alsohowtoinventandimplement solutionsforhealthcarechallenges. Wherestudentsareexposedto diverseperspectivesanddisciplines andcollaboratewithexpertsfrom differentfieldsandsectors.

ThisisthevisionoftheCarle IllinoisCollegeofMedicine,the world’sfirstengineering-based medicalschool,foundedin2015. Thecollegeaimstoproduce physician-innovatorswhocan harnessthepoweroftechnology, data,andcreativitytotransform healthcareandimprovelives.

InanexclusiveinterviewwithThe EducationMagazine,theDeanof theCarleIllinoisCollegeof MedicineattheUniversityof IllinoisUrbana-Champaign,Mark S.Cohen,MD,FSSO,FACS,he sharedhisinsightsandexperiences asaneducationalleader,an innovator,andasurgeon.Hetoldus howhehasbeenhelpingshapethe college’suniqueandpioneering curriculum,howhehasbeen engagingandempoweringthe studentsandfaculty,andhowhehas beenovercomingthechallengesand seizingtheopportunitiesinthefield ofmedicaleducation.

(ThefollowingQ&Ahasbeen editedforlengthandclarity)

TheEducationMagazine:The CarleIllinoisCollegeofMedicine isknownasthe“World’sFirst Engineering-BasedCollegeof

I

COVER STORY

Medicine.”Whatmakesthisapproach tomedicaleducationuniqueandhow doesitimpactstudentdevelopment?

Dr.Cohen:Weliveinadynamicworld wheretechnologychangesweekly We needtopreparemedicalstudentstouse technologyandworkwith multidisciplinaryteamstoimprove patientcareandoutcomesandsolve futurechallengesinmedicineandhealth.

However,mostmedicalschoolsdonot teachorrequiretrainingininnovation, engineeringdesignthinking,orAI/data science.Theseareessentialskillsthat physiciansneedtohave;incorporating newtechnologiesintheirpracticesand collaboratingeffectivelywithindustryto advanceinnovationandpatientcare.

TheCarleIllinoisCollegeofMedicineis apartnershipbetweentheUniversityof IllinoisUrbana-ChampaignandtheCarle HealthSystem.Itwasfoundedin2015 andwelcomeditsfirstcohortofmedical studentsin2018.Itistheworld’sfirst engineering-basedmedicalschoolthat fullyintegrateshuman-centereddesign thinkingandengineeringprinciplesinto theentiremedicalcurriculum.

CarleIllinoisstandsoutfromother medicalschoolsbyembracingthis integrationoftechnologyandengineering inmedicine.Weequipourmedical studentswiththeskillsandmindsettouse newtechnologyintheirpracticeandto solveproblemsinhealthcarethrough engineeringanddesignthinking.Wetrain themtobecomephysician-innovators: leaderswhocandeveloptransformative healthcaresolutionsthrough interdisciplinaryimmersion.

Wealsoofferourstudentsvarious programsinmedicalsimulation, includingapplicationsofmixedreality (virtualandaugmentedreality)for clinicalskillsdevelopment,teamtraining,

andtelemedicine.Besidesclinicalrotationsandcoursesin biomedicalandtranslationalsciences,ourstudentslearndata science,AI,and3Dprinting.

Ourstudentsalsohavenumerousopportunitiestoinnovateusing ourHealthmakerLabfacilitiesorcourseslikeIdeaRounds,where engineersworkwithstudentstosolveproblemsonclinical rotations.Ourstudentsalsoengageinresearchanddatascience projects,aninnovationcapstoneproject,andnewcertificate programsinAIinMedicineorHealthcareInnovation,Design,and Entrepreneurship.

TheEducationMagazine:Howdoyourespondtothechanging needsandexpectationsofstudents?Whatdoyouthinkarethe mosturgentissuesthatthecurrentmedicaleducationsystem faces?AstheDean,whatareyourmainprioritiesanddecisions inthisregard?

Dr.Cohen:Thecurrentmedicaleducationsystemfacesongoing challengesandopportunities,suchashowtobestmeasuretheskills andcompetencyofstudents,howtointegratetechnologyinto medicinetobettertrainphysicianstoimprovepatientexperiences andoutcomes,andhowtohelpstudentsengageinandeffectively leadmultidisciplinaryteams.

Moreover,astechnologyandmedicalscienceadvance,students needtolearnmorecontenttoachievecompetency.Wehave addressedthesechallengesandrequirementsbydevelopingvarious programs,curricula,andinitiativesatCarleIllinoisthatdeliver medicaleducationthroughthisnovelintegrationofengineeringand innovation.

OneofmyresponsibilitiesastheDeanistobuildrelationshipswith communityandindustrypartnersandothermedicalschools,both nationallyandinternationally.Throughthesepartnerships,wehave createdanewGlobalConsortiumofEngineeringandInnovationin Medicine,whichwillprovideourstudentswiththetoolstosucceed inthisrapidlychanginghealthcareenvironmentandthenetworksto collaborateandexchangenewideasandbestpractices.

Theseeffortsarehelpingustraincompetent,compassionate,and diversephysician-innovatorswhocanleadinterdisciplinaryteamsto createtransformativehealthcaresolutionsforthefuture.

TheEducationMagazine:Howdidyoustartyoureducational andprofessionaljourney?Whatweresomeofthementorsor experiencesthatsparkedyourpassionforeducationandledyou toaleadershiprole?

Dr.Cohen:Istartedmyjourneyasachemicalengineer,conducting researchandworkinginindustryforashorttime.Then,Idecidedto

“

As an educational leader, always put the learner at the center of your eorts as they are why you are here and what should give meaning to your work

pursuemedicineandcompletedmymedicalschool, generalsurgeryresidency,andthreeyearsofbasic andtranslationalresearchatWashingtonUniversityin St.LouisincludinganNIHT32fellowshipfocusing onsurgicaloncologyandendocrinesurgery.

ThemainreasonIchoseacareerineducational leadershipwastheimpactstudentscanhaveonthe worldandthefuture.Eversincemyearlyresidency,I havealwaysenjoyedteachingmedicalstudents.

IjoinedtheUniversityofKansasasmyfirstfaculty positionandthenmovedtotheUniversityof MichiganandMichiganMedicinefor10years. There,Iestablishedanewcenteranddeveloped severalnewprograms,includinganeweducational pathwayofexcellenceininnovationand entrepreneurshipformedicalstudentsthatisstillvery successful.

In2022,IbecametheDeanoftheCarleIllinois CollegeofMedicine,theworld’sfirstengineeringbasedmedicalschool.

Ihavehadmanymentorsandrolemodelsover theyears,andIthinkitisimportanttohavea diversegroupofmentorsandcolleaguestohelp youseenewopportunitiesandblindspotsfrom differentperspectivesandgrowasaleader

TheEducationMagazine:“Inspiringothers” isakeythemeinthisissue.Howdoyou motivateandinspirethosearoundyouwith yourpersonalleadershippractices?

Dr.Cohen:Ithinksomeimportantqualitiesof aneducationalleaderarelisteningtostudents’ educationalneeds,innovatinglearningmethods andcurricula,andaddressingcurrent educationalgaps.Thesequalitieshelpimprove thelearners’skillstohandlenotonlythe currentchallengesinthefieldbutalsothe futureonesthatwillemerge.

Imeetwithstudentsregularlytounderstand theirchallengesandidentifytheareaswhere thecurriculumcanbeimproved.Ialso

challengeoureducatorstoconstantlyupdateour uniqueandinnovativecurriculum.Inthisway,wecan betterequipourstudentswiththeskillstobecome successfulphysician-innovatorswhocanlead multidisciplinaryteamstosolveproblemsinhealth care,bothtodayandinthefuture.Wealsolooktoscale ourinnovativesolutionsfromsmallruralor underservedcommunitiestoaglobalimpacttobenefit society.

TheEducationMagazine:Howdoyouachievea healthywork-lifebalance?Whataresomeofthe activitiesthatyouenjoyoutsideofwork?

Dr.Cohen:Work-lifebalanceisincrediblyimportant, andIlearneditprobablymuchlaterthanIshouldhave. Havingagoodteamandsupportsystemisessentialto findingabalanceandmanagingyourschedule.

Alwaysmaketimeforthethingsthatbringyoujoy Thisbalanceisalsosomethingthatyouneedtowork onconstantlyasitchangesandevolveswithyour career

Ilikespendingtimewithmyfamily,playing golf,traveling,singinginthechoir,playing thetrumpet,andworkingonvarious innovationsandstartups.Ialsolikeadvising others.

TheEducationMagazine:Whatadvice wouldyougivetobuddingleaderswho wanttomakeadifferenceinthe educationalfield?

Dr.Cohen:Myadviceforbudding educationalleadersisthis:Alwaysputthe learnerattheheartofyourefforts,astheyare thereasonyouarehereandthesourceofyour motivation.

Talktothemregularlyandlearnfromthem, asitwillhelpyouimproveyoureducational leadershipandguideyouincreatingnew programsandinnovations,aswellasprovide youwithbettersolutionstotheproblemsyou mayencounterineducation.

Davidson Dean and Professor of Law

Southern Illinois University School of Law

A Champion of Legal Education Nurturing the Next Generation

Anidealeducationalleader mustpossessabalanceof qualities,includinginsight, emotionalintelligence,and collaborationskills.Theymustwork alongsidediversestakeholderssuchas students,faculty,staff,alumni,donors, communityleaders,publicfigures,and corporateexecutives.Leaderswho achievesuccesscomprehendthe significanceofdataandrelationship building.Intoday’sworld,crisis managementskillsarealso indispensableforleadership.Camille Davidson,DeanandProfessorof LawatSouthernIllinoisUniversity SchoolofLaw,isaprimeexampleof suchanexceptionalleader.Her inspiringjourneyhaspositively impactedthelivesofnumerous students.

PursuitofAcademicExcellenceand CareerPathExploration

Influencedbyherparents’strong backgroundineducation,withher fatherasarespectedsuperintendent anduniversityprofessorandher motherasadedicatedhighschool teacher,Camilleinitiallypursueda careerinlaw.However,herpathtook anunexpectedturnwhenshe gravitatedtowardsworkingwithyoung peopleduringherlawschoolyearsand legalpractice.

Whileinlawschool,sheengagedwith thepre-collegeprogramDCWorks, whichpreparedhighschoolstudents forcollege.Shealsomentoredfoster

childrenwhowereagingoutofthe system.Camille’spassionfor educationtrulyignitedthrough teachinghighschoolstudentsaspartof alawschoolcoursecalledStreetLaw, whichallowedhertoteachaclassat DunbarHighSchoolinWashington, DC.Theseexperienceslaidthe foundationforherremarkable transitionfromlawtoacademia.

Camille’sfirstcollege-levelteaching experiencecameasanadjunct professoratDavidsonCollege,where shesharedherexpertiseinIntroduction toPoliticalSciencewithundergraduate students.Whileconcurrentlypracticing law,Camillecontinuedtomakean impactbyteachinglegalwritingto first-yearlawstudents.In2007,sheleft thefull-timepracticeoflawtoteach full-time.

Camillewasappointedasassociate deanatapriorinstitutionin2012.In thisrole,shespearheadedABAaccreditedprogramsinLithuaniaand Italythatbroadenedstudents’ educationalhorizons.Moreover, Camilleintroducedcomplianceand paralegalprogramstocomplementthe JDprogram,leavingalastingimpact onthelegalprofession.Her responsibilitiesencompassed organizationalmanagement,student development,programandtalent development,andcommunity engagement.

Drivenbyherdedicationandfueledby thedesiretotakeherimpacttonew heights,Camillesethersightsona

deanship.Asawifeandmother,she patientlyawaitedtheopportunityto assumesuchademandingrole.In 2019,whenheryoungestchild enteredhersenioryearofhigh school,Camillebegansearchingfora deanship.Herjourneyledhertoher currentposition,whichsheassumed inJuly2020.

Camillewasdeterminedtomakea lastingimpactwhenshejoinedSIU Law.Sheprioritizedadmissionsand recruiting,barpreparation,diversity, equity,andinclusion,expandingthe school’sfootprint,brandawareness, andalumnire-engagement.Guided bydataandfueledbyapassionate teamoffaculty,staff,andstudent input,Camillehasmadesignificant stridestowardsachievingthesegoals, aligningtheSchoolofLawwiththe broadervisionoftheUniversityand SIUSystem.Shefurtherstates, “Had you asked me 30 years ago if I would be a higher education leader, I would have said NO. But, I have found my niche. I LOVE preparing the next generation of students.”

Inherquestforexcellence,Camille findsinspirationinherparentsand grandparents,whohavebeen remarkablerolemodels.Despite experiencingsegregationandlimited opportunities,herparentssucceeded intheircareers.Theirresilienceand achievementsinspireCamille, remindingherthatwith determinationandperseverance,she, too,canovercomebarriers.

ConcurrentDegreePrograms: ExpandingHorizonsand Possibilities

TheestablishmentoftheSouthern IllinoisUniversitySchoolofLaw datesbackto1973,drivenbya steadfastcommitmenttothe publicgood.Withaproud50-year legacy,SIULawoffersaspiring legalprofessionalsa comprehensiverangeofacademic programs.

TheinstitutegrantsaJurisDoctor degreewhilepresentingstudents withtheopportunitytopursue concurrentdegrees.Atthe SouthernIllinoisUniversity Carbondalecampus,individuals cancombinetheirJDwithdegrees suchasMD,DoctorofPolitical Science,MasterofAccountancy, MBA,MasterofElectricaland ComputerEngineering,Masterof PublicAdministration,Masterof ScienceinEducation,andMaster ofSocialWork.Furthermore,the SouthernIllinoisUniversity Edwardsvillecampusoffersa JD/MPAprogram.

“

A good leader uses data to inform decisions but also understands the importance of building and nurturing relationships.

SIULawhascollaboratedwith esteemedinstitutionslikeGovernor’s StateUniversity,TougalooCollege, StillmanCollege,andSIUCarbondale. SIULawfacilitatesanacceleratedpath forhigh-achievingstudents.These exceptionalscholarscanearn bachelor’sandlawdegreeswithinsix years,propellingtheircareersforward. SIULawprovidesampleopportunities forexperientialeducation, encompassingclinics,externships,and probonoactivities,enablingstudentsto acquirepracticalskillsandinvaluable real-worldexposure.Lastyear,SIU Lawopenedasatellitelocationin Belleville,Illinois,attheSouthwestern IllinoisJusticeandWorkforceCampus. SIULawhousestheMetroEast CriminalJusticeClinicatthissite.

WhatsetsSIULawapartextends beyonditsacademicofferings—itisthe collaborativeandclose-knitcommunity itfosters.Theinstituteequipsstudents withessentialresourcesandguidanceto thrivebycreatinganenvironmentof supportandcamaraderie.Asa testamenttothiscommitment,SIULaw hostsapre-lawsummerprogram, introducingstudentstotheregion, providingcomprehensiveinsightsinto theapplicationprocess,imparting successstrategies,andoffering invaluableinformationonfinancinglaw school.

FosteringDiversityandAcademic Excellence

AsdeanoftheSIUSchoolofLaw, Camilleassumesapivotalrolein drivingtheinstitution’ssuccess. RepresentingtheLawSchooland Universitytoexternalconstituents,she setsprioritiesandallocatesresources whileforgingpartnershipswithother campusunitsandinstitutions.Under herleadership,thefacultyhas undertakensignificantinitiativessuch

ascurriculummapping,adoptinganti-racismand inclusivitystatements,anddevelopingastrategicplan. Technologicalandfacilityupgradeshaveprovidedstudents withanenhancedlearningenvironment.

Camille’scommitmenttodiversityisevidentinrecruitinga diversefacultyandtheincreaseddiversityofthestudent body.Shesupportsfacultyresearchandscholarshipthrough grantsandstipends,contributingtotheacademiclandscape throughteachingandpublications.BeyondtheSchoolof Law,CamilleholdsajointappointmentintheSchoolof Medicine,fosteringcollaborationsandinnovativeprograms suchastheJD/MDprofessionalismday,theRyan BioethicistinResidence, andtheannualHealthPolicy Institute.

CamilleisamemberoftheAmericanAssociationofState CollegesandUniversityMillenniumLeadershipInitiative’s 2023-24cohort.Thisprogramaimstodiversifyandenrich theAmericancollegepresidency,reflectingCamille’s dedicationtoprofessionaldevelopmentandadvancing highereducationleadership.AsCamilleentersherfourth yearasdean,theSchoolofLawhaswitnessedasurgein applications,reachingthehighestnumberssince2013. Additionally,thepost-graduationemploymentratesare approximately95percent.

EmpoweringEducationforAll:Camille’s TransformativeInitiatives

CamillewasbornandraisedinMississippiandunderstands theimportanceofeducationandequalopportunities.Witha wealthofexperienceasaprofessor,academicdean,and dean,sherecognizesstudents’challenges,particularlythose fromunderrepresentedbackgroundsandfirst-generation learners.Drivenbyacommitmenttotheirsuccess,Camille providesthenecessarysupporttoensuretheirtriumphs.

Camillehasexpandedherreachbeyondherinstitutionby takingonleadershiprolesinwell-respectedprofessional organizations.Someofhernotablepositionsinclude:

● AmericanBarAssociationAccreditationSite Evaluator

● IllinoisSupremeCourte-BusinessPolicyAdvisory Board

● BoardMember,CenterforComputer-Assisted LegalInstruction(CALI)

● LawSchoolAdmissionsCouncil(LSAC) AssessmentsCommittee

● AmericanLawInstitute

● UniformBarExaminationEstatePlanningand AdministrationSubcommittee,NorthCarolina StateBar(2017)

● Vice-chair,BioethicsCommittee,ABASectionof RealProperty,TrustandEstateLaw(2013-16)

Camilleisacutelyawareofthesignificanceofmental healthinthelearningenvironment.Sheunderstands studentscan’tfocusonacademicswhentheylackbasic needslikefoodandshelter,soshestartedprogramstohelp easethoseburdens.InherfirstyearatSIULaw,Camille partneredwithabarvendortoensurethatlawstudentshad accesstoessentialresourcesforpost-graduationbar preparationbeforecommencingtheirlegaleducation.She alsorepurposedspaceforameditationroomandurged parentstousethelibrary’skid-friendlystudyroom.

Tofosteracohesivesupportnetwork,Camilleinvited disabilityservicesandotheruniversityresourcestoaddress facultymeetings.Thisendeavorensuresthatfaculty membersremaininformedabouttheavailableresourcesto assisttheirstudentsbetter.

PrioritizingBalanceandNurturingWellness

CamillevaluesGod,family,andworkashertoppriorities. Sheinvitesotherstojoinheronenergizingwellnesswalks atSouthernIllinoisUniversity,whichpromotesphysical activityandahealthydietforoverallwell-being.Camille upcyclest-shirtstocreatemeaningfulobjectsinherfree timeandenjoysquilting.Sheservesonvariouscommunity boardsandisanassociateandlifememberofJackandJill ofAmerica,Inc.andalifememberofAlphaKappaAlpha Sorority,Inc.

WiseAdvice

Asahighereducationleader,CamillefollowsMartin LutherKing,Jr.’sstatement, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Advicethatsheshareswithothersisasfollows:

● It'sessentialtofindacommunityofpeoplewho supportyou.

● Authenticityisimportant.Showupasyouareand befabulous!

BRAIN VS CODE Explore the Hidden Career Opportunities in AI Beyond Coding

ImagineaworldwhereAIassistantswritecaptivatingnovels,robotsprovide

personalizedhealthcare,andalgorithmssolvecomplexsocialchallenges.That isthefuturepoweredbyAI,aboomingfieldwithcareeropportunitiesfor everyone,notjustcodingwizards.WhilecodingunderpinsmanyAIapplications, it'sjustonepieceofthepuzzle.ThemisconceptionthatAIcareersaresolelyfor programmerslimitsmanyfromexploringthisexcitingdomain.So,ifyouare curiousaboutAIbuthesitantduetocoding,fretnomore!Thisarticleisyour gatewaytodiscoveringfulfillingcareeropportunitiesinAIthatdon'trequire writingasinglelineofcode.

AIIndustryataGlance

Inthelasttwodecades,theworldhasevolvedrapidlywiththehelpoftechnology Theexpansionandpenetrationoftheinternetareconsideredtobeoneofthe primarysources.Theintroductionof4Gmadeitmucheasiertoreacheverycorner oftheworld.Now,5Gisrevolutionizingourworld.However,thesechangesare takinghumanitybyleap.AfterthereleaseofChatGPT,everythingaroundushas drasticallychanged.Or,wecansay,upgraded.Sincethen,thegraphofwebsites andappswithAIhassharplytakenoff.

TheartificialintelligencemarketisexpectedtobeworthUS$305.90billionbythe endof2024,accordingtoStatistareports.Accordingtoprojections,themarket wouldincreaseata15.83%annualrate(CAGR2024–2030)andreachavalueof US$738.80billionby2030.GenerativeAIisoneofthehottopicsonthemarket. AccordingtoaBloombergreport,generativeAIwillreachamarketvaluationof

$1.3trillionby2032.Further,itsays,thismarketwilltake thebullrunwithawhopping42%CAGRinthenext10 years.Therefore,itstatesthatcareeropportunitiesinAI aregoingtoshootupinnotime.

TheMythoftheCoder-OnlyAIWorld

Contrarytopopularbelief,AIcareersaren’texclusively forcoders.Infact,theAIecosystemthrivesondiversity

Fromcreativethinkerstoanalyticalminds,variousskills andbackgroundscontributetoitssuccess.

Codingskillsarevaluablebutnotthesolerequirementfor AIcareers.AneffectiveAIteamcomprisesindividuals withdiverseexpertise,includingdesign,dataanalysis, projectmanagement,policydevelopment,communication, andbusinessstrategy

ForgetthestereotypeofAIcareersbeinglockedbehind linesofcode!Whiletechnicalskillsarevaluable,artificial intelligencewelcomesavibranttapestryoftalents.From creativestorytellerstostrategicbusinessminds,the opportunitiesinAIareasdiverseastheproblemsitsolves.

Non-CodingCareerOpportunitiesinAI

●UserExperience(UX)Designers:Craftintuitive interfacesforAI-poweredproducts,ensuringhumansand technologydanceinharmony.ImagineSarah,a psychologygraduateturnedUXdesigner,whobuilds interfacesthatfeelnaturalandtrustworthyforAI-powered healthcarechatbots.

●DataAnalysts&Scientists:Delveintothedataocean, uncoveringhiddenpatternsthatfuelAImodels.Thinkof Michael,abiologymajorturneddatascientist,who analyzesmedicaldatatotrainAIalgorithmsforfaster diseasediagnosis.

●ProjectManagers&Strategists:OrchestratetheAI symphony,leadingteamsandcraftingwinning implementationstrategies.PictureMaria,aseasoned projectmanager,guidingthedevelopmentofanAIpoweredmarketingcampaignthatskyrocketsbrand awareness.

●Policy&EthicsSpecialists:Safeguardtheresponsible useofAI,ensuringethicalconsiderationsarewoveninto itsdevelopment.ImagineJohn,alawyerwithapassionfor tech,shapingpolicythatfostersresponsibleAIuseacross industries.

●ContentCreators&Communicators:Breakdown complexAIconceptsintobite-sizedstoriesforeveryone. ThinkofClara,anEnglishmajorturnedAIwriter,who craftsengagingarticlesthatbridgethegapbetweenAIand thepublic.

●MarketResearchers&BusinessAnalysts:Spot emergingtrendsandidentifywhereAIcanunlockgamechangingsolutions.ImagineDavid,abusinesswhiz,using marketresearchtoguidethedevelopmentofanAI-powered customerservicetoolthatboostssatisfaction.

Thesearejustaglimpseintothevastcareerlandscape withinAI.Remember,thecodeisjustoneinstrumentinthe AIorchestra.So,findyouruniquesongandjointhe revolution!

FlourishingintheDynamicWorldofAICareers

DoyoustillthinkcareeropportunitiesinAIareallfancy titlesandtechnicaljargon?Thinkagain!Whiletechnical expertiseholdsitsweight,thetruemagicliesinthediverse tapestryofskillsandbackgroundsthatfueltheAI revolution.

SteppingintoanAIroledoesn’trequireacompleteoverhaul ofyourexistingskills.Infact,manyvaluableabilities translateseamlesslyintotheAIrealm.Criticalthinking, honedthroughyearsofproblem-solving,becomescrucial foranalyzingdataandidentifyingAIsolutions.Creativity, yoursecretweaponforcraftingcompellingnarratives,finds anewstageindesigningintuitiveAIinterfaces.And communication,thebridgebetweencomplexideasand everydayunderstanding,becomesvitalforexplainingAIto theworld.

TheAIlandscapeisever-evolving,constantlybirthingnew fieldsbrimmingwithcareeropportunities.Imaginedelving intothefascinatingworldofAI-poweredart,where algorithmsdancewithcreativitytoproducebreathtaking masterpieces.Or,envisionyourselfasaroboticist,shaping thefutureofhuman-machineinteraction.Perhaps computationallinguisticssparksyourcuriosity,where languageandAIcollidetorevolutionizecommunication.

Remember,thecareeropportunitiesinAIextendfarbeyond traditionaljobtitles.Itisavibrantecosystemwherediverse talentsblendtocreategroundbreakingsolutions.So,tapinto youruniqueskillset,igniteyourpassion,andjointhe thrillingjourneyofshapingthefuturewithAI!

( Executive Dean ,Lone Star College (LSC) )

Dalia Sherif

Raising the Leadership Bar While Modelling Servant Leadership

Tobeasuccessfuleducationalleader,oneutilizesa

varietyofcharacteristicsandtraits.Theprocessof settingandattaininggoals,forinstance,ismostly drivenbyaclearvisionandeffectivecommunicationsthat exemplifyclarity,conciseness,andcourtesyEffective leadersinhighereducationareconstantlycommunicating withstaff,faculty,students,families,stakeholders,and communitypartnersandusethefeedbacktoanalyze, changecourse,andmakesounddecisions.

DaliaSherif,anaccomplishededucationalleaderand ExecutiveDeanofBaccalaureateProgramsatLoneStar College(LSC),assertsthat “Communication is not only about saying the right things to the right people at the right time, but more importantly, it is about verbal attention, active listening, as well as body language.”

EducatingherDreams

DaliawasbornandraisedinEgypt,nearthegreat pyramids.Herfatherurgedherto“daretodream”asshe wasgrowingup.Itallstartedduringherfreshmanyearof collegewhenshewasawardedaSumaCumLaudemerit scholarship,changedhermajortobusinessadministration, andfellinlovewithliberaleducation.Dalialandedher dreamjobwhenshewashiredbytheU.S.Departmentof CommerceattheU.S.EmbassyinCairo,Egypt,allowing hertoworkinEgyptandtheU.S.,capturingandenjoying thebestofbothworlds.Shedidthatwhilealsoenrolledin anMBAprograminEdinburgh,Scotland,andwasraising herthreekids.Shelaughinglysaysthatsheearnedher MBAonaplane,becauseherfrequent36hours-flights (withmultiplestops)fromCairotoWashington,D.C.was herqualitytimetogothroughgraduateschooldespiteher busylife.WhensheearnedherMBA,shegearedupforher

Ph.D.,andgraduatedwithaPhDinOrganizational Psychology

Daliafeltthateducationwasthequickestroutetofulfillher dreams.Withthatresolve,shedevelopedintoalifelong studentaswellasaprofessionaldreamer.Shebelievesthat dreamsdonotcometruebycoincidence.Dreamsarethere toremindyouofwhatGeorgeElliottoncesaid,“it’snever toolatetobewhoyoumighthavebeen!”.Shealso understoodthatthebestformofpreparationistokeep learningandpreparingyourselftobereadyforevery opportunitycomingyourway Themagicalmomentofluck happensonlywhenopportunitymeetspreparedness.Dalia hasbeenapplyingtheselessonssinceshegraduatedfrom highschoolanduntilshewasonboardedasanExecutive DeanatLoneStarCollege,beingafearlessnewimmigrant.

ASuperlativeEducationExperienceatLoneStar College

LoneStarCollegeSystem’smissionistoprovide comprehensiveeducationalopportunitiesandprogramsto enrichlives.LoneStarCollege’svisionistobeamodel collegegloballyrecognizedforachievingexceptionallevels ofsuccessinstudentlearning,studentcompletion,gainful employment,equity,andaffordability Thefacultymembers ofLoneStarCollegestrivetocreateanotionofworld citizenryinstudents.Inthatpursuit,theymodelwaysof thinkingandbeingthatincorporatediversity,equality,and equity.Theyareinnovativeinthepursuitoflearning. Ultimately,theycreateaculturewherelearningthrives, peoplearesafe,andmirrorthequalitiesofworldcitizenry. LoneStarCollegehasrecentlylaunchedaBachelor’sof AppliedScienceinEmergencyManagementinadditionto theBachelor’sofAppliedTechnologyinCyberSecurity,

DDalia

Bachelor’sofAppliedScienceinEnergy,Manufacturing andTradesManagement,andBachelor'sofAppliedScience inNursing.ForthenewEmergencyManagementprogram, theworld-classprofessorsatLoneStarCollegewillfocus onmitigation,prevention,readiness,reaction,andrecovery techniquesduringnaturalandman-madedisasters.Faculty areutilizingbothin-classandextracurricularteachingand learningtechniquestohelpstudentscreateandputinto practicecomprehensivecommunityplanning,coordination, andmanagementstrategies.Graduateswillbequalifiedfor positionssuchasemergencymanagerandemergency planner.Studentscanfindemploymentwithcorporations, energycompanies,ports,militarybases,municipal,state, andfederalgovernments,aswellashealthcareinstitutions.

VersatilePersonality

BeingtheExecutiveDeanfortheLSC’snewlylaunched baccalaureatedegrees,Daliahasplayedasignificantrolein theirgrowthandtriplingtheirenrollmentinjusttwoyears. OneofDalia’smaingoalsistoinstillandfosteracultureof studentsuccessanda‘wow’ customerserviceexperience. Developingsuchacultureisaresultofthesynergyin teamwork.TheLSCbachelor’steamhascontinuously demonstratedacommitmenttoserviceexcellenceanda

methodicalapproachtocurriculumimprovementthrough theireverydayleadershipandinnovation.

Additionally,aseducationisrootedinmeaningfulchange, effectiveleadershipcausesagilenavigationofprocess improvement,reorientingtoembraceandservethe students’evolving needs,andcontinuouslygaugingtheir satisfactionthroughaskingfortheirfeedback.Constantly critiquingpresentprocedures,educationalinitiatives,and collaborativeendeavorscanbeverydifficult.However,this isthesecretrecipetocreatinganactionplanforsignificant change,robustgrowth,andongoingdevelopment.

IssuestobeAddressed

AccordingtoDalia,findingenoughmentorsisanemerging problemintoday’shighereducationsystem.Somefaculty membersfocusontheclassroomteachingandlearning experienceattheexpenseofcreatingextracurricular mentorshipendeavors.Educatorsarenaturalrolemodels forstudentsandhence,haveamentorshipresponsibilityto engagestudentsandinstillleadershipandcriticalthinking skillsinthem.Thebestapproachtoensurethatyourlessons arerememberedbystudentsandthattheinformationthey aregraspingisputtouseistobetheirstrongestadvocate,

andtolistenandguidetheminsideandoutsidethe classroom.

EmphasizingWork-LifeIntegration

Theconceptofwork-lifebalancerevolvesaround maintainingrigidboundariesbetweenyourworkand personallife.Daliahasshiftedtousingwork-life integrationratherthanwork-lifebalanceafterlisteningto variousproductivitycoaches.Work-lifeintegrationblurs therigidboundariesbetweenlifeandwork,wheretheyboth feedoffofeachothercreatingsynergiesbetweenwork, family,community,personalwell-being,andhealth,which areallpartofone’slife.Dalialikestoread,skate,bike,play tabletennis,andpracticeyoga.Inordertomotivateherself topursueherhobbiesandavoidlosingthem,sheplans theseactivitiesinadvancefortheentiremonth.Servingthe communityisanothersourceoffulfillmentforher.Dalia says,“IactuallyfoundoutfromEmmaSeppala’sbook,The HappinessTrack,thataltruisticactivitieslikecommunity servicecanboostyourhappinessby23%.”Sheengagesin volunteeringtomentorhighschoolstudentsaswellas beingonthescholarshipcommitteesattheEastEnd ChamberofCommerceandWomenProfessionalsin Governmentinherlocalarea.Sincethesearecommunities thatsheisapartof,itiseasiertofindtimetoimmerse herselfinservice.

GuidingWords

Dalia’sguidingprinciplesincludethecommitmenttolifelonglearning.Learningtoherislikeinstallinganew softwareupdate,ifitisnotcompletedoften,thesystemwill slowdownorpotentiallyshutdown.Itdoesnothavetobe thenextcertificateorcredential;itcouldbeanewskillora newbooktoread.Thisisparticularlywhatmakeseducators haveanextraordinaryvisionwhentheyadvocateormentor otherlearners.Itisthejoyofteachingandlearning,where wecanlearnfromourownstudentsasmuchastheylearn fromus.Lifelonglearningisnotonlynurturingone’smind butalsoformentalwell-beingandself-esteem.Exploring newpassionsandopportunitiesisthegatewayto connectingwithlike-mindedindividualsandbuildingour powerfulprofessionalnetwork.Shealwaystellsher students“yournetworkispartofyournetworth.”

Onemorenuggetshesharedistoneverstopatthefinish line.TheMaslow’shierarchyofneedsthatculminatesin self-actualizationtrulyraisesthebaraswegrow professionally Thefamoussaying“Ididn’tcomethisfarto onlycomethisfar”isatruedepictionofourprofessional journey Weareincrediblecreativebeingsandwehavethe abilitytoturnourdreamsintoaphysicalrealityinaprocess verysimilartohowpressuremakesdiamonds.Think

beyondthefinishline,pushyourfinishlinefurther,and knowthatyouonlygrowbyignitingthesparkofresilience outsideofyourcomfortzone. Sheadded,“Yourbestselfis theonecravingnewchallengesandemergingfrom setbacks.”

The 48 Laws of

The Complete List

Ifyouwanttoexperiencepower,armyourselfagainst

authority,orclaimyourpassion,read“The48Lawsof Power.”RobertGreene,oneofthewell-knownauthors ofsixinternationalbestsellers,wrotethisbook.Robert’s booksareintenseandhavevaluablelessonsthatstillhold valueintoday’sworld.Hisbestseller,The48Lawsof Power,highlightsthephilosophiesofvariouspersonalities suchasMachiavelli,SunTzu,CarlvonClausewitz,Queen ElizabethII,etc.Inthisblog,wewilldescribeeachlawin hisbook.Let’sbegin!

Law1:AlwaysKeepYourMasterAboveYou.

Hideyourtalentsandmakethoseaboveyoufeelsuperior, sotheywillneverfeelthreatenedbyyouandwillinstead promoteyou.

Law2:BeWaryofYourFriends.

Friendsaremorelikelytobetrayyouinhastethanenemies, astheyaremorepronetoenvy.Makefriendswithaformer enemy,astheywillhavemoretoprove.

Law3:ConcealYourIntentions

Keeppeopleoff-balanceandinthedarkbyneverrevealing thepurposebehindyouractions.Iftheyhavenocluewhat youareupto,theycannotprepareadefense.

Law4:AlwaysSayLessThanNecessary

Thelessyousay,themoremysteriousyouappear.Silence makespeopleuncomfortableandforcesthemtofillinthe blanks,revealingmoreaboutthemselvesthanintended.

Law5:SoMuchDependsonReputation-GuardIt WithYourLife

Donotleaveyourreputationtochanceorgossip;itisyour life’sartwork,andyoumustcraftit,honeit,anddisplayit withanartist'scare.

Law6:CourtAttentionatAllCost

Appearmoreprominent,colorful,andmysteriousthanthe blandandtimidmasseswhojudgeeverythingbyits appearance.

Law7:GetOtherstoDoYourWork,butAlwaysTake theCredit

Thislawstatesthatitismoreefficientandeffectivetouse theskillsandknowledgeofotherstofurtheryourown goals.Bydoingso,youwillappearmorepowerfuland efficient.

Law8:MakeOtherPeopleComeToYou-UseBaitif Necessary

Itisalwaysbettertomakeyouropponentcometoyouina powerstruggle.Thisputsyouincontrolandgivesyouan advantage.Useanybait,ifnecessary.

Law9:WinThroughYourActions,NeverThrough Argument

Argumentsarecounterproductiveandcancreateresentment. Itisbettertodemonstrateyourpointthroughactions,without sayingaword.

Law10:Infection-AvoidtheUnhappyandUnlucky

Theunhappyandunluckycanbringtheirmiseryonyoulike aninfection.Associatewiththehappyandfortunateinstead, astheirpositiveenergywillruboffonyou.

Law11:LearntoKeepPeopleDependentonYou

Tomaintainyourpower,makeothersdependentonyou.The moretheyneedyou,themorecontrolyouhaveoverthem.

Law12:UseSelectiveGenerosityandHonestytoDisarm YourVictim

Asingleactofhonestyorgenerositycandisarmeventhe mostsuspiciousperson.Oncetheyaredisarmed,youcan manipulatethematwill.

Law13:WhenAskingForHelp,AppealtoPeoplesSelf Interests,NevertoTheirMercyorGratitude

Appealtopeople’sself-interest,nevertotheirmercyor gratitude.Peoplearemorelikelytohelpyouiftheyseeitas intheirbestinterest.

Law14:PoseasaFriend,WorkasaSpy

Togainpower,youmustlearntogatherinformationabout yourrivals.Thebestwaytodothisistobefriendswiththem andgaintheirtrust.

Law15:CrushYourEnemyTotally

Destroyyourenemiesnotonlyinbodybutalsoinspirit. Leavethemnoroomtomaneuverornegotiate.

Law16:UseAbsencetoIncreaseRespectandHonor

Toomuchpresencemakesyoucommon,sowithdraw strategicallytoincreaseyourvalueandmakepeoplecrave yourpresence.

Law17:KeepOthersinSuspendedTerror-Cultivate anAirofUnpredictability

KeepOthersInSuspendedTerror:CultivateAnAirOf Unpredictability.Soyoucanthrowthemoffbalanceand eventerrifythembycultivatinganairofunpredictability.

Law18:DoNotBuildFortressesAroundYourselfIsolationIsDangerous

Isolationisdangerousbecauseitmakesyoublindtothe threatsaroundyou.Itisbettertostayconnectedwith othersandbuildanetworkofallieswhocanprotectyou.

Law19:KnowWhoYouAreDealingWith-DoNot OffendtheWrongPerson

Becarefulwhoyouoffend;somepeoplewillneverforget orforgive.Therearemanydifferentkindsofpeoplein theworld,andeachwillreactdifferentlyifyoulieto them.

Law20:DoNotCommitToAnyone

Youshouldonlypartiallyalignyourselfwithoneperson orgroup,whichwilllimityourpowerandinfluence. Beingindependent,youcanplaypeopleandbeatan advantage.

Law21:PlayaSuckertoCatchaSucker-Play DumberThanYourMark

Togainpower,makeothersfeelsmarterthanyou.This willdisarmtheirsuspicionandmakethemmorelikelyto trustyou.

Law22:UsetheSurrenderTactic-Transform WeaknessIntoPower

Whenyouareweaker,surrenderratherthanfightforthe sakeofhonor.Itgivesyoutimetobuildstrengthand undermineyourvictorwhileyouwaitforhispowerto weaken.

Law23:ConcentrateYourForces

Conserveyourresourcesandenergiesbyconcentrating themwhereyou’llbenefitmost.Focusonminingthe richestmineratherthanawholestringofmines.

Law24:PlaythePerfectCourtier

Theperfectcourtierhasmasteredtheartofindirection, flattering,andassertingpoweroverothersgracefully

Law25:Re-CreateYourselves

Donotaccepttherolesthatsocietyimposesonyou.Instead, re-createyourselfbyforginganewidentitythatcommands attentionandneverborestheaudience.

Law26:KeepYourHandClean

Nevergetpersonallyinvolvedinanythingmessyor unpleasant.Alwaysuseothersasscapegoatsandcat’spaws todisguiseyourinvolvement.

Law27:PlayOnPeople’sNeedstoBelievetoCreatea CultlikeFollowing

Mimicisareligiousstructurewithahierarchy,rituals,and requestsforsacrifice.Createacultlikefollowing,andyou willhaveuntoldpoweroveryourfollowers.

Law28:EnterActionsWithBoldness

Hesitationisdangerous.Onlyattemptitifyouaresureofthe courseofaction.Yourdoubtsanduncertaintieswillaffect yourexecution.

Law29:PlanAlltheWaytotheEnd

Planallthewaytotheendandfocusonyourultimategoal. Don’tbeswayedbywishfulthinkingortemptedto improvise.

Law30:MakeYourAccomplishmentsSeemEffortless

Hidetheeffortthatwentintoyouraccomplishments.People willbemoreimpressedbyyourachievementsiftheyseem effortless.

Law31:ControltheOptions:GetOtherstoPlayWith theCardsYouDeal

GetOtherstoPlaywiththeCardsYouDeal:Thebestwayto deceivepeopleistomakethembelievetheyhaveachoice andareincontrol.Inreality,youareincontrol.

Law32:PlaytoPeople’sFantasies

Fantasiesmoreeasilyswaypeoplethanreality.Ifyoutapinto people’simaginations,youcangaintheirtrustandsupport.

Law33:DiscoverEachMan’sThumbscrew

Discoveringandexploitingweaknessescangiveindividuals poweroverothers.Everyonehasaweaknessthatcanbe exploited.

Law34:BeRoyalinYourOwnFashion:Act LikeaKingtoBeTreatedLikeOne

Peopletreatyouthewayyoutreatyourself.Ifyou carryyourselfwithconfidenceanddignity,people willrespectandtreatyouasnecessary

Law35:MastertheArtofTiming

Takeyourtime.Alwaysbepatient,aseverything willcometoyoupromptly.Liveinthemoment.It willtakeyoutogreatheightsofpower

Law36:DisdainThingsYouCannotHave: IgnoringThemIstheBestRevenge

Thelessinterestyoutakeinthingsthatirritateyou, themoresuperioryouseem.Byacknowledging yourenemy,yougivetheirexistencecredibility and,therefore,power

Law37:CreateCompellingSpectacles

Peoplearemorepersuadedbywhattheyseethan whattheyhear.Usestrikingimageryandgrand symbolicgesturestocreateanauraofpower aroundyou.

Law38:ThinkasYouLikebutBehaveLike Others

Inwardly,youcanthinkandbelievewhateveryou want,butoutwardly,itisbesttoblendinand behavelikeothers.

Law39:StirupWaterstoCatchFish

Yougainadecidedadvantageifyoucanangeryour enemieswhilestayingcalm.Itwillrattlethemand putthemoffbalance,givingyoutheupperhand.

Law40:DespisetheFreeLunch

Everythinghasaprice,sobewaryofanythingthat seemsfree.Bewillingtopayyourwayandstay clearofgratitude,guilt,anddeceit.

Law41:AvoidSleepingIntoaGreatMan’s Shoes

Growingupasthesonordaughterofafamous personforcesyoutooutshinetheirpopularity Don’tbeinfluencedbythat,andcreateyourown identity.

Law42:StriketheShepherdandtheSheepWill Scatter

Donotsuccumbtoornegotiatewithtroubles. Neutralizeormakethemirrelevantsotheydon’t multiplyandcauseproblems.

Law43:WorkontheHeartsandMindsofOthers

Togainpower,youmustwintheheartsandmindsof others.Youcanachievethisbyplayingwiththeir emotions,appealingtotheirself-interest,and garneringbroadsupport.

Law44:DisarmandInfuriateWiththeMirror Effect

Bymirroringyouropponents’actionsandwords, youcandisarmthemandinfuriatethem.Reflecting ontheiremotions,interests,andvaluescan accomplishthis.

Law45:PreachtheNeedforChange,butNever ReformTooMuchatOnce

Peoplearecreaturesofhabitandresistchange.If youwanttoimplementchange,dosograduallyand makeitseemlikeagentleimprovementfromthe past.

Law46:NeverAppearTooPerfect

Appearingtooperfectwillmakepeopleenviousand resentful.Itiswisetodisplaydefectsandadmitto harmlessvicesoccasionally

Law47:DoNotGoPasttheMarkYouAimed For;InVictoryLearnWhentoStop

Learnwhentostopandconsolidateyourgains.It willallowyoutomaintainyourpowerandavoid makingmistakesthatcouldjeopardizeyourposition.

Law48:AssumeFormlessness

Beflexible,fluid,andunpredictablesoyour opponentscan’tgetafixonyouandfigureouthow torespond.

ThesearesomeessentiallawsthatthebookThe48 LawsofPowerhastaughtus.Wemusttrytofollow theselawsaswegrowinlife.Doingsoallowsusto createthebestversionsofourselvesandgrow rapidlyasourcareersadvance.

DR. VERNELL A. BENNETT-FAIRS DR. VERNELL A. BENNETT-FAIRS

Cultivating Trailblazers with a Collaborative Approach

Thechangingrealitiesineducationaroundtheworld requireinstitutesandmoderneducatorstobeagile andadaptive.The21stcenturystudentswantto learnatapacethatallowsthemtomasternewconcepts andskills,accessavarietyofresources,receivetimely feedbackontheirprogress,anddemonstratetheir knowledgeinmultipleways.Asaresult,thedemandfor student-centerededucationhasbeensignificantlyrisingin recentyears.

Thereareseveralleadersintheeducationallandscapewho arestrongproponentsofstudent-centerededucation.Dr. VernellA.Bennett-Fairsisonesuchinfluentialeducational leader—whoenjoyscultivatingrelationshipsand collaborationsonandoff-campusforstudentsuccess. Widelyrecognizedasacreativeandinnovativeeducator, Dr.Bennett-Fairshasbeenthefacebehindsuccessful strategiesandcreativeandinnovativeprogramsatvarious educationalinstitutes.

ADecoratedCareer

Dr.Bennett-Fairshasspentherentirecareer, spanning25years,onacollegeoruniversity campus.Sheisatrainedvocalistandstarted hercareerasaMusicInstructor.She advancedtotherankoftenuredAssociate ProfessorofMusicbeforetransitioningto variousadministrativeseniorrolesin AcademicandStudentAffairs.

Dr.Bennett-Fairsworkedatprestigious institutessuchasKentuckyStateUniversity (KSU)andDeltaStateUniversity(DSU) beforebeingappointedasthe13thPresident ofLeMoyne-OwenCollegeonJanuary5, 2021.Sheisthesecondwomanleadingthe onlyhistoricallyblackcollegeoruniversity inMemphis,TN.

ATransformativeMerger

LeMoyneCollegewasestablishedin1862bythe AmericanMissionaryAssociationaftertheoccupation ofMemphisduringthecivilwarasaschoolfor freedmenandthoseescapingslavery TheCollege wasnamedafterDr.FrancisJuliusLeMoyne—a Pennsylvaniadoctor,philanthropist,andabolitionist. S.A.OwenJuniorCollegewasestablishedin1947by theTennesseeBaptistMissionaryandEducation Convention—namedinhonorofadistinguished religiousandcivicleader.

In1968,thetwocollegesmergedtobecome LeMoyne-OwenCollege(LOC).TheCollegehasa longhistoryofproducingnotabletrailblazersand leadersineducation,civilrights,government,public policy,science,andbusiness.AsMemphis’only historicallyblackcollege,itsgoalistocontinue cultivatingwell-roundedscholarswhocancompete globallyandbecomesuccessfulleadersintheirfields ofchoice.

The‘Magic’forStudentSuccess

“The academic services at LeMoyne-Owen College are the magic for student success,” statesDr.BennettFairs.Shementionsthattheseservicesprovideadvice andguidanceonacademicrequirements.Theyguide studentsinneedofsupportbyofferingassistancewith studyskillsandtimemanagement,aswellasearly interventionstrategies.Theyalsoofferassistancewith adjustmenttocollege,contactswithtutors,andassists withreferralstootherappropriatecollegeresources.

Additionally,theseacademicservicesaidfirst-year studentsinexploringmajors,providingcareer explorationtools,andmakingasuccessfultransition tocollegelife.Theyprovidetheknowledgeof academicpoliciesandproceduresaswellasthe academicandsocialresourcesneededforsuccessand engagementattheCollege.Dr.Bennett-Fairsbelieves thatacademicservicesarethelimbsthatfacilitate successfulfirstandfinalstepsthatleadtodegree attainment.

EncouragingInternationalStudents

Asahistoricallyblackcollege,LOC’sinternational populationprovidesdiversityandreciprocallearning

Dr. Vernell A. Bennett-Fairs President | LeMoyne-Owen College

opportunitiesforitsinternationalanddomesticstudents. TheCollegehasearmarkedscholarshipsforrecruiting internationalstudents.Italsohasastudentorganization focusingoninternationalstudentrelationsandneeds,as wellasmakingtheirtransitiontothecollegeaseamless one.Dr.Bennett-FairsmentionsthatLOC’salumnibase providesadditionalsupporttointernationalstudents.

FocusingonExperientialEducation

LOCparticipatesinmultipleconsortiumsinhigher educationandindustry-basedcohortsandtranslatesthat knowledgetotheclassroomthroughexperiential learningmodels.TheCollegealsoleveragesitsNational CenterforAcademicExcellenceinCyberDefense Education(CAE-CDE)designationfromtheNational SecurityAgencyandDepartmentofHomelandSecurity togainexperientialknowledgeandcreatenew opportunitieswithinitscurriculum. “This helps students get exposure to tech job opportunities,” assertsDr. Bennett-Fairs.

LucrativeCareerOpportunities

TheCollegeprovidesaplethoraofopportunitiesfor studentstohelpthemsecurealucrativecareer Aspart

ofthework-studyprogram,itallowseligible undergraduatestudentstoacquirevaluable workplaceskillsandearnmuch-neededmoneyby workingpart-timeinon-campuspositions. Moreover,studentscanparticipateinmeaningful volunteerassignmentsthatbuildskills,a professionalnetworkandprovideexposureto careeroptions.

Furthermore,eachsemester,LOCstudentsenter theworkforcethroughinternshipsortemporary positionsthatoffertheopportunityforcareer explorationordevelopment. “These placements are structured, supervised, professional learning experiences that offer meaningful and practical work related to a student's field of study or career interest,” addsDr.Bennett-Fairs.

Besidesthese,thecareerservices—supportedby otherLOCdepartments—actasaworkforce developmentone-stop-shopthatrecruitsand preparesstudentstoentertheworkforce.Career servicesalsoseekworkforcepartnershipsthatwill resultinjobplacement,mentoring,andnetworking opportunitiesforLOC’sstudents.Moreover,if studentsneedadditionaltrainingtopreparefor specificplacements,careerservicesconnectthem tointernalandexternaltraining.

AHolisticExperience

Dr.Bennett-Fairsbelievesthatthepostsecondary experienceshouldbeholisticforstudents,which includeshowtheysocializeandengageoutsidethe classroom.Accordingtoher,extracurricular activitiessuchascivicengagement,athleticand artisticactivities,Greeklife,andcampuslifeare veryimportantaspectsofstudents’lives.These activitiesmakestudentscompetitiveinthe workforceasitreflectstheirabilitytomulti-task, toengageothers,andtheircivicconscience.

CopingwithTransformations

AccordingtoDr.Bennett-Fairs,themost transformationalchangeintheeducationsector overtheyearshasbeentheaccesstoeducation.As anHBCU,LOCisamongstmorethan100 institutionsfoundedtoprovideaccessforAfrican Americanstopursueacollegedegree.This gatewaywascriticalfortheCollege.Dr.Bennett-

Fairsfurthermentionsthattechnologytoohas transformedthewayweeducate,research, study,teach,andcommunicate.

Recently,theCOVID-19pandemichasforced institutionstoconsidernewmodesofcourse deliverythatturnedouttobeaneffectivewayto engageandeducatestudentswhileintroducing somefacultytechnologicaladvancesthat supportthecyberclassroom. “The pandemic also called for campuses to become creative when developing engagement activities for students,” addsDr.Bennett-Fairs.

TheFour‘R’s

Dr.Bennett-Fairsassertsthat2021willbethe yearthatLOCreintroducesitselftoits community,region,country,andaroundthe world.Withaprimefocusonthefour'R's (Recruitment,Retention,Revenue,and Relationships)—theCollegeaimstoexpandits programofferingsandstudentsupportsystems, buildcollaborationsinitscommunityinsupport ofstudentsuccess,andenlistthesupportof

LOC'salumniandfriendstoassistin advancingtheinstitution.

“The development of pipelines for recruitment within our local schools and youth clubs will acclimate prospects to our campus and its offerings while allowing them to form relationships with students, faculty, and staff,” statesDr.Bennett-Fairs.Shebelieves thatintentionalstrategiesandsupportsystems willmakeaccomplishingthefour‘R’s attainable.

TheIdealCollege

Choosingacollegecanbetrickyfortoday’s students,giventheavailabilityofnumerous options.Beingintheeducationsectorfor morethantwodecades,Dr.Bennett-Fairs advisesthatstudentsshouldchoosean institutethatofferstheirdesiredacademic majorandnon-academicofferingsthatappeal totheirinterestsandneeds.Moreover, studentsshouldconsideriftheycouldbe impactfulandcontributingtotheinstitute.

Spalding University, Louisville, KY

TORI MURDEN MCCLURE TORI MURDEN MCCLURE

President, Spalding University

An Educator Meeting the Needs of the Time

LocatedindowntownLouisville,Kentucky,Spalding Universityisoneoftheeminentuniversitiesinthe region.Foundedin1814bytheSistersofCharityof Nazareth,itisaprivateuniversityoperatedintheCatholic traditionwithacommitmenttocompassionandadeep connectiontothecommunity.TheLouisvillecampusof Spaldinghasbeenindowntownsince1920.

Throughoutitshistory-andastheopeninglineofitsmission statementreflects-Spaldinghasbeen“dedicatedtomeeting theneedsofthetimes”throughitspeople,programsand

initiatives.It'saninstitutionalmissionthatinspires,11thyearPresidentToriMurdenMcClure.

“Meeting the needs of the times is a finish line that we will never cross,” McClure said. “But we will strive to do our best to meet the needs of our time.”

Earlyinherpresidency,SpaldingUniversitywascertified asthe“World’sFirstCompassionateUniversity.”She mentionsthatcompassionhasalwaysbeenahallmarkof SpaldingduringacenturyindowntownLouisville.The

alumniofSpalding—nurses,psychologists,occupational therapists,socialworkers—arecompassionateinthetrue spiritoftheword,doingthehardworktoalleviatesuffering andmeettheneedsofthetime.

APresident'sjourney

Tori,whoprefersstudentstocallherbyherfirstname, holdstheuniquedistinctionasauniversitypresidentwhois alsooneofherhometown’ssportingheroes.

“It would not be inaccurate to say that I reached the Presidency of Spalding University by rowboat,” asserts Tori,whohasledalifedrivenbythepursuitofadventure andlearning.

Toriisprobablybest-knownasthefirstwomanandfirst AmericantorowaboatunassistedacrosstheAtlantic Ocean,afeatsheaccomplishedin1999inaself-builtboat

calledtheAmericanPearl.ToricreditsLouisvillian MuhammadAli,whowasamentorofherswhileshewason thestafftodevelopamuseumdedicatedtotheboxingand humanitarianlegend,forconvincinghertomakethetransAtlanticjourney

Tenyearsbeforeherhistoricrow,whileagraduatestudentin divinityschoolatHarvard,Toribecamethefirstwomanand firstAmericantoskitothegeographicSouthPole,aspartof anexpeditionteam.

Tori,whoearnedabachelor'sdegreefromSmithCollegein Massachusetts,laterranashelterforhomelesswomenin Louisville.Moreover,herfrustrationswithpublicpolicy spurredhertogotolawschool,whichshepursuedatthe UniversityofLouisville.Torimentionsthatthehighpointof heracademicstudiesoccurredatSpaldingUniversity—where sheearnedaMasterofFineArtsincreativenonfiction.

Spalding'snationally-rankedMFAprogramhelpedTorirefine hermemoir—A Pearl in the Storm—whichbalancesher backcountryadventureswithurbanadventuresandrecounts herrowingoftheAtlantic.

ThebookisthebasisofthenewstagemusicalRow,which premieredonAudibleinApril2021andwillhavelive performancesthissummerattheacclaimedWilliamstown TheatreFestival.

SmithCollegePresidentRuthSimmonsandlongtimeBryn MawrCollegePresidentMaryPatterson“Pat”McPherson convincedToritoconsiderhercurrentroleatSpalding.

ShewasappointedthePresidentin2010andhasbeenan integralpartofthegrowthofSpaldingsincethen.Thesizeof thecampushasmorethandoubledunderTori,andnew academicprogramsareaddedeveryyearattheschoolthat hasanenrollmentofabout1,700.

AcademicandSupportServices

AccordingtoTori,ifauniversityisgoingtoadmitastudent andaccepttheirtuitionmoney,thatinstitutionhasthe responsibilitytoensurethatthestudenthastheresourcesand supportnecessarytostayontrackyearoveryeartocomplete adegree.Spaldingoffersarangeofacademicandsupport services,includingacademicadvising,amathlab,awriting center,acareerdevelopmentcenter,accessibilityservices, libraryservices,andtechsupport.

Additionally,studentsattheuniversityhavethesupportof engagedandcaringfaculty

Tori Murden McClure President | Spalding University

“Our faculty meet students where they are, and if a student is willing to work hard and do their part, the faculty can move them a monumental distance forward in the direction of their dreams,” assertsTori.

AsSpaldingoffersexcellentprogramsinclinical psychologyandsocialwork,itdoesnotunderestimatethe effectofracialtraumaandotherfactorsonthemental healthofitsstudents.Italsoboastsasuperbcounseling center,staffedbyleadingexperts.

APlethoraofCareerOpportunities

StudentsatSpaldingareexposedtoavarietyofexperiential learningthroughinternshipsandclinical,practicumand fieldworkplacements. “You would be hard-pressed to find a school that does not have a Spalding graduate teaching and supporting placements for student teaching,” addsTori. Sheestimatedthateverylocalhospitalhasclinicalrotations forSpalding’sstudentsinthehealthsciences,andevery facilitythatprovidesmentalhealthservicesdependson Spaldingstudentsorgraduates.

TheDoctorofPsychology(PsyD)inClinicalPsychology programhasforfourconsecutiveyearsmatched100 percentofitsstudentswithinternshipsatsitesaccreditedby theAmericanPsychologicalAssociation—akeymeasureof

thequalityofaPsyDprogram.Additionally,graduate assistantshipsprovide$450,000peryearforapproximately 75graduatestudents.

ADiverseCommunityofLearners

Spaldingpridesitselfasa“diversecommunityoflearners,” accordingtoitsmissionstatement. Asthemostdiverse privateuniversityinKentucky,abouthalfofSpalding studentsarePell-eligibleandabouthalfofits undergraduatesarefirst-generation. “As a new president, I inherited an all-white leadership team. All of the deans were white and all of our Programs chairs were white. Institutional leadership did not mirror our student body,” Torisaid.

However,Spaldingchangeditsinstitutionalportraitthrough consciouseffort.Today,twenty-fivepercentofitsleadership teamisBlack.TwooffiveDeansareBlack,andthe universityhasstrongerdiversityintheranksofitsfaculty programdirectors.Torimentionsthatwhilediversityat SpaldinggoeswellbeyondthenumberofBlackleadersin particularroles,thehistoryofthisregionhasbeenhardest onAfrican-Americans. “The bell of freedom has not rung equally for all,” she said. “It is up to us to change the reach of freedom’s bell.”

EncouragingExtra-curricularActivities

Toripreferstothinkofthewordextracurricularas“extra curriculum”becausebeinginvolvedinorganizedgroups, teams,andactivitiescanbehugelyvaluableandeducational tostudents.SpaldingistheonlymemberofNCAADivision IIIinLouisville,anditsponsorsnearly20varsitysports. ToriwasaDivisionIIIathleteherselfinrowingand basketballandisahugeproponentofcollegeandamateur athletics.

ToriwasproudtoserveatermthroughJanuary2021asthe ViceChairoftheNCAABoardofGovernors,aswellasthe ChairoftheNCAADivisionIIIPresidentsCouncil.Shealso servedastheactingChairoftheBoardofGovernorsfora coupleofmeetings. “I was proud to help tiny Spalding have a seat and a voice at that enormously influential table,” she affirms.

MakingEducationmoreAttainable

TorimentionsthattheUnitedStateswasonceatthe forefrontofglobaleducation;however,thecountryhasnow becometooself-satisfiedandself-servingtocontinueto

claimthisdistinction. “While we are improving our ability to bring high-quality education to students who were not raised in privilege, we are doing a poor job of making higher education affordable to those students,” sheadds.

AccordingtoTori,amongthehighestobligationsofan educatedpersoninademocracyistobecomeanengaged citizen.Somecollegegraduatesaresocrippledbydebtthat theycannotdevotethemselvestotheidealsofthenationor tothewell-beingoftheircommunities.Theirvisionand reachareimpairedbycrushingfinancialburdens.Speaking ofthepandemicsituation,Toriasserts, “COVID-19 and the social unrest of the past year have led many of us to rededicate ourselves to the aspirational goals of higher education and finding ways to make education more attainable. We must educate great citizens who can close the gap between the promise of our nation and the performance of our nation.”

EmbracingTechnology

Toribelievesthateducationisaboutgreatfaculty,willing students,andthefacilitiesandtechnologythatbringfaculty andstudentstogether TheCOVID-19pandemicpresented everycollegeanduniversitywithopportunitiestoembrace technologyandmakethemostofdigitalandelectronic content. “At Spalding, we do not suffer from the shadow sophistication that prides itself on clean hands. Our students

use their heads, and most use their hands and their hearts,” commentsTori.

Toriaddsthatimprovementsintechnologydonot eliminatetheimportanceofphysicalpresence. “A radiologist might read your X-Ray in Mumbai, shesaid, “but a nurse will be standing beside your bed with the bandages and antiseptic ready.” Spaldinghasoutstanding technologywithstate-of-the-artnursingsimulationlabs andotheramenities.Itjustbrokegroundona multimillion-dollarrenovationonthenewhomefora soon-to-launchphysicaltherapyprogram.Tori,however, mentionsthateducationisultimatelyabouttalentedand caringfaculty—spendingtheirtimeandtheirexpertise withgreatstudents.

ChoosingaCollege

AccordingtoTori,oneofthemostimportantfactorsa studentshouldconsiderwhilechoosingacollegeissmall classesbecausetheyallowastudenttohavereliable accesstofacultywhocareabouttheirsuccess. “Another factor is what we once called 'fit'. Students who come to Spalding have usually experienced the pain of our world and they want to learn how to change it,” sheadds.She furthermentionsthatstudentsshouldbeconsciousof priceandshouldapplytoarangeofschoolsandcompare thefullcostofattendance,includingallthelittlefees.