As I reflect on my journey through higher education, I find myself looking back on a career that began in the small, rural community of Calhoun in Lowndes County, Alabama. It was there that I first understood the profound impact that education could have on a person’s life.
This foundational experience shaped my path through various educational and leadership roles, leading me from Alabama A&M University to Virginia State University to Indiana University of Pennsylvania and ultimately to significant leadership positions at institutions such as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Middle Tennessee State University, Western Illinois University, and Central State University. This article serves as both a personal narrative and a broader examination of the evolving landscape of higher education.
Dr. Jack Thomas
Effective leaders understand that emotional intelligence is essential for navigating the complexities of higher education with authenticity and empathy. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, president emeritus of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, aptly says, “By understanding human behavior and our values, we develop a moral compass that can guide our decision-making. In my 30-year journey as a university president, I learned that successful leaders are not those who simply speak quickly, but rather those who learn to listen carefully and ask thoughtful questions. It’s about showing genuine care and respect for others, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. Having led a campus with students representing over 100 different countries, I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of embracing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusivity. My faith has been a source of strength throughout my career.”
My hope is to offer valuable perspectives for current and aspiring higher education leaders, emphasizing the importance of navigating change with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to advancing the mission of education. During the reflection, I sought the expertise of several notable higher education and community leaders to acquire their perspectives on the various topics I have explored.
As I navigated through my undergraduate years at Alabama A&M University and then pursued advanced studies at Virginia State University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, I witnessed the evolving dynamics of higher education. Each phase of my journey provided unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within academia. From the burgeoning focus on diversity and inclusion in the 1980s and 1990s to the rise of digital technology in the late 1990s and 2000s, I have been privileged to observe and contribute to significant shifts in the educational paradigm.
