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In this powerful episode of In The Margins, our newest content partner Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, host of Discovering Your Mission, sits down with Dr. Donna J. Nicol, Associate Dean for Personnel and Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts at California State University Long Beach (CSULB), and author of Black Woman on Board, to explore the remarkable leadership story of Dr. Claudia Hampton – the first Black woman appointed to the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees.
Drawing from her research and personal reflections, Nicol unpacks how Hampton navigated the complex power dynamics of higher education governance during a pivotal era for affirmative action and institutional access. Rather than relying solely on confrontation, Hampton employed what Nicol describes as “sly civility” or a strategic leadership approach that balanced diplomacy, influence, and long-term vision to expand opportunity for underrepresented students.
The conversation moves beyond biography to examine broader lessons about leadership inside systems not originally designed for inclusion. From board politics and racial dynamics to strategic advocacy and mission-driven service, Nicol offers a powerful framework for emerging leaders navigating institutions today.
At its core, this episode explores the enduring question of leadership: when to speak, when to build capital, and how to use influence to create lasting change.
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“I've always believed that every person has a mission. It's something you discover through experience, through challenge, and through a deep commitment to serving others.” – Dr. Mordecai Brownlee
