Higher Education Leadership Philosophy

     My work in the Leadership and Organization Program at Columbia University, along with my academic experiences has coalesced my philosophy and values regarding teaching and learning, and the unique contribution of the campus environment on students, faculty and administrators. I believe that colleges and universities must provide the highest quality and most creative efforts to ensure student learning; that learning is an effort that must be exerted by the students, faculty, and administrators, collaboratively; respecting our role in the lives of students, and hold the highest standards of achievement for all constituencies.

     The foundation of this model has several cornerstones. One is the absolute commitment to seek the talents, skills, and achievements of every member of the college community and to encourage each person to actualize their goals.

     Another is collegiality and shared governance. In policy recommendation and decision-making, I rely heavily on the diverse perspective and expertise of many constituents. I expect each member of the team to contribute his/her best. Open dialogue and philosophical honesty are essential to participatory governance, which encourages open and safe debate.

     A final cornerstone has been the operational concept of continuous improvement. At every level of the organization and in every activity improvement and development must be the standard. Acceptance of new ideas, willingness to change, and applied thought should be celebrated and rewarded.

     Colleges and universities that provide and encourage an environment where administrators, faculty and students are both supported and challenged, given respect and credit for the diversity that each of them offers, in and out of the classroom, will model high expectations and standards, and create an atmosphere of integrity, strong ethics, and respect for others. I am personally committed to sharing with administrators, faculty and students how to become partners in this learning equation. Particularly, how faculty, staff, and, administrators can assist students in their academic and life choices, by encouraging them to take responsibility for their learning, and by engaging them in activities that will aid in their success.

Student Affairs Perspective

Values:

(1) The value of the individual - Student affairs must validate students as knowers and educate the whole student.
(2) The strength of partnership and cooperation – Student Affairs must strive to collaborate with others to intentionally connect academic learning and co-curricular experiences.
(3) The impact of the total experience - Student Affairs must provide educationally purposeful programs, services and experiences. These experiences can positively influence students’ personal development and growth.
(4) The profession of Student Affairs - The field of Student Affairs has professional standards and practices, which should be acknowledged and maintained in order to assure measurable quality.

Central Functions:

• Promote student development and learning
• Provide seamless student services
• Build and foster community

1. Creating innovative programs that meet students developmental, spiritual, social, physical, psychological, spiritual, health, and academic needs and interests.
2. Challenging and engaging students through supportive, learning- centered environments.
3. Developing integrated learning experiences that strengthen the following learning outcomes: critical thinking, integrity, interpersonal skills, leadership, and accountability.
4. Promoting and reinforcing a campus community that provides opportunities to learn and function purposefully within a diverse, multicultural and international world.
5. Collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and various communities to produce programs and services that enable student to acquire knowledge and skills necessary for personal growth, wellness, and life long learning.
6. Utilizing financial, technological, and human resources responsibly.
7. Engaging in rigorous on-going evaluation and assessment of students, educators, and institutional learning environments to achieve desired learning outcomes.