Know your Leader Traits that Define the Concepts of Leadership www.insightssuccess.com VOL-03 | ISSUE-09 | 2023 Dr. Ivy Ruth CommittedtoChangingLives, ImprovingCommunities, andReducingEconomicInequality throughWorkinginHigherEducation Dr. Ivy Ruth Taylor The Most Admired W omen in Educational Sector, 2023 Dr. Ivy Ruth Taylor, President Rust College Industry Insights Understanding the Facets of the Dynamic Educa on Sector
Women
Ambition is the spark that Ignites the fire within ambitious
of Brilliance of Brilliance Exploring the Exploring the Ep ome Ep ome
TThefieldofeducationhasbeenshapedbynumerous remarkablewomenwhohavemadesignificant contributionstotheadvancementofknowledge, learning,andthedevelopmentoffuturegenerations.These womenhavededicatedtheirlivestoimprovingeducational practices,advocatingforequalopportunities,andinspiring otherstopursueknowledgeandpersonalgrowth.
Train skill.
Thesewomenhaveexcelledinvariousroleswithinthe educationsector,includingeducators,researchers, administrators,policymakers,andadvocates.Theyhave demonstratedexceptionalleadership,innovation,anda deepcommitmenttothebettermentofeducationatall levels.Throughtheirremarkableachievements,these womenhavepavedthewayfortransformativechangesin teachingmethods,curriculumdevelopment,and educationalpolicies.
Furthermore,theseadmiredleadersareplayingan instrumentalroleinpromotinginclusiveeducation, breakingdownbarriers,andchampioningtherightsof marginalizedgroups.Theyhavefosteredenvironmentsthat prioritizediversity,equity,andsocialjustice,ensuringthat everystudenthasanequalopportunitytolearnandthrive.
Theircontributionsextendbeyondtraditionaleducational settings,astheyhavemadeasignificantimpacton educationalpolicymaking,educationaltechnology, research,andtheglobaldiscourseoneducation.These womenhavebeentrailblazers,empoweringothersand inspiringfuturegenerationsofeducatorsandlearners.
Itisimportanttorecognizeandcelebratethe accomplishmentsoftheseadmiredwomeninthe educationalsector.Bydoingso,InsightsSuccesshonors theirdedication,resilience,andinvaluablecontributionsto theadvancementofeducation.Theirworkservesasa sourceofinspiration,remindingusofthetransformative powerofeducationandtheprofoundimpactindividualscan haveonshapingthefuturethroughtheircommitmentto learningandenlightenment.
Withthislatesteditionentitled“TheMostAdmired WomeninEducationalSector,2023,”wewilldelveinto thestoriesandaccomplishmentsoftheseexceptional women,highlightingtheiruniquecontributions,inspiring leadership,andlastinglegacieswithintheeducationsector Theirstoriesserveasatestamenttothepotentialforchange andprogressthatlieswithinthefieldofeducation,aswell asthetransformativepowerofindividualswhoare passionateaboutmakingapositivedifferenceinthelivesof others.
Joinusasweexplorethejourneysandachievementsofthe mostadmiredwomenintheeducationalsector,recognizing theirprofoundinfluenceandtheenduringimpacttheyhave hadonshapingtheeducationallandscapeforthebetter
Flipthroughthepagesandhaveadelightfulread!
Abhishek Joshi
AbhishekJoshi
C o n t e n t s Dima Jamali The Dean Who Made a Difference 20 A r t i c l e s Industry Insights Understanding the Facets of the Dynamic Education Sector 32 Know your Leader Traits that Dene the Concepts of Leadership 24 20 Javaune Adams-Gaston On a Quest to Enable Educational Advancements 28 Tanja Schjellerup Leading the Horizons of Excellence 36 28 36
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Dr. Ivy Ruth Taylor
CommittedtoChangingLives, ImprovingCommunities, andReducingEconomicInequality throughWorkinginHigherEducation
sales@insightssuccess.com March, 2023 Editor-in-Chief Senior Sales Managers Business Development Manager Marketing Manager Technical Head Technical Specialist Digital Marketing Manager Research Analyst Database Management Technology Consultant Merry D'Souza Deputy Editor Executive Editor Assistant Editor Visualizer David King Art & Design Director Associate Designer Sihanee M., Rouniyar A. Tim, Saurabh Mane James M. Sales Executives Joe, Gaurav Gurav Business Development Executives Steve, Joe Jacob Smile Prachi Mokashi Dominique T. SME-SMO Executive Sagar Lahigade Frank Adams Circulation Manager Robert Brown Stella Andrew David Stokes Revati Badkas Copyright © 2023 Insights Success, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights Success. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success. Follow us on : www.facebook.com/insightssuccess/ www.twitter.com/insightssuccess We are also available on : Abhishek Joshi Ankita Pandharpure Jenny Fernandes Anish Miller
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UniversityofSharja sharjah.ac.ae
TougalooCollege tougaloo.edu
DinaisanexperiencedDeanwithanoutstandinghistoryof20 yearsofin-depthexperiencewithinthehighereducation sphere.
Carolineinspiresactionandself-empowermentbytelling simplestoriesandpushingtheboundariesofwhatcanbe accomplished.
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Withavisiontobuildafoundationforaglobalcompany,Tanja figuredouthowtobealeaderandrunabusinesswith employees.
DinaJamali DeanoftheCollege ofBusiness Administration
Dr.CarmenJ. Walters President
Dr.IvyRuthTayloristhe12thpresidentandthefirstwomanto leadRustCollege. RustCollege rustcollege.edu
Dr.IvyRuthTaylor President
JavauneAdams-GastonistheseventhPresidentofNorfolk StateUniversity. NorfolkStateUniversity nsu.edu
Javaune Adams-Gaston President
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TanjaSchjellerup Founder
Dr. Ivy Ruth Taylor
Dr. Taylor has contributed to the body of knowledge related to the preservation of HBCUs, which have made a huge impact on our nation by creating generations of leaders.
O V E R S T O R Y
CommittedtoChangingLives, ImprovingCommunities, andReducingEconomicInequality throughWorkinginHigherEducation
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Dr. Ivy Ruth Taylor, President Rust College
orawomaninthe1990stoadvanceinto
Fadministrativeleadershipineducation,shehadto findconfidencewithin,challengetheestablished quo,havefaithinherself,andworkhardtowardspecific goals.Today'swomenareoftenfarmoreconfidentabout pursuingleadershipjobsbecauseoftheseearlypioneer women.Thatisnottoarguethatwomenseekingleadership rolesnowhaveaneasytimeofitorthattheirgenderisno longerabarriertothemobtainingandholdingonto positionsofauthorityinthetwenty-firstcentury.The obstaclesaretypicallynolongeraslarge,many,orovert; however,hiddendiscriminationcansometimesbemore difficulttodealwithandinsidiousthanovertbias.
Thetruthisthatouredition,"TheMostAdmiredWomenin EducationalSector,2023,"approachesbringingabout challengesandopportunitiesforfemaleleadershipin education.Therearemanyaccomplishedwomenservingin avarietyofleadershippositionsintheeducationsector todaywhoserveasrolemodelsforyoungmenandwomen whoaspiretoleadershippositionsineducation.These women'sextraordinarycourage,accomplishment,and achievementserveasinspirationforyoungergenerations. OnesuchinspiringwomanleaderistheFormerMayorof SanAntonio,Texas,Dr.IvyRuthTaylor.
Dr Tayloristhe President of Rust College,aprivate historicallyblackcollegeinHollySprings,Mississippi.She succeedsPresidentDavidBeckley,whohassuccessfullyled theschoolfor27years.Heretiredwiththestatusof PresidentEmeritus.
TheTrusteesmadetheirselectionfollowinganextensive eight-monthsearchthatendedwithaseriesofinterviews withfaculty,staff,students,alumni,andrepresentatives fromtheHollySpringscommunity "Dr. Taylor brings energy, intelligence, and competence, as well as experience in listening to diverse views and building coalitions," said Rev.Dr.DavidSwinton,ChairoftheBoardofTrustees.
"I am honored and humbled to have this opportunity to serve the Rust College community. Through my conversations with the board, students, faculty, staff, and alumni, it was apparent that many appreciated the impact of Rust College on their lives and wanted to be part of envisioning its bright future. I am thrilled to be part of writing the next chapter for this historic institution," said Taylor.Sheadded, "My family and I are looking forward to becoming active members in this community.”
Dr Taylorreceivedherbachelor’sdegreefromYale
Universityandamaster’sdegreeincityandregional planningfromtheUniversityofNorthCarolinaatChapel Hill.ShecompletedtheDoctorofEducationProgramatthe UniversityofPennsylvaniain2020.Herdissertation focusedonleadershipforhistoricallyblackcollegesand universities.
Dr.Taylorspentsixyearsasalecturerinpublic administrationattheUniversityofTexasatSanAntonio. Priortobecomingmayor,sheworkedatanonprofit affordablehousingorganizationandservedonthecity councilforseveralterms. “We believe the abilities she gained in non-profit management and political leadership will be readily transferable to an academic setting," said Swinton.
Dr.TaylorjoinedtheHuston-TillotsonUniversityBoardof TrusteesinAustin,Texas,whilestillservingasmayor.She developedanewinterestinhighereducationasaresult, particularlyinhistoricallyblackcollegesanduniversities (HBCUs).InSanAntonio,sheservesontheboardofthe UniversityoftheIncarnateWord.ShestatedtotheRust CollegeBoardofTrusteesthatsheisdedicatedtoworking inhighereducationtotransformlives,strengthen communities,andlesseneconomicinjustice.
Below are highlights that represent Dr. Taylor’s visionary leadership and how she is helping to transform the education sector:
Brieflydescribeyourprofessionaljourneyupuntilnow.
Mycareerinurbanplanningledtoserviceasanelected officialinSanAntonio.Whilemayor,Ijoinedtheboardofa smallblackcollege,andIrealizedthatIwantedtoleada collegeoruniversitybecauseIbelievethateducationis whattransformslivesandopensdoorsofopportunity To preparefortherole,Iwentbacktoschoolatage48to obtainadoctorate.Uponcompletion,Ibeganmyterm leadingRustCollege.
Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongtheway?
Duringmytimeservingasanelectedofficial,Ilearnedthat somepeoplemadejudgmentsaboutwhatIcould accomplishbasedonmyraceandsometimesmygender Mytenacityandfocusfrequentlyastoundedsupposed adversaries.
Withthehigh-profilepositionsthatIservedin,itwas difficulttoensurethatIhadtimeformyhusbandand
The Most Admired Women in Educa onal Sector, 2023
Dr. Taylor succeeds President David Beckley, who has successfully led the school for 27 years. He retired with the status of President Emeritus.
daughter.ButIbelievethatmydaughterhadsome extraordinaryexperiencesandexposureduringher formativeyearsduetomyserviceinpoliticaloffice.
ComingintotheroleatRustCollege,achallengewas gettinguptospeedquicklyonsomeofthenormsrelatedto highereducationadministration.Ipreviouslytaughtforsix yearsatalargepublicschool,butasmallprivatecollege presenteddifferentchallenges.Additionally,Iassumedthe presidencyatRustCollegeinJuneof2020,attheheightof thepandemic.Ihadtoensurethatthecollegecontinued operatingduringthattimeandthatwewereabletoresume normalcampusactivitiesintheaftermath.
Whatsignificantimpacthaveyoubroughttothe educationindustry?
Myexperienceineducationincludesserviceontheboards oftwocolleges,sixyearsasaninstructor,andnowalmost threeyearsasapresident.Iwrotemydissertationonboard leadershipathistoricallyblackcolleges.
Accordingly,Ihavecontributedtothebodyofknowledge relatedtothepreservationofHBCUs,whichhavemadea hugeimpactonournationbycreatinggenerationsof leaders.AsPresidentofRustCollege,Iamworkingto elevateaninstitutionthathaschangedlivesbyproviding socialmobilityandopportunityforthoseforwhomlimited optionsarethenorm.
TellusaboutRustCollegeanditsfoundationpillar.
RustCollegewasestablishedin1866bytheFreedmen’s AidSocietyoftheMethodistEpiscopalChurch.Its foundersweremissionariesfromtheNorthwhoopeneda schoolintheAsburyMethodistEpiscopalChurch, acceptingadultsofallagesaswellaschildrenfor instructioninelementarysubjects.Ayearlater,thefirst buildingonthepresentcampuswaserected.
In1870,theschoolwascharteredasShawUniversity, honoringtheReverendS.O.Shaw,whomadeagiftof $10,000tothenewinstitution.In1892,thenamewas changedtoRustUniversitytoavoidconfusionwithanother ShawUniversity ThenamewasatributetoRichardS.Rust ofCincinnati,Ohio,SecretaryoftheFreedmen’sAid Society.In1915,thetitlewaschangedtothemorerealistic name,RustCollege.
Asstudentsprogressed,highschoolandcollegecourses wereaddedtothecurriculum,andin1878twostudents graduatedfromthecollegedepartment.Aspublicschools forAfricanAmericansbecamemorewidespread,theneed forprivateschoolsdecreased,andin1930,gradeschool wasdiscontinued.Thehighschoolcontinuedtofunction until1953.
Asignificantchangeintheadministrationoftheinstitution tookplacein1920whenDr.M.S.Davagebecame president,thefirstAfricanAmericantoholdthatposition. Dr.L.M.McCoy(1924),hissuccessor,wasthefirst alumnustoservehisalmamateraspresident.Hewas followedin1957byDr.EarnestA.Smith,analumnusfrom theclassof1937.In1967,Dr.WilliamA.McMillan,anonalumnus,assumedthepresidency.In1993,Dr.DavidL. Beckley,analumnus(classof1967),becametheeleventh presidentofRustCollege.In2020,Dr.IvyTaylorbecame thetwelfthpresidentofRustCollege.
Amongtheapproximately20,000formerstudentsofRust College,manycompletedonlytheirelementaryor secondaryeducation.However,morethan5,500have graduatedfromthecollegedepartment.Amongthese alumniarebishopsoftheUnitedMethodistChurchand otherchurchdenominations,publicschoolteachersand administrators,collegepresidents,lawyers,physicians, businessandgovernmentleaders,andministers.
RustCollegeequipsandinspiresstudentsforexcellence andserviceintheircommunitiesandthroughouttheworld.
At Rust College, we want students to understand how to harness its power to improve their lives and our communities.
We Are:
Ÿ AhistoricallyBlack,liberalartscollegeaffiliatedwith theUnitedMethodistChurchwhichwasfoundedin1866 bytheFreedmen’sAidSociety
Ÿ Astudent-centeredcollegewhereeveryoneiscommitted tothesuccessofallstudents.
Ÿ Acollegethatrecognizesthethreefoldfunctionsof educationasteaching,research,andcommunityservice, withitsprimarymissionasteaching.
Ÿ Acollegewithdynamicandexcellentprogramsdesigned tosupportthecultural,moral,andspiritualdevelopment ofourstudents.
Ÿ Acollegegroundedinitslegacyandcommitmentto socialjustice.
Whatisyourtakeontechnology'simportance,andhow areyouleveragingit?
Technologyconnectseveryaspectofmodernsociety,andat RustCollege,wewantstudentstounderstandhowto harnessitspowertoimprovetheirlivesandour communities.DuringmyleadershipatRust,weexpanded ourstudents'accesstotechnologyandtheirtechnical capacityforusingit.
Whatwillbethenextsignificantchangeintheeducation industry,andhowareyoupreparingforit?
21st-centurycitizensmustbepreparedforlifelonglearning. Whilethefouryearsofundergraduateeducationare important,industriesandcircumstanceschangerapidly,and everyonemustbepreparedtoadapt.AtRustCollege,we embracestudentsineveryphaseoflifesothattheycangain theknowledgetosucceedintheircurrentendeavors.I anticipatethatsociety'scontinuedfocusontechnology, includingartificialintelligence,willstretchourcapacity At RustCollege,wewillembracetechnologywhile emphasizingtheimportanceanduniquenessofhuman connectionsandinteractions.
Whatareyourgoalsfortheupcomingfuture?
ThepandemicpushedRustCollegeintotheonlineworld. Animportantgoalforthecollegeistosolidifyandexpand ouronlineofferingsinthefuturesothatwecancontinueto reachstudentsatvariousstagesoflife.
Additionally,goalsforthecollegeincludeexpandingnew programs,likehealthscience,tocreategraduatesthatwill makeanimpactintheworkplaceandcommunity.Ialso wanttore-establishstudyabroadprogramsforourstudents
Dr. Taylor spent six years as a lecturer in public administration at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Prior to becoming mayor, she worked at a nonprofit affordable housing organization and served on the city council for several terms.
atRustCollegebecauseIbelieveitiscriticaltoexposeour studentstotheworldandhelpthemunderstandtheir responsibilitiesforcommunityserviceandsocialjustice.A personalgoalistosupportmydaughter,whoisacollege freshman,throughhereducationalexperienceandinto youngadulthood.
Iplantodoallthesethingswhilecontinuingtoreadatleast onebookeverymonthforinspirationandtryingtofinish readingtheBiblefromcovertocover,whichIstartedin 2020.AsofJanuary2023,IamclosetofinishingtheOld Testament.
Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivethenextgeneration ofaspiringeducationleaders?
Evenifyoustartworkinginanothersector,therecanbea pathwayforyoutoprepareyourselfforleadershipinhigher education,andtheknowledgeandskillsyougainelsewhere canbeinvaluable.
Ournation’sHistoricallyBlackCollegesandUniversities aregemsthatmustbepreservednotjustbecauseoftheir historicalandculturalimpactbutalsobecauseournation needstheleadersthattheycreate.Thesecollegesneed aspiringleaderswhowanttoservetheirstudents,despite theresourcechallengesthattheseschoolsoftenface.
Whiletheworkisdaunting,thereisnoreasonnottohave funwhiledoingit.Myjobrequiresmetospendtimewith energeticyoungpeople,attendbasketballgames,read books,shareideas,andwearmyschoolcolors.Thereisno reasonIshouldn'thavefuneverydayIshowup!
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The Dean Who Made a Difference
TheDeanofaBusinessAdministrationCollegeisa highlyrespectedfigurewhoplaysacrucialrolein shapingthefutureoftheinstitutionanditsstudents. Astheleaderofthecollege,theDeansetsthetonefor academicexcellence,fostersacultureofinnovationand entrepreneurship,andensuresthatgraduatesarewellpreparedtotacklethechallengesofthemodernbusiness world.
DimaJamali,theDeanoftheCollegeofBusiness AdministrationattheUniversityofSharjah,hasa distinguishedcareerinacademia,havingearnedmultiple degrees(Ph.D.inSocialPolicyandAdministration,a MasterinSociology,andaBAinPublicAdministration). Withawealthofexperienceandadeepunderstandingof theindustry,theDeanhasbecomeaniconicfigurewithin thecollegeandarolemodelforaspiringbusinessleaders.
Thecollegehasmadesignificantprogressinrecentyears, risingto176thintheTimesHigherEducationRankingsand beingrecognizedasoneofthe10must-watchbusiness schoolsfor2022byHigherEducationDigestunderDima's leadership.
WeatCIOLook,interviewedDimaonherleadershipand visionsupportingtheelevationofthecollege'sreputation.
Let's delve into the intercepts of the interview!
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasanacademic leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionattheuniversity. Whatchallengeshaveyouhadtoovercometoreach whereyouaretoday?
Startingin2015,IfoundedandservedasPresidentand NationalRepresentativefortheUNGlobalCompact NetworkLebanon(GCNL).IamalsopartoftheGlobal
ChapterCouncilforUNPRME(UNPrinciplesof ResponsibleManagementEducation).
Ifeelblessedtohaveenjoyedanamazingcareer,having beeninacademiaforover20years.Fast-trackingthrough theranksofTenuredProfessorandAssociateDeantoFull Professorin2010andEndowedChairinResponsible Leadershipin2014.Ifeelproudtohavebeenranked amongthetop2%ofmostinfluentialglobalscholarsinthe fieldofsustainabilitybyStanfordUniversityfortwoyears inarow(2020and2021).
Besidesthis,Iamalsoawinnerofseveralawardsand honors,includingthe2016NationalCouncilforScientific ResearchExcellenceAwardandthe2015AspenInstitute FacultyPioneerAward,dubbedbytheFinancialTimesas "theOscarsoftheBusinessSchoolWorld"forpioneering facultywhoareatthecuttingedgeofteachingand scholarshipintheirfield.
IhaveworkedasanexpertconsultantfortheUnited NationsonSocialPolicyandCSR,aswellasvarious projectsfundedbytheWorldBank,theUSAgencyfor InternationalDevelopment,andmajorprivateandpublic firmsacrosstheregion.IhavebeenchampioningtheUN GlobalCompactNetworkforLebanonforthepastfive years.Iamastrongbelieverintheneedtomobilize collectivesocialimpact.
Ienjoyedthejourneyandmadethebestofeachmilestone whilebeingopentolearning.Thethirstforknowledgeand motivationtoadvancemycareerarekeydrivers.I encounteredmanychallengesalongtheway.Organizations acrosstheMiddleEastcontinuetobemale-dominated, whichentailsovercomingstereotypesandworkingextra hardtoproveoneself.Ofcourse,weneedtobecarefulnot toover-generalize,assomeofthebestexperiencesofmy
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The Most Admired Women in Educa onal Sector, 2023
Dima Jamali Dean of the College of Business Administration
“ “ March 2023 | 21 | www.insightssuccess.com
I am a strong believer in the transformational role of Higher Education and in need to educate future responsible leaders as architects and change makers of a better tomorrow.
careerhavebeenworkingwithamazingmenandwomen fromallwalksoflife.Itisimportanttokeepanopenmind, embraceteamwork,appreciatediversity,masterempathy andtolerance,andmakeextraeffortsfortheinclusionof marginalizedvoicesandcommunities.
Enlightenusonhowyouhavebeenimpactingthe educationindustrythroughyourexpertiseinthe market.
IbelievethatmyimpactattheUniversityofSharjahwas noticedbydrivingtheCollegeofBusinessAdministration asawholetowardsrepositioningforincreased competitiveness,includingInnovationandSustainability
Wehavealsoidentifiedfourkeycompetenciesthatare mission-criticalandimportantforourstudentsembedded acrossthecurriculum:
Ÿ Creativityandoriginality
Ÿ Criticalthinkingandproblem-solving
Ÿ Leadershipandsocietalimpact
Ÿ Resilienceandadaptability
Thisstrategicrefocushashelpedustosecureour accreditationbytheAssociationtoAdvanceCollegiate SchoolsofBusiness(AACSB),whichplacesthiscollege onceagainamongthe5%oftopbusinessschoolsaround theworld.
Inaddition,theamplificationofourfocusonemployability byconnectingourstudentstokeyindustryleaders embeddedanethicsandsocietalimpactethosamongthem, facilitatingrealopportunitiesformeaningfulandimpactful engagementprojects.Thestudentsgetthechancetohone theirskillsanddirectthemtofindinnovativesolutionsto real-lifechallengesworkingwithtop-notchbusiness leaders,coachesandmentorsfromacrossdifferent industries.
Describeindetailthevaluesandculturethatdriveyour educationalinstitute.
TheUniversityofSharjahisapremiereducational institutionthatvaluesresearch,innovation,sustainability, engagementandcollaboration.TheSPIRITStrategydrives theUniversityguidedourefforts,andwecomplemented thiswithourownsetofvalues
Ÿ Students
Ÿ People
Ÿ Innovation
Ÿ Research
Ÿ Industry
Ÿ Community
Ÿ TeachingandLearning.
ValuesrevolvingaroundtheacronymECCITE,which standsfor
E–Excellence:Deliveringthebestinteaching,research andservice
C–Commitment:Servingourcommunityand safeguardingtheenvironment
C–Care:Dedicationandcommitmenttoworkand excellence
I–Innovation:Embodyingcuriosity,ingenuityand enterprise
T–Teamwork:Respectingandinspiringoneanotherin ourcollectiveendeavors
E–Ethics:Upholdingthehighestmoralandethical principles
Thesevaluesareattheheartofeverythingwedoandguide oureverydecisionandaction,servingasthemoral compassthatdirectsandchannelsourenergyintheright direction.
Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificant roleinalmosteverysector.Howareyou advancingtowardstechnologicalinnovationsto makeyoureducationalprogramsandcurriculum resourceful?
Certainly,thepandemichasmadeusevenmoreawareof theimportanceoftechnologyandtheneedtoleverage technologicalresourcesandinnovations.Beingmore creativeinutilizingtechnologicaltoolsforthebenefitof studentlearningandeducationiscrucial.
Duringthepandemic,weintensifiedtheuseoftutorialsto upgradeknowledgeandcapabilitiesencouragingteaching innovationsusingtechnology,includingOpenEducational Resources,appliedandengaginglearningcontentusing videos,interactivecasestudies,debates,guestspeakersand flippedclassrooms.Thereisapressingneedtocontinueto beopentoembracingadvancementsinEducation.
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextsignificant changeinyoursector?Howisyouruniversitypreparing tobeapartofthatchange?
Undoubtedly,theHigherEducationSectorischanging incrediblyfast,andweneedtostayagileandopento learning,adaptation,andinnovations.Themaintrends affectingallHigherEducationInstitutionsinclude
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Digitization,theneedtorefocusonPublicServiceand Governance,theneedtobeattunedtotheUN2030agenda andtheimperativeofSustainabilityinteaching,research andservice,thefocusontrainingstudentsaroundnew skillsandcompetenciestoenhanceemployability,andthe needtoembraceregionalandinternationalcollaborationfor amplifiedimpact.
Weneedtorealizethatlearningprofilesaredrastically changing,anddifferenttypesoflearnerswillneeddifferent typesofcoursesandprograms.Additionalcoursesand programswillrequireinnovativecurriculaandflexible learningaccessmodalitiesenabledbytheeffectiveuseof digitaltechnologies.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoals?
Ienvisionmyselfcontinuingtoadvanceinleadershiproles inHigherEducationandtobethevoiceforembracingand catalyzingchangesalongthelinesdescribedaboveandfor theempowermentandinclusionofallmarginalized communities.
Ihavededicatedmyacademiccareertobeingacatalystfor changetobeapioneerinleadingonsustainabilityand femaleempowermentissues,andIamwillingtocontinue. Overthelongterm,Iwanttoexploreaparallelpathinto therealworldofentrepreneurship.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothedynamicindustry?
Thisadvicemayberedundant,butmyadviceistonever giveup.Bepreparedtofacelotsofsetbacks. Entrepreneurshipisfilledwithsetbacksandfailures, butthetrickistoberesilientandbouncebackfrom failurewithrenewedenergyanddetermination.
Takeregularbreaks.Restingallowsfor recharging,whichisimportantinsustaining productivityandefficiencyinwhichever industryyouwork.
Connectionsandnetworkingallowyouto findlike-mindedpeopleandexchangebest practices,skills,andknowledge.Expanding yournetworkwillopennewdoorsandallow youtoleverageandexploreallkindsof opportunities.
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Traits that Concepts of Define the Leadership
Leadershipisamultifacetedconceptthatencompassesarangeof
qualities,skills,andbehaviors.Effectiveleaderspossesscertaintraits thatsetthemapartandenablethemtoguideandinspireotherstowards acommongoal.Whileleadershipstylesmayvary,thereareseveralcoretraits thatdefinetheconceptofleadership.Inthisarticle,wewillexploresomeof thesekeytraitsthatareoftenassociatedwithsuccessfulleadership.
Vision:
Astrongleaderissomeonewhopossessesaclearvisionandcanarticulateitto others.Theyhaveaforward-thinkingmindsetandtheabilitytosetgoalsand objectivesthatalignwiththeirvision.Byeffectivelycommunicatingthis vision,leaderscanmotivateandinspiretheirteam,creatingasenseofpurpose anddirection.
Integrity:
Integrityisafundamentaltraitofsuccessfulleaders.Leaderswithintegrityare honest,ethical,anddemonstrateastrongsenseofmoralvalues.Theyactina mannerconsistentwiththeirwordsandaretransparentintheiractions. Leaderswhoexhibitintegritygainthetrustandrespectoftheirteammembers, fosteringapositiveandproductiveworkenvironment.
Confidence:
Confidenceisessentialforleaderstomaketoughdecisionsandnavigate challengingsituations.Leaderswhoexudeconfidenceinspiretrustandinstilla senseofassuranceintheirteammembers.Thistraitenablesleaderstotake calculatedrisks,motivatetheirteam,andhandleadversitywithcomposure.
EffectiveCommunication:
Leadershipreliesheavilyoneffectivecommunication.Leadersmustpossess strongcommunicationskillstoconveytheirideas,expectations,andfeedback
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clearly.Theyactivelylistentotheirteammembers, encourageopendialogue,andprovideconstructive feedback.Clearandconcisecommunicationhelpsprevent misunderstandings,ensuresalignment,andfostersa collaborativeworkenvironment.
Empathy:
Empathyisatraitthatenablesleaderstounderstandand connectwiththeirteammembersonadeeperlevel. Effectiveleadersgenuinelycareaboutthewell-beingand developmentoftheirteam.Theydemonstrateempathyby activelylistening,consideringothers'perspectives,and providingsupportwhenneeded.Byshowingempathy, leaderscanbuildstrongrelationships,boostmorale,and createacultureoftrustandcollaboration.
Adaptability:
Intoday'sfast-pacedandever-changingworld,adaptability isacrucialtraitforleaders.Successfulleadersareflexible andopen-minded,willingtoembracenewideasand approaches.Theycanadapttheirstrategiesandplansto meetevolvingchallengesandseizeopportunities.By demonstratingadaptability,leadersinspiretheirteam memberstobeflexibleandresilientinthefaceofchange.
Accountability:
Leaderswhotakeaccountabilityfortheiractionsand decisionssetapositiveexamplefortheirteam.Theyaccept responsibilityforbothsuccessesandfailures, acknowledgingtheirroleintheoutcome.Byholding themselvesaccountable,leaderscreateacultureof accountabilitywithintheirteam,fosteringasenseof ownershipandencouragingcontinuousimprovement.
Decisiveness:
Leadersmustbeabletomakedecisionsinatimelyand effectivemanner.Theygatherrelevantinformation,weigh theprosandcons,andtakedecisiveaction.Thistraitinstills confidenceinteammembersandensuresprogresstowards organizationalgoals.
Resilience:
Leadershipofteninvolvesfacingchallengesandsetbacks. Resilientleadershavetheabilitytobouncebackfrom
failures,learnfromthem,andkeepmovingforward.They remainfocusedanddeterminedinthefaceofadversity, inspiringtheirteamtodothesame.
InspiringandMotivating:
Effectiveleadershavethepowertoinspireandmotivate theirteammembers.Theyhaveapositiveattitude,leadby example,andencouragetheirteamtoperformattheirbest. Byfosteringasupportiveandmotivatingenvironment, leadersbringoutthebestintheirteamandhelpthem achievetheirfullpotential.
Delegation:
Leadersunderstandtheimportanceofdelegatingtasksand responsibilities.Theytrusttheirteammembersand empowerthemtotakeownershipoftheirwork.Delegation notonlylightenstheleader'sworkloadbutalsofostersskill developmentandgrowthwithintheteam.
LifelongLearning:
Greatleadershaveathirstforknowledgeanda commitmenttocontinuouslearning.Theystayupdatedon industrytrends,seekoutnewperspectives,andinvestin theirpersonalandprofessionalgrowth.Thistraitenables leaderstoadapttochange,innovate,andstayaheadofthe curve.
Empowerment:
Successfulleadersempowertheirteammembersbygiving themautonomyandtheauthoritytomakedecisions.They provideguidanceandsupportwhileallowingindividualsto takeownershipoftheirwork.Empoweredteammembers feelvalued,motivatedandaremorelikelytocontribute theirbestefforts.
Leadershipisacomplexconcept,butcertaintraitsareoften associatedwitheffectiveleadership.Vision,integrity, confidence,effectivecommunication,empathy,adaptability, andaccountabilityaresomekeytraitsthatdefinesuccessful leaders.Bydevelopingandembodyingthesetraits, individualscanenhancetheirleadershipskillsand positivelyinfluencethosearoundthem.
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Javaune Adams-Gaston
On a Quest to Enable Educa onal Advancements
Havingherprofessionaltenureentirelyinhigher
education,JavauneAdams-Gastonstartedoutas astaffpsychologistinacounselingcenteratthe UniversityofMaryland,CollegePark,wheresheaddedon toheryearlongexperienceasacounseloratIowaState University.Hertrajectoryhasbeenallaboutwhat opportunitieshaveshownthemselvesandwhatrisksshe hasbeenabletotakeinpursuingthingsthatmayseema littleunusual.
Asaresult,shehasbeenthefirstBlackfemaleassistant athleticdirectorattheUniversityofMaryland,College Park,adean,executivedirectoroftheCareerCenterwhere shecreatedthePresident'sPromiseprogram,andafaculty member.AtTheOhioStateUniversity,Dr.Adams-Gaston wasthefirstfemaleAfricanAmericanSeniorVicePresident forStudentLife.Then,shewasselectedtoleadNorfolk StateUniversityinitsmostseniorexecutiverole.Shehas hadgreatexperiencesandgreatsupportinhercareer
Today, Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston is the seventh President of Norfolk State University. AsthePresident,sheis committedtoensuringthatNorfolkStateUniversityfulfills itsmissionasanHBCUforthemodernworld,auniversity groundedbyitsheritage,focusedonthefuture,anddeeply committedtostudentsuccess.
Hervisionisstudentsuccess,opportunity,accessand affordability,andgrowthandsustainability.Astrong advocateforcollaborationanddevelopingstrategic partnershipswithlocal,regional,andstatestakeholders,Dr. Adams-Gaston,iscommittedtocultivatingstrong connectionswithalumniandthecommunity
InthisexclusiveinterviewwithInsightsSuccess,Dr JavauneAdams-Gastonsharessignificantfactsthat highlightherprofessionaltenure,herjourney,andthe challengesshesurmountedtoembarkonthehorizonsof success.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Whatwasthebiggestchallengeyousurmountedto reachwhereyouaretoday?
Thebiggestchallenge—whenIstartedout,Iwasayoung, Blackfemaledoingatypicalthingslikebeinginathletics. ThechallengewasreallybothbeingaBlackfemaleand beingyoung.Iwasthefirstandalwaystheyoungest.
Iwasalwayschallengedon"Okay,doessheknowher stuff?"Peoplecamearound,andtheycametoknowthat, yes,shedoesknowwhatshe'sdoing,andshe'sveryserious abouthowwemoveforward.
Whatsignificantimpacthaveyoubroughttothe educationindustry?
IthinkoneoftheimpactsthatIhavebroughttoeducation isjustacknowledgmentthatweneedtobethinkingabout allofthepopulationswhocometohighereducationand whowantaneducation,whodeserveaneducation,manyof whomhavenothadequalopportunityinthepast.
WhatHBCUshavedoneisthey'vecreatedmany professionalpeopleinprofessionaljobs—judges,lawyers, doctors—atadisproportionaterate.Thatwasasavinggrace forus.Icontinuetothinkabouthowyouensurethat everyonewhowantsanopportunity,whocandothelevel ofworkthatwehavethemdo,hasthatopportunityandit shouldnotbehamperedbytheenvironmentfromwhich theycomeorlackofresources.
TellusaboutNorfolkStateUniversityandits foundationpillar.
NorfolkStateUniversitywasbuiltduringtheGreat DepressionwhenmembersoftheBlackcommunitygot togetherandsaidthere'snothingmoreimportantthanour youngpeoplehavinganopportunityforhighereducation.
March 2023 | 28 | www.insightssuccess.com The
2023
Most Admired Women in Educa onal Sector,
Javaune is commi ed to ensuring that Norfolk State University fulfills its mission as an HBCU for the modern world, a university grounded by its heritage, focused on the future, and deeply commi ed to student success.”
Javaune Adams-Gaston President Norfolk State University
“ “
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And88yearslater,we'restillthatinstitutionwherethose whoareinvestedintheireducationandinterestedin learningandthepursuitoflearninghavetheopportunity We'reanaccessibleandaffordableinstitution.
Wewantourstudentstonotonlycomehereinbignumbers, butwealsowantthemtograduateinbignumbers.Our facultymembersareamazing.They'renotonlydoingthe kindofresearchthatcreatesinnovation;theymakesureto includetheirstudents—andnotjustgraduatestudentsbut undergraduatesaswell.Theyaremakingsurethatour studentsarepreparedfortomorrow
HowdoesNorfolkStateUniversitypromoteworkforce flexibility,andwhatisyourroleinit?
OneofthethingsthatwelearnedoverthetimeofCOVID isthatthereissomeabilityforustoworkatmultiplesites. Itisnotonlythatweallhavetobeatourin-campuswork site,butthatistrulypreferredbecauseoftheinteraction thathappens.Italsoisthecasethatwehadsomeflexibility withthestatetosaythatwecouldallowsomepeopleto worksometimesfromtheirhomeworksite.
Ithasn'tbeenaneasyprocessbecausewe'reaservice organization.Wehavestudentshere.Weknowthatthey havetobeattendedtoonaday-to-daybasis.Andso,our realfocusishowwecoverthatandensurewehavethebest possiblesupportforourstudents.
Butwe'vemadesomeaccommodations,andwehave lookedatwhatelsewecoulddo.Canwemakethismore flexible?Ithinkthat'simportantforustodo,butwealways
havetohaveoureyeontheprize.Weknowthatwedon't wantmostofourclassestaughtonline.Studentscameback. Theycamebackfortheinteractionsandfortheleadership skillstheycoulddevelopandtobeengagedinthe University.So,weknowthatthat'salwaysimportanttothis kindofworkenvironment.
Whatisyourtakeontechnology'simportanceandhow areyouleveragingit?
Technologyiscriticallyimportantintheworldthatwelive in.Oneofthethingswe'vedoneiswe'vehadtheSpartan InnovationAcademy,and in partnership with Apple, we provided iPads to all our students
Thisincludesallofourstudents,allofourfaculty,andall ofourindividualswhodosomekindofteaching.That's beengreat,andwekeeplookingathowwecangetbetterin termsofourresourcesrelatedtotheInternetandhowwe canmakethatstronger
It'sinterestingbecausewhenIlived1.3milesoffcampus,I hadgreatInternet,andwhenImovedoncampus,the Internetprovidersaid,"Oh,youknow,theyjustdidn'tput any5Goverhere."Youhavethatkindofdisparitythat happens,andithappensalongthelinesofrace.We're workingveryhardonchangingthatnarrative.
Whatwillbethenextsignificantchangeintheeducation industryandhowareyoupreparingforit?
Ithinkyou'llseestudentswhowantsomeonline,butthey alsowantsomeinperson.You'llseemoreadultindividuals whowillbepursuinghighereducation,andyou'llseea senseofmobilityintheeducationalendeavor Theother thingthatisgoingtohappenisthatpeoplearegoingtobe lookingatcertificates.
Howdoweprovidethosecertificateopportunitiesfor studentswhiletheyarepursuingdegrees?Wehavetobe nimble.Wehavetochangewiththetimes.Wehavetothink abouthighereducationassomethingthat'shappeningallthe timeforstudents.It'snotjustintheclassroom,it's everywherethattheyare,andweneedtobereallyfocused onlearningoutcomes.
Whatareyourgoalsintheupcomingfuture?
IthinktherearemanythingsthatNorfolkStatecandoasa
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premierHBCUandapremierinstitutionofhigher education.Wewantprogramsthatspeaktostudentsof today.Oneofthethingsthatyouwouldseeisthepublic healthprogramthatwehave,whichisacollaboration betweenNSU,ODU(OldDominionUniversity)and EVMS(EasternVirginiaMedicalSchool).
Weareworkingtogethertoresolveandsolveproblemsthat areveryimportanttoourcommunity—healthdisparity problems,healthaccessproblems.RecentlyEVMSand NSUcreatedapipelineprogramforourstudentstogoto medicalschoolandenterotherhealthcareers.
Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivethenextgeneration ofaspiringbusinessleaders?
Thebusinessofhighereducationischanging.Youmustbe nimble.Youmustknowwhattheissuesare,andyoumust haveawayofgettingsupportfromdonorstohelpyou movetheinstitutionforward.Capitalcampaignsarecritical. Endowmentshavetogrowinordertohavethesupportthat youneedandforthelongevityoftheuniversity
Stayontopofwhat'shappeningintheworldofhigher educationandknowthatit'salwayschangingandtheissues oftodaywillnotbetheissuesoftomorrow,butwewill alwaysbefocusedonstudentsuccess;studentlearning; facultyengagement;facultyteaching,researchandservice; andthestudentexperience,insideandoutsidethe classroom.
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Understanding the
Facets of the Dynamic Education Sector
Theeducationsectorisadynamicandever-evolving
fieldthatplaysacrucialroleinshapingthefuture ofindividualsandsocieties.Withrapid advancementsintechnology,changingdemographics,and evolvingpedagogicalapproaches,itisessentialto understandthevariousfacetsthatcontributetothe complexityanddynamismoftheeducationsector.Inthis article,wewillexplorekeyaspectsandtrendsthatdefine thedynamicnatureoftheeducationsector
TechnologicalAdvancements:
Technologyhassignificantlyimpactedtheeducationsector, revolutionizingthewaystudentslearnandteachersteach. Theintegrationofdigitaltools,onlineplatforms,and educationalsoftwarehastransformedclassroomsinto interactiveandengaginglearningenvironments. Technologyenablespersonalizedlearningexperiences, expandsaccesstoeducationthroughe-learning,andfosters innovationinteachingmethodologies.
PedagogicalApproaches:
Thefieldofeducationiswitnessingashiftfromtraditional teachingmethodstowardsmorestudent-centeredand experientiallearningapproaches.Educatorsare incorporatingproject-basedlearning,inquiry-based
learning,andcollaborativelearningtoenhancecritical thinking,problem-solving,andcreativityamongstudents. Theemphasisisondevelopingskillsandcompetenciesthat preparestudentsforthedemandsofthe21st-century workforce.
GlobalizationandInternationalization:
Inanincreasinglyinterconnectedworld,theeducation sectorisbecomingmoreglobalizedandinternationalized. Studentsareseekingeducationalexperiencesbeyondtheir borders,whileinstitutionsarecollaboratingandforming partnershipsacrosscountries.Internationalstudent exchangeprograms,jointresearchinitiatives,andthe establishmentofsatellitecampusesareexamplesofhowthe educationsectorisadaptingtothegloballandscape.
InclusionandDiversity:
Theeducationsectorrecognizestheimportanceofinclusion anddiversityinprovidingequitableaccesstoeducationfor all.Effortsarebeingmadetoaccommodatestudentswith diversebackgrounds,abilities,andlearningstyles.Special educationprograms,multiculturalcurriculumintegration, andinitiativestobridgegendergapsinSTEMeducationare justafewexamplesofpromotinginclusivityanddiversity ineducation.
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Industry Insights
LifelongLearningandContinuingEducation:
Theconceptofeducationhasexpandedbeyondformal schooling,emphasizingtheimportanceoflifelonglearning. Continuousskilldevelopmentandupskillinghavebecome essentialinarapidlychangingjobmarket.Theeducation sectorisrespondingtothisdemandbyofferingonline courses,vocationaltrainingprograms,andprofessional developmentopportunitiestoensureindividualsremain competitiveandadaptable.
PolicyandRegulation:
Educationpoliciesandregulationsshapethestructureand functioningoftheeducationsector.Governmentsplaya criticalroleinsettingstandards,curriculumframeworks, andfundingmechanisms.Policiesaimtoensurequality education,addresseducationaldisparities,andpromote educationalinnovation.Theeducationsectorisinfluenced byevolvingpoliciesandtheneedforflexibilitytoadaptto changingsocietalneeds.
ResearchandInnovation:
Researchandinnovationarevitalcomponentsofthe educationsector,drivingadvancementsinteaching methods,curriculumdevelopment,andeducational technologies.Researchersexploreeffectiveinstructional strategies,studylearningoutcomes,andinvestigatenew approachestoeducation.Innovativepractices,suchas gamification,virtualreality,andadaptivelearning platforms,arecontinuouslyemerging,transformingthe educationallandscape.
AssessmentandEvaluation:
Assessmentmethodsandpracticeshaveevolvedinthe educationsector Traditionalexamsarebeingsupplemented withmorecomprehensiveandauthenticformsof assessment,suchasproject-basedassessments,portfolios, andcompetency-basedevaluations.Thefocusisshifting towardsassessingholisticdevelopment,criticalthinking, andproblem-solvingskills.
BlendedandOnlineLearning:
Blendedandonlinelearningmodelshavegained prominence,especiallyinresponsetotheCOVID-19 pandemic.Thesemodelscombineface-to-faceinstruction withdigitalresourcesandonlineplatforms,offering flexibilityandpersonalizedlearningexperiences.Virtual
classrooms,videoconferencing,andonlinecollaborative toolsarereshapingthedeliveryofeducation.
FinancialConsiderations:
Theeducationsectorfacesfinancialchallenges,with fundingconstraintsaffectingeducationalinstitutionsat variouslevels.Adequatefinancialresourcesarecrucialfor maintainingqualityinfrastructure,recruitingandretaining skillededucators,andprovidingaccesstoeducational materialsandtechnology.Public-privatepartnershipsand innovativefundingmodelsareemergingtoaddressthese financialconsiderations.
TeacherProfessionalDevelopment:
Recognizingthepivotalroleofteachers,professional developmentopportunitieshavebecomeintegraltothe educationsector.Continuoustraining,workshops, mentoringprograms,andpeercollaborationareprovidedto enhanceteachingpractices,keepeducatorsabreastofnew methodologies,andpromoteeffectiveclassroom management.
ParentandCommunityEngagement:
Educationisacollaborativeeffortthatinvolvesnotonly educatorsandstudentsbutalsoparentsandthewider community.Schoolsareplacinggreateremphasison involvingparentsintheeducationprocessthroughparentteacherassociations,regularcommunicationchannels,and familyengagementprograms.Engagingthecommunityin educationalinitiativesfostersasupportiveandenriching learningenvironment.
Theeducationsectorisadynamicfieldthatcontinually adaptstosocietal,technological,andpedagogicalchanges. Technologicaladvancements,evolvingpedagogical approaches,globalization,inclusivity,lifelonglearning, policyandregulation,andresearchandinnovationarekey facetsthatshapeanddefinethedynamicnatureofthe educationsector.Understandingthesefacetsiscrucialfor educators,policymakers,andstakeholderstonavigatethe ever-changinglandscapeandensuretheprovisionofquality educationthatmeetstheneedsoflearnersinthe21st century
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Tanja Schjellerup Tanja Schjellerup
Leading the Horizons of Excellence
Everyinnovativeleaderhasavisionforwherethey wanttogoandastrategyforhowtogetthere.They canapplytheirstrategyideastoseewhatworksand whatdoesn't,andthenevaluatetheresultsoftheirefforts againsttheirvision.Aninnovativeleaderunderstandsthat noteverynewideaistheone.Somewillfail,butthat'spart oftheprocess.Innovativeleaderswillalwaysbelievein themselvesandenvisionpositiveoutcomes.
Confidenceislookingwithinandtappingintothetalentand skillstobringyourteamtosuccess,evenwhenissuesarise. Whenleadersbelievetheyhavewhatittakesanddisplay thatconfidencetotheirteams,itsignificantlyimpactsthe workenvironmentandculture.Leadersintheeducation sectorinculcatetheseattributesandthrivetowardsenabling newadvancementsforfuturegenerations.Thesetraitsshed thespotlightonTanjaSchjellerup,FounderofSkolen OnlineAps
Withavisiontobuildafoundationforaglobalcompany, Tanjafiguredouthowtobealeaderandrunabusinesswith
employees.Shealreadyhadherpocketfulloftheoriesand educationalknowledgetobuilditon,soshereckonedon howtoputherknowledgeintopracticeanduseitin everydaybusinessand,withthis,getarealcopeofthe "know-how"todesign,kickstart,runandkeepon developingandgrowingabusinesswithateam.
Tanjasharesherprofessionaltenureandjourneysofarin thisexclusiveinterview
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatSkolenOnlineAps. Whatchallengeshaveyouhadtoovercometoreach whereyouaretoday?
I'mstillcontinuouslylearning.Beingopenandcurious aboutgainingnewskillsandknowledgeisimperativeto becomeahighperformer.Notonlyformyselfbutalsofor theentireteam.
Ihavelearnedthesepastyearsthatit'snotasdifficultto findemployeesasitistofindtherightemployeeandteam. Especiallywhenyouaretheleaderofaremoteteam,itis criticaltobuildupanorganizationwhereeveryoneknows what'sexpectedofoneanother.Itisevenmorecriticalto ensurethattheteamfeelsthespiritofteamwork,so everybodymovesinthesamedirection.
Tellusaboutyourcompanyanditsmissionandvision; howdoesyourcompanythrivetowardsenabling advancementsintheever-evolvingeducationsector?
SkolenOnlinestrivestotakeeducationtothenextlevelby mixingonlinetechnologywithofflinereality Weaimtobe agloballearningnetwork.Withpossibilitiesforflexible studies.Soasastudent,youcaneitherjoinonlineclasses andaccessthelivelessonsorfollowtheclassesandlessons
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Through our collabora on, we have helped students complete their grade school educa on. It means they have started thriving again and believe in their own skills.
The Most Admired Women in Educa onal Sector, 2023
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Tanja Schjellerup Founder Skolen Online Aps
viaself-studywithmaterials,information,assignments,and feedbackfromthelearningfacilitators.
Wefinditimperativetofocusontheadultsoftomorrow Thatmakesalotofsensebecausetheyaretheonesthat mustcarryoninthissociety Theyneedtheknowledgeand theskillstotakeonwhateveriscomingtheirway Andthe moreknowledgeandskillswecanhelpthemgain,themore theycanaccelerateintowhattheyreallyfindinteresting. Providingfortomorrowandthefutureiseasierwhenthey excelatpoweringuptheirowncapabilitiesandskills.
Enlightenusonhowyouhavebeenimpactingthe educationindustrythroughyourexpertiseinthe market.
Bycreatingadifferentkindoflearningenvironmentfor students+7yearsofage,wehavecreatedaplacethat providespossibilitiesforvariousstudents.
Weaimtoensurethatmorestudentsgraduatefromgrade schoolinsteadofendingupasdropoutstudents.Wehave provenittobepossible.Inschoolyear20/21,welaunched ourfirstonlineclasses.
Throughourcollaboration,wehavehelpedstudents completetheirgradeschooleducation.Itmeanstheyhave startedthrivingagainandbelieveintheirownskills.In additiontobeingabletocontinuetheirowneducational path,thatisequallysignificantforsociety
Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.
Wearebuiltonafoundationoftrustandflexibility With thisalsocomestheexpectationofhighstandards.Thosego handinhand.Teamworkalsobythesayingoneforall,all forone,weleavenoonebehind.Thatcomestoour customersandtoourteammates.
Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouadvancingtowards technologicalinnovationstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?
Weusetechnologyeverydaytorunourplatformandstay intouchwithourstudents.Therefore,technologyisan
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integratedpartofthebusiness.Overall,it'simperativeto recognizethattechnologyisstillevolving.Anditwillnever stopevolving.
Whatisimportantistomakesurethatit'simplementedina smartwayandnotusedinawaywherehumanitydoesnot keepdevelopingourknowledgeandskillsashumanbeings andassocietyasawhole.Thisisbecausehumanityshould focusonthrivinganddoingtherightthingforeverybody becausethatkeepsthewheelsrunning.
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextsignificant changeinyoursector?Howisyourcompanypreparing tobeapartofthatchange?
Onlinelearningisbecomingmorecoming,andthegrowing acknowledgement,especiallyinDenmarkandother countriesalikethatarerathernewatusingtheonlineschool forchildren,thatstudentsfromjuniorhighandhighschool canlearnviaonlineteachingandclassesandthatforsome it'sthebestwayoflearning.
Ibelievethatwewillexperienceagreatershiftfrom "everybodylearningthesame"toamoredifferentiatedand flexiblewayoflearning.Withawiderfocusonhowyou learn,whenyoulearn,whatyoulearnandwhyyou're learningitandwithmorepossibilitiestochoosewhereyou learnitaswell.
Intheend,it'sthejobmarketthatdecidesifyouhavethe qualityandthequalificationstotakeajobinthatspecific workplace.Thiswillenableyoutomeettheexpectations thatfollow.Thegreatertheshifttowardsunderstanding this,themoreeducationwillbeaboutevolvingindividual skillsthaneverybodylearningthesamecurriculum.That willbeadifferentandsignificantchangeintheeducational sector
Thereisincreasingacceptancethatallstudentslearn differentlyintheeducationalfield.Wehaveindividual brains,andnoteverybodyneedstobeinthesame environmenttolearn.Consequently,themorewesupport eachotherandworktogethertodevelopalternativelearning environments,thebetterwewillbeabletocreatethem.The morewecreateoftheseandsupporteachotherinthe differentapproachesandpossibilitiesthatcomefromthem, thebetterwecanmakethenowandthefutureforanybody
pursuingeducation,asitenhancesthepossibilitiesthat therewillbealearningenvironmentfitfortheirspecificand preferredwayofacquiringknowledge.
It'simportanttorememberthateducationiseverevolving becausewechange;withthat,theeducationalsectormust followandkeepup.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforSkolenOnlineAps?
IbelievethatSkolenOnlinewillkeepgrowingintoamore significantplayerintheeducationalfield.Particularlyfor studentswhodon'tthriveintraditionalschoolsanddon't belonginspecialeducationschools.Ithasalreadybecomea placefordigitalnomads,homeschoolersandforeverybody who'sseekingagloballearningnetwork.
Notonlyisitforyoungstudents,butalsoforadults, includingparents.Weareaimingtobeagloballywellknownmultilingualeducationalplatformthatpeoplewill choosewhenevertheyneedonlineclassesorself-study materialsforthemselvesortheirchildren.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothedynamiceducation industry?
Itisnotspecifictotheeducationalindustrybutisapplicable toanyaspiringentrepreneurswhowanttostarttheirown business.YouneedtofeeltheWHY.Youneedtofigureout WHYyouaredoingwhatyouaredoing,andtheanswer shouldnotbe"forprofit".Whyareyoudoingit?Besure thatyouknowhowtoanswerthatquestion.
Tosucceedinwhatyoudo,youmustknowwhy.So,ensure thatyougiveyourselftimetoevaluateyourWHY,and remembertofigureouthow,what,where,andwhento implementyourWHY.
Anddon'tbeafraidtoreachout,askquestions,growyour networkandbuildyourknowledgearoundpeersthatcan supportyouinyourjourney.Becurious.Anddaremake mistakes.
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