Writing the Next Chapter
Tried and Tested—And Stronger
American literature professor. Marathon runner. University president. Powerlifter and weightlifter. Dean. I have worn many hats throughout my life and career and witnessed the changing and challenging landscape of higher education. Through it all, I have remained an advocate for academic freedom and courageous leadership. I spent more than 30 years at the University of Missouri progressing through its ranks to full professor and chair before becoming dean of MU’s College of Arts and Science. I moved to Sarasota, Florida, in 2021 to take the helm of New College of Florida as its first woman president. My tenure was successful but shortened by a hostile political takeover. This experience led me to leadership coaching and consulting with firsthand knowledge of the challenges today’s higher education leaders face.
I want to help create a future for higher education that learns from its failures, embraces leaders with humility, integrity, and perseverance, and understands what our society needs to thrive.
“Repeatedly in my life, I’ve experienced the transformative power of other people investing in my personal and professional growth. Many times, these mentors and coaches have seen things in me—talent, opportunity, vision—that even I had not yet realized.
Now, as a leadership coach, I have the opportunity to do the same for others, to help them achieve their full potential as courageous leaders and individuals.”
Doing the Heavy Lifting
More than a decade ago, at age 51, I transformed from sedentary academic to competitive athlete in three sports: running, powerlifting, and weightlifting. Becoming a marathoner and lifter has brought me great joy. It has also taught me much about leadership and the power of patience, persistence, and faith, to name just a few. These lessons, which I practice daily in training for my 11th consecutive Boston Marathon and in the gym, have strengthened my resilience as a leader.
Video Credit: Shane Epping
“I look, you look, he looks; we look, ye look, they look.”
— Herman Melville, Moby-Dick