The keynote panel “Leading with the Head and the Heart” welcomed a conversation around utilizing data to demonstrate values and increase student success. The three panelists, all college and university presidents, emphasized the benefits of collaborating qualitative and quantitative data to better visualize student populations.
A value-first approach to student success revitalizes how higher education supports all demographics of students. Valerie Kinloch, president of Johnson C. Smith University, said “When I think of value, I always start with [the questions of] ‘Who are our students and where are our students from? Where are the communities our students are coming to us from?’”
The panelists agreed that seeing people for who they are is the key to meeting students where they are at and serving them. President of Lorain County Community College Marcia Ballinger discussed appealing to students by opening access to further opportunities in professions and education.
“From a student perspective, the value of a community college is that [community colleges] can give them transferable skills.”
Creating a network of people involved in local communities brings everyone together. “Completion by design,” as Ballinger stated, is the end goal of uniting students, alumni, employers, taxpayers, and others to ensure community.
The president of Texas A&M University, Kingsville, points out his outfit, a sharp steel blue suit, to note that appearances affect how students approach leaders in higher education. “Use your framework strategically,” Robert Vela said. “It has to be intentional. Serve as a leader and present yourself to be comfortable, then people will rally around you.”
Shifting to the importance of demonstrating value through data, the three presidents cited personalizing data to represent stories as one way to unite the head and the heart.
Vela addressed the audience: “Every point in the data set represents someone. If you don’t see that, then we’re losing the battle to seeing the value of higher education institutions.
“It’s the spirit behind looking at people when you start to change your culture around accountability. Take all your intentions, figure out your relationships and start conversations.”
Kinloch resonated with fellow student success professionals in the room: “Leadership is hard, but the part that is not hard is walking outside my office and seeing my students. Leadership is necessary but, at the same time, leadership should be about the collective. It’s hard but it’s the best work we can do.”