About the Episode
About The Episode:
In this episode, hosts Tomika Ferguson and Cody Nielsen sit down with Dr. Charlie Nelms, a transformative leader in higher education. With over 55 years of experience, Dr. Nelms shares the wisdom he's gained from his journey—from his roots in the Arkansas Delta to serving as a chancellor three times. This conversation dives deep into the importance of mentorship, the power of staying true to your convictions, and the crucial role of understanding your "why" in leadership. Dr. Nelms' stories are a testament to the impact of authentic leadership and the lifelong commitment to paying it forward. The conversation delves into the critical intersection of equity, excellence, and impact, offering actionable insights for leaders at all stages of their careers.
- The Power of Knowing Your Why: Understanding your core motivations (your "why") is essential for navigating leadership challenges, especially during crises.
- Navigating Emotional Challenges: Leaders must separate fact from emotion while maintaining their convictions, especially when issues are rooted in identity and inclusion.
- Embrace Mentorship: Make yourself available to mentor and support the next generation of leaders in higher education.
- Equity, Excellence, and Impact: Dr. Nelms highlights the inextricable link between these three elements, stressing that equity without excellence is hollow. some text
- (or) Equity, excellence, and impact are interconnected and should guide decision-making.
- Impact of Philanthropy: Dr. Nelms' commitment to giving back, inspired by those who supported him, underscores the significance of gratitude and generosity in leadership.
The Importance of Mentorship and Paying It Forward
Dr. Nelms is known for mentoring hundreds of higher education professionals over his 56-year career. He reflects on how he was shaped by the people who poured into him early in life, from his family in rural Arkansas to influential mentors throughout his education and professional journey. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship in shaping leaders.
One of Dr. Nelms' key takeaways is the responsibility to "pay it forward." For him, the ultimate expression of gratitude to those who helped him is mentoring others and giving back, particularly to underrepresented students and future leaders. “We have an obligation to pay it forward,” he said, a principle that drives his work even today, whether it’s creating scholarships or leading significant fundraising campaigns for HBCUs.
His approach to leadership and mentorship emphasizes the value of human connection. “We must be available to interact with and talk to people,” Dr. Nelms advises, reinforcing that being accessible and authentic to others is one of the most profound ways to give back.
Leadership Is Rooted in Knowing Your Why
Dr. Nelms consistently speaks about the power of knowing your “why” as a leader. He shared, "If you don't know your why, you'll go with any wind blowing." This focus on purpose is what keeps leaders grounded, particularly when faced with crises or decisions rooted in emotion rather than fact.
He acknowledges that many leaders, especially in higher education, grapple with balancing the needs of students, staff, and the institution. Dr. Nelms’ advice? Always start with the impact on students. This equity-centered approach underlines every decision he made as a chancellor, reinforcing that education should always focus on the students it serves.
However, standing by your “why” often requires boldness. Dr. Nelms recounts moments in his career when he had to stand firm in his values, even at the cost of making difficult decisions, such as challenging donors or advocating for policy changes. In these situations, Dr. Nelms emphasizes that being authentic is more important than securing a title or job.
Equity Without Excellence Is Hollow
A key philosophy that guides Dr. Nelms' leadership is the idea that "equity without excellence is hollow." He believes that true equity must be accompanied by a pursuit of excellence and that leaders must work toward fostering both. Whether addressing tuition increases or advocating for institutional change, Dr. Nelms always began by asking how a decision would impact students.
For Dr. Nelms, this approach ensured that equity was not just a buzzword, but a practical reality for the students and communities he served. He encourages leaders to keep students at the center of every decision, a stance that often requires going against institutional norms or financial pressures.
Strategies for Paying It Forward
As the conversation draws to a close, Dr. Nelms offers actionable strategies for leaders to pay it forward:
- Be Accessible and Authentic: Leaders must be available to others and willing to share their knowledge and stories.
- Speak Truth with Compassion: Whether offering advice or feedback, be honest but compassionate, especially when discussing career readiness or leadership potential.
- Be a Lifelong Learner: Keep learning and growing, both through writing and engaging with others. A simple message or conversation can have a lasting impact.
- Lead with Purpose: Always remember your “why.” Leadership is about creating opportunities for others, not just about holding a position.
Dr. Nelms’ insights are invaluable for anyone navigating leadership, especially in higher education. His focus on mentoring, authenticity, and equity provides a clear framework for creating impactful, sustainable change on campus and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
- Mentorship and Paying It Forward: Mentorship is foundational in leadership. It's crucial to be available, invest in others, and give back.
- Know Your Why: Leaders need to stay grounded in their purpose, particularly when faced with emotional or complex situations.
- Equity and Excellence Go Hand in Hand: Equity must be coupled with excellence, ensuring that students remain the focus of every decision.
- Authenticity in Leadership: Be authentic and stay true to your values, even when the path is difficult or unpopular.
To hear the full conversation with Dr. Charlie Nelms and gain even more insights on leadership and equity in higher education, listen to the complete episode of After Further Consideration, part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. Don’t miss this inspiring episode full of actionable advice and powerful stories for leaders in higher ed!
About The Show: After Further Consideration isn’t just another podcast — it’s your guide to pioneering DEI leadership in higher ed. Get cutting-edge strategies and expert insights that are directly applicable to the challenges you face daily. Lead with confidence, drive institutional change, and make a meaningful difference for your students and staff.
Connect With Our Co Hosts:
Dr. J. Cody Nielsen
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
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