About the Episode
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About The Episode:
Hosts welcome Dr. Faran Saeed, Director of the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program at the University of Wisconsin and former Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the university's Global and International Division. Dr. Saeed shares his leadership journey, from shifting career paths in undergrad to navigating the complexities of DEI work in higher education. He offers powerful insights into values-driven leadership, crisis management, and the importance of centering impacted communities. Through his experiences—including the defining moment of the 2017 Charlottesville crisis—Dr. Saeed provides actionable strategies for leading with integrity, preparing for resistance, and fostering inclusive environments in higher education.
Key Takeaways
- Values-Driven Leadership is Essential – Aligning leadership with personal and institutional values ensures that decision-making remains principled, impactful, and student-centered.
- Preparing for Crisis Requires Proactive Planning – A comprehensive communication strategy and clear stakeholder engagement plan are critical for navigating crises effectively.
- Center Impacted Communities in Decision-Making – Listening to and prioritizing the voices of those directly affected by policies and crises leads to more equitable and effective solutions.
- Power Dynamics Shape Institutional Responses – Leaders must understand and navigate institutional power structures to advocate for systemic change and meaningful DEI work.
- Strategic Planning Can Drive Long-Term Equity – Embedding DEI principles into institutional policies, staffing, and community partnerships creates lasting structural change.
- Resistance is Inevitable—Be Ready for It – Anticipating and preparing for opposition helps leaders stay committed to their values while mitigating risks.
- Self-Care Fuels Effective Leadership – Investing in personal well-being—whether through reading, reflection, or taking intentional breaks—sustains leaders in demanding roles.
From Biochemistry to Higher Education: Dr. Saeed’s Leadership Journey
Dr. Faran Saeed’s career trajectory began with a passion for science, but he soon realized his true calling was in student support and community advocacy. As a first-generation Muslim and South Asian student, he recognized the lack of representation in higher education leadership roles. This realization led him to transition from biochemistry to student affairs, where he found purpose in supporting underrepresented students.
At Louisiana State University, he confronted the challenges of limited diversity in leadership and almost left higher ed due to lack of representation. However, a conversation with peers solidified his commitment to staying in the field. Over time, his work evolved from community engagement to a broader focus on multicultural affairs and DEI, ultimately leading him to leadership roles at Oregon State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Power of Values-Driven Leadership
Dr. Saeed emphasized the importance of leading with values, particularly in supervisory roles. He prioritizes critical reflection on systemic inequities, ensuring that every programmatic decision—from event planning to student advising—aligns with a commitment to equity. He also stressed the importance of relational leadership, building strong connections with colleagues, students, and community partners to drive meaningful change.
His leadership at the Murseel J. Lee Scholars Program reflects this values-driven approach. With a focus on supporting historically disadvantaged students, he has worked to enhance mentorship opportunities, financial accessibility, and strategic partnerships to improve student outcomes. By incorporating student feedback into programming decisions, his team fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion.
A Defining Leadership Moment: Navigating the Charlottesville Crisis
One of the most pivotal moments in Dr. Saeed’s career occurred in 2017 during the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, while he was at the University of Virginia. The crisis highlighted deep systemic failures in institutional responses to racial violence and forced him to reevaluate his role as a leader.
In the immediate aftermath, he implemented a crisis response strategy that prioritized safety, communication, and community support. Key actions included:
- Developing a real-time communication plan to keep students, faculty, and community partners informed.
- Establishing safe spaces on campus with 24/7 student access for emotional support.
- Partnering with mental health professionals to provide trauma-informed counseling.
- Issuing a public statement that took institutional accountability for past shortcomings.
- Advocating for policy changes to prevent similar crises in the future.
This experience reshaped his leadership philosophy, reinforcing the necessity of centering impacted communities, recognizing power dynamics, and making decisions that prioritize long-term equity over short-term appeasement.
Understanding Power Dynamics in Higher Education
Dr. Saeed shed light on the role of power dynamics in institutional decision-making. He highlighted how university leadership often faces conflicting priorities—balancing donor relations, political considerations, and student advocacy. These tensions can create resistance to bold DEI initiatives.
To navigate these challenges, he emphasized the need for:
- Strategic messaging that aligns with institutional priorities while pushing for systemic change.
- Transparent leadership that acknowledges existing inequities rather than glossing over them.
- Advocacy for equitable resource distribution, ensuring that historically marginalized students receive the support they need.
Actionable Strategies for Leading Through Crisis and Change
Dr. Saeed outlined several steps that higher ed leaders can take to prepare for and respond to challenges:
- Educate Yourself on Crisis Management – Research best practices, assess past institutional responses, and build a knowledge base for proactive leadership.
- Engage Impacted Communities First – Prioritize direct conversations with students, faculty, and staff who are most affected by decisions.
- Develop a Communications Plan – Prepare messaging for different stakeholder groups in advance, ensuring clarity and transparency in crisis situations.
- Integrate Equity into Strategic Planning – Use crises as opportunities to reassess policies and embed long-term DEI commitments into institutional frameworks.
- Prepare for Resistance – Anticipate challenges from leadership, donors, and external stakeholders, and develop strategies to stay aligned with core values despite opposition.
Self-Care as a Leadership Practice
To sustain himself in emotionally demanding work, Dr. Saeed prioritizes self-care through reading. After completing his PhD, he rekindled his love for books, reading over 50 in just five months. He balances heavy academic and activist texts with fiction that brings him joy, creating a sense of balance. His self-care routine also includes daily walks while listening to audiobooks, ensuring that he stays mentally and emotionally grounded.
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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