About the Episode
About The Episode:
In this episode, Dr. Kris Renn shares her extensive journey in higher education, discussing her roles in student affairs and academic affairs. She reflects on pivotal leadership moments, including a significant student protest, and the challenges of navigating crises in leadership. Dr. Renn discusses the importance of tenure as both a privilege and a duty, reflecting on her role in addressing crises, including leadership turnover and governance issues. She offers insights on balancing equity and shared governance and highlights the importance of preparing the next generation of higher education leaders with intentionality.
Key Takeaways:
- Leadership isn't just about holding a title—it's about leveraging privilege to advocate for systemic changes.
- Navigating the emotional and professional complexities of working in student affairs and academic administration can shape one's leadership philosophy.
- Tenured faculty have to speak out on institutional failures, particularly in times of crisis.
- Equity in higher education requires reshaping the systems, not just "throwing life jackets" to individuals.
Episode Summary
In this episode of After Further Consideration, Dr. Kris Renn shares her inspiring career journey, reflecting on the many hats she has worn in student affairs and academic leadership. Starting out as a pre-med student at Mount Holyoke College, Dr. Renn was introduced to the world of higher education by mentors who helped shape her path toward student affairs. This led to roles at Brown University, where she worked with various student services, including pioneering LGBTQ+ work. Eventually, her journey took her to Michigan State University, where she embraced both faculty and administrative roles.
One of the major themes of the conversation is the importance of making decisions that open more doors. Dr. Renn explains how her mother’s advice to always choose opportunities that expand possibilities has guided her throughout her career. This mindset has allowed her to move fluidly between student affairs and academic administration, embracing leadership roles as they presented themselves.
In a candid moment, Dr. Renn reflects on a pivotal leadership experience at Brown University, where she was involved in a student protest. Tasked with helping manage the aftermath, including the arrest of students, she shares the emotional and ethical weight of the situation. Despite disagreeing with the decision to arrest students, she remained present to ensure the process was as humane as possible. This story underscores the complexities of leadership in higher education, where personal convictions and professional duties often collide.
Dr. Renn also discusses her tenure at Michigan State University, where she was invited into academic administration by the provost. This role allowed her to focus on student success at a large, public university—an entirely different landscape from her previous experiences at smaller, private institutions like Brown. Her reflections on tenure emphasize the responsibility tenured faculty have to speak out against institutional inequities, especially in light of Michigan State's recent leadership crises.
Throughout the episode, the conversation touches on the current state of higher education, particularly the challenges faced by professionals in student and academic affairs. Dr. Renn notes that younger generations entering the field are pushing back against the "hustle and grind" culture, demanding more humane work environments. She advocates for long-term structural changes in higher education that not only address current inequities but also prevent future ones.
As the episode draws to a close, Dr. Renn offers actionable strategies for preparing the next generation of higher education professionals. She encourages educators and leaders to rethink how they teach student development theories, emphasizing core principles rather than rigid frameworks. Additionally, she highlights the need for formal feedback loops between early-career professionals and senior leadership to foster better communication and more effective change.
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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