An educated population, given the right tools, can solve any problem. That’s why, now more than ever, with the constant evolution of technology and the amount of information we have access to, it’s important to bring education front and center on the list of things that we are supporting.
University leaders have the responsibility to be responsive to their students’ needs and find new ways to adapt faster and better organize their internal structure so that they can take advantage of every opportunity available.
In today’s episode, Dr. Saunders and I are talking about the future of education, and what every university should do to quickly respond to change and pivot so that they can align with the constant demands of innovation.
Martha Saunders is the sixth president of the University of West Florida, and in her 30-plus years in higher education, she has served as a professor of communication, honors director, dean of arts and sciences and as provost, chancellor, or president at universities in Florida, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Mississippi. Her area of academic expertise is in public relations and crisis communication for which she has won numerous awards, including two Public Relations Society of America’s coveted Silver Anvils. She is also the 2011 National Winner of the Stevie Award for Women in Business.
Her vision for the University of West Florida is for it to grow beyond its beginnings as a regional comprehensive university, and be seen as a leader in innovation and cutting-edge academic programs. Listen to Episode 228 of Becoming Your Best, to find out what is needed in terms of leadership, to bring such an institution – or any other type of organization, as a matter of fact – to a higher level.
Questions I ask:
- Tell us about your background and some of the experiences that you've had and what are the things that have led you to where you're at today? (02:51)
- Tell us about the University of West Florida - we’d love to hear more about that. (09:22)
- How is West Florida becoming Florida’s Innovation University? (12:11)
- Any final tips you’d like to leave our listeners with, today? Any encouragement or any thoughts? (19:37)
In this episode, you will learn:
- The importance of being able to accept change and to pivot quickly when needed. (06:03)
- How learning to lean on your team, trust them, and listen to their ideas is essential for great leadership. (08:00)
- What the future of education looks like. (16:52)
- How UWF’s Sea3D Lab is currently helping healthcare workers. (14:59)
Connect with Dr. Martha Saunders:
Becoming Your Best Resources:
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