Presidents and the Employee Experience

About the Episode: Today’s college or university president is expected to be highly influential and effective in their leadership. These higher ed CEOs are expected to positively impact every aspect of their institutions, regardless of size. The employee experience, however, can often be one of the least prioritized areas. How did one of the most respected and recognized presidents in the country work with his faculty and staff? Walter Kimbrough visited “I Wanna Work There!” to talk about how he worked to create a positive talent experience during his presidencies.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

1. We will hear about the importance of establishing a culture from the president’s seat.
2. We will learn what it means to communicate honestly with faculty and staff.
3. Walter will share his advice for aspiring presidents to help foster a productive campus work culture. 

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Episode Summary

How Does a President Shape Campus Work Culture?

Dr. Kimbrough dives into his experiences at various institutions, including Emory University, Philander Smith College, and Dillard University, each with unique work cultures and challenges. He shares that establishing an institutional identity often meant rebuilding confidence among staff and faculty, especially in smaller or struggling colleges. Dr. Kimbrough notes that presidents must set the tone by actively engaging with the faculty and staff, modeling respect, and promoting a sense of pride. For example, he often offered additional time off around the holidays to show appreciation and took time to learn each team member’s name, fostering a welcoming, cohesive environment. By acknowledging the unique strengths of each institution, Dr. Kimbrough helped elevate their reputations and internal morale.

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How Can Leaders Handle Institutional Challenges Transparently?

As the leader of two financially struggling HBCUs, Dr. Kimbrough learned the importance of transparency and direct communication. At Philander Smith College, he faced significant financial and operational obstacles that required immediate and honest intervention. He advises presidents to conduct a thorough listening tour when they first arrive, allowing for a full understanding of campus needs and unearthing potential issues. During his tenure, he faced tough situations, such as budget cuts and departmental challenges, by maintaining open lines of communication with faculty and staff. By showing them financial data and explaining his decisions, he gained trust and encouraged the campus community to work together toward common goals.

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What Advice Does Dr. Kimbrough Have for Aspiring Presidents?

Dr. Kimbrough stresses that aspiring presidents need to focus on genuine relationships with staff and students and build a team-oriented culture that respects each person’s contributions. He recommends that future leaders spend time learning about institutional dynamics, particularly understanding the competing interests of faculty, staff, and students. By listening to each group and balancing their needs, presidents can create an environment where faculty and staff feel valued and motivated to support students. His advice to potential presidents is to develop their relational and organizational skills in their current roles to be prepared to foster positive, productive work cultures in the future.

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About the Show: I Wanna Work There! takes a look at how colleges and universities can develop competitive, compelling employer brands. Join us for an honest and solutions-based look at the issues that surround institutions positioning themselves as employers of choice.

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network: I Wanna Work There is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager and Talking Tactics. 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. 

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Connect with Us at the Engage Summit: Exciting news — many of your favorite Enrollify creators will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI. 

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $99! This early bird pricing lasts until March 31. 

Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!