It’s Not Going To Be Rosy

In this episode of After Further Consideration, part of Enrollify’s DEI-focused Pulse Check series, hosts Dr. Cody Nielsen and Dr. Tomika Ferguson sit down with Dr. Kevin McDonald, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Partnerships at the University of Virginia. They explore Kevin's remarkable career journey, his leadership approach during crises, and how he fosters inclusion, accountability, and resilience in challenging situations.

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Key Takeaways

• Resilience and Flexibility in Leadership
  Navigating crises requires a combination of quick thinking, interpersonal skills, and the courage to recalibrate decisions when needed.
• The Importance of Political Savvy
  Effective leadership in higher education demands a strong understanding of organizational dynamics and the ability to balance diverse stakeholder interests.
• Self-Care as a Leadership Priority
  Leaders must prioritize self-care to sustain their energy, creativity, and ability to positively impact their teams and communities.
• Giving Back to Future Leaders
  Mentorship is a critical part of leadership, ensuring that the next generation of leaders feels supported and empowered.

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How Did Kevin McDonald’s Career in Higher Education Begin?

Kevin’s journey into higher education was unplanned. After earning his law degree, he began his career at the Department of Justice investigating ADA violations, which introduced him to civil rights and advocacy. His wife spotted his first higher education job in a newspaper, launching his path into DEI leadership roles at institutions like Johns Hopkins, Virginia Tech, and the University of Missouri before joining UVA.

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What Leadership Challenges Has Kevin Faced?

Kevin shared a pivotal crisis from his career involving a controversial DEI faculty requirement. Faculty backlash and protests erupted after a university president rescinded the policy. Kevin’s mediation efforts—including encouraging dialogue and pushing for a “reset” after a tense exchange—helped secure $1-2 million in funding for faculty recruitment and retention. This experience reinforced the value of interpersonal communication, transparency, and the willingness to act decisively under pressure.

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What Does It Take to Lead During Crises?

Kevin emphasizes three key traits for leadership during crises:

1. Interpersonal Credibility: Build trust with all stakeholders to serve as a bridge between conflicting groups.
2. Resilience: Failure isn’t an option—leaders must think on their feet and focus on resolution.
3. Reflection: Continuously learn from experiences to enhance future decision-making.

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How Can Middle Managers Lead Without Ultimate Decision-Making Power?

Kevin advises aspiring leaders to:

• Lead where they are by identifying opportunities to address organizational gaps.
• Build relationships and political awareness to navigate institutional dynamics.
• Reflect what they expect by demonstrating behaviors aligned with their career aspirations.
• Take calculated risks to achieve transformational impact.

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Why Is Self-Care Essential for Leaders?

Kevin underscores the importance of self-care, which he integrates through:

• A structured routine, including early morning workouts and meditation.
• Prioritizing time for family and personal growth.
• Encouraging team members to balance work and life, ensuring their well-being and productivity.

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Series Description: “After Further Consideration,” is a DEI-focused series where hosts Dr. Cody Nielsen and Dr. Tomika Ferguson invite experienced change leaders both within and beyond higher education into conversations focused on responsive leadership, addressing campus crises, navigating institutional shifts, and fostering sustainable change all through the lens of equity and inclusion.  Each episode dives into the experiences of those who have navigated challenges, gleaned invaluable lessons, and implemented innovative approaches to complex problems. Whether you're seeking actionable solutions or inspiration to drive positive and inclusive change, "After Further Consideration" offers a platform for dialogue, growth, and impactful leadership in higher education.