Remembering the People

About The Episode: In this episode, Tomika and Cody delve into the essence of intentional leadership and its role in fostering inclusivity in decision-making processes with special guest Jaunelle White. They explore how strengthening relationships within your team is crucial, particularly when overcoming others' assumptions about you as a leader. Furthermore, they discuss the importance of prioritizing the humanity of your team over institutional needs during times of crisis. Tune in for actionable insights on making confident, significant career moves by evaluating the opportunity, timing, and location. Join them for a comprehensive conversation on these pivotal aspects of effective leadership!

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Key Insights from the Episode

1. Intentionality is Key to Inclusive Leadership

• To lead with equity, focus on being intentional in every decision, whether it's creating policies, hiring, or allocating resources. Pause to reflect on how your decisions affect all stakeholders—students, staff, and the broader community.
• Building diverse teams and cultivating a variety of perspectives at the table fosters better outcomes and drives meaningful progress.

2. Addressing COVID-19: A Lesson in People-First Leadership

• COVID-19 revealed the importance of prioritizing people—students, staff, and coaches—in decision-making. By focusing on mental health, community support, and adaptability, Janelle guided her teams through unprecedented challenges.
• Balancing business decisions with care for individuals creates trust and sustainability in times of crisis.

3. The Rising Influence of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) at All Levels

• While NIL opportunities are widely associated with NCAA Division I athletics, smaller institutions like those in the NAIA are also adapting. Janelle shares how Point University is leveraging creative approaches to provide student-athletes with meaningful NIL opportunities despite resource limitations.

4. Equity in Action Requires Leadership Across All Levels

• Leaders must look beyond the big picture and focus on the individuals they serve. From student-athletes to non-athlete students, leadership is about ensuring no one feels left out or unsupported.
• Equity extends to every aspect of campus life—Janelle’s hybrid role as both athletic director and Chief Student Development Officer exemplifies how leadership can bridge gaps between athletics and student services.

5. Building Relationships and Trust is Foundational

• Janelle’s leadership philosophy centers on relationships: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This people-first approach builds trust and makes difficult conversations and decisions easier.
• Humanizing leadership—whether it’s engaging with staff through fun activities, connecting with students in informal settings, or listening deeply to feedback—fosters a culture of mutual respect and accountability.

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Episode Highlights: What You'll Learn

How Jaunelle White’s Leadership Journey Took Shape

Jaunelle grew up immersed in sports and education but never imagined herself working in collegiate athletics. Her career began serendipitously, with mentors seeing potential in her and encouraging her to pursue a path in athletics administration. Starting in compliance, she discovered a passion for leadership and problem-solving that eventually led her to her role as an athletic director.

Navigating Crises and Change as a Leader

Janelle shares how COVID-19 became a defining moment in her leadership journey. Balancing the business demands of athletics with the emotional well-being of staff and student-athletes, she emphasized the importance of remembering the people behind every decision. By creating an environment of support and transparency, she led her department through unprecedented challenges while maintaining trust and focus.

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Equity in NIL and the Future of Small Institutions

While NIL is often seen as a Power Five phenomenon, Jaunelle highlights how NAIA institutions like Point University are adapting the concept to create opportunities for their student-athletes. From small-scale community engagement to creative partnerships, even resource-limited schools can implement NIL programs that meet the needs of their athletes and enhance recruitment efforts in a competitive market.

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The Role of Intentionality in Equity-Focused Decision Making

Whether leading athletics or student development, Jaunelle emphasizes the importance of being intentional in every action. For her, equity isn’t just about meeting quotas or implementing policies—it’s about ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. Her strategies include:

• Building diverse, representative teams.
• Maintaining open feedback loops with staff and students.
• Providing opportunities for all voices to contribute to decision-making.

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Balancing Dual Leadership Roles with Grace

Jaunelle’s current role as both VP of Intercollegiate Athletics and Chief Student Development Officer has stretched her leadership skills in new ways. She balances competing priorities while keeping the student experience—both athletes and non-athletes—at the forefront. Her ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and lean on her “village” of mentors has been key to managing this hybrid role.

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Actionable Strategies for Equity-Driven Leadership

1. Be Intentional in Every Decision: Pause to reflect on how policies, practices, and decisions impact every stakeholder group. This ensures no one is excluded and creates equitable outcomes.
2. Invest in Relationship Building: Establish trust with staff, students, and colleagues by creating opportunities for open dialogue, fostering collaboration, and humanizing leadership.
3. Embrace Feedback and Growth: Adopt a learner’s mindset—listen to feedback, be open to change, and continuously seek ways to improve as a leader.
4. Innovate Within Your Means: Even with limited resources, find creative ways to meet the needs of your stakeholders. For example, small-scale NIL opportunities can still make a big impact on student-athletes’ experiences.
5. Lead with an Equity Lens: Diversify your teams, embrace inclusive practices, and challenge assumptions to ensure decisions are fair and beneficial to all.

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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.