Dana Fergins-Hawthorne

My success is the result of intentional commitment to purpose, disciplined work ethic, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of service. I attribute my growth to the mentors, colleagues, and communities who have poured into me; the students and scholars who inspire my every step; and my dedication to continuous learning. I approach every opportunity through the lens of excellence, integrity, and impact while recognizing that leadership is not simply a position, but a daily practice of guiding others toward their highest potential. My success is strengthened by resilience, shaped by collaboration, and sustained by a deep calling to empower others to lead, serve, and make meaningful change.

The best career advice I’ve ever given is this, Resilience is not just something you have. It is something you practice, intentionally, every day. Careers will shift. Plans will change. Opportunities will open and close. Yet what determines your progress is not perfection, it’s your ability to rise differently each time life requires you to get back up. I tell my scholars and colleagues: You will not always feel confident but keep showing up. You will not always feel ready but stay committed. You will not always have clarity but move with integrity. Resilience is built in the quiet moments when no one sees you adjusting, learning, reflecting, and refusing to quit on yourself. Your resilience becomes your credibility. Not the title. Not the résumé. Not the accolades. But the strength to keep going gracefully, intentionally, and purposefully when the path gets difficult. Protect your peace, sharpen your purpose, and rise with resilience. Because success is not defined by how high you climb but by how beautifully you continue to rise.

To the young women preparing to enter higher education or training, I offer this with sincerity and strength, Do not shrink to be welcome. Your brilliance, your voice, and your presence are not accidents, they are assets. You will enter rooms where you may be the youngest, the newest, or the only one who looks like you. Do not let that make you question your worth. Instead, Stand in your confidence without apology. Speak with clarity and purpose. Lead with preparation because preparation is power. And, Understand that every role you accept is not just about the work you do. It is about the message you send: I belong. I contribute. I elevate the standard. Remember, You do not have to be loud to be heard. But you must be consistent. You do not have to be perfect to be respected. But you must be intentional. And most importantly: Choose resilience over reaction. There will be moments when you are overlooked, underestimated, or misunderstood. Do not internalize those moments, interpret them as confirmation that you are operating at a level that requires growth and grace. Keep your focus. Keep your standard. Keep your peace. Surround yourself with women who clap for you when you win and correct you when you are out of alignment. Build community, not competition. Collaboration is the sustainability of leadership. Walk in purpose. Protect your voice. Honor your values. And never, ever dim your light to make others more comfortable. You are not here to fit in. You are here to transform the space.

There are many great opportunities I am positioned to seize in higher education. The intentional impact of student success models. I have the opportunity to bring intentional leadership development, coaching, advocacy, and academic support together to build scholars who persist and excel, not merely enroll. I am afforded the opportunity to advancing a culture of belonging and academic excellence. I can seize this opportunity by centering equity, high expectations, and supportive learning environments, and creating academic cultures where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to lead. Also, I have a huge opportunity to strengthen community partnerships through collaborations with local schools, civic organizations, professional networks, and service groups to provide invaluable platforms for real-world learning, mentorship, and career preparation. Most importantly, I have a major opportunity to prepare purpose-driven, resilient leaders. This opportunity allows us to teach students not only what to think, but how to lead with discipline, compassion, clarity of purpose, and resilience. This era of higher education demands leaders who can balance strategy with empathy, data with humanity, and innovation with tradition. We are called to not simply respond to change, but to shape it.. The future of higher education belongs to those who are willing to adapt, collaborate, and lead with purpose. And I am prepared to do just that.

The values that ground my professional and personal life are rooted in purpose, integrity, and service. I believe that who we are determines how we lead, and how we lead shapes the lives of those we serve. The following values consistently guide my decisions, actions, and relationships: Purpose, Integrity, Service to Others, Resilience, Exceptionalism, Compassion, and Faith. I believe every assignment, every challenge, and every opportunity is connected to a greater calling. Purpose directs how I show up, how I serve, and how I lead. It gives depth to my work and meaning to my journey. I choose to lead with honesty, transparency, and accountability. Integrity is not just doing the right thing when others are watching it is choosing alignment between my character, my word, and my actions. My work is rooted in service. I am committed to uplifting others, building community, and empowering individuals to rise in their gifts. Service is not optional. It is the heart of my leadership. I value the willingness to grow through adversity and rise with intention. Resilience is a continuous practice of learning, reflecting, adapting, and advancing with grace. I hold myself and those I lead to high standards. Exceptionalism is not perfection. It is consistency, preparation, reflection, and a commitment to doing work that honors the calling. I lead with empathy, care, and understanding. I believe in seeing people fully wi their story, their humanity, their potential. Compassion strengthens community. My faith is my foundation. It informs how I navigate uncertainty, make decisions, and maintain peace in both triumph and challenge. Faith keeps me aligned, steady, and grateful.