Her Story
About Lisa
I have been in higher education for 19 years. My mom was a lifelong educator which inspired me. After getting my master's, I taught for 2 years at a liberal arts college in Montana and found my passion. I moved to Georgia to pursue my graduate degree and have been here since. I started as a lecturer and worked my way up through hard work and persistence, learning from great leaders.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say just hard work and persistence. I started at the bottom of the totem pole as a lecturer, not even in a tenure track position, and have moved through the ranks over the years. I have been very lucky to be serving with great leaders that I was able to learn from and kind of emulate behaviors that made sense.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Our past president said always be gearing decisions today for the job after the job that you want next. I felt like that was very good career advice, to always be looking not just for the next job, but the job after that.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
That they're worthy of the seat at the table. Imposter syndrome is very real in higher education. When you sit at that table, you will find somebody who is going to be better than you in some other area. And to not fall into the trap of comparison, because you bring your own strengths to that table.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It's an ever-changing landscape in higher ed with the change of what a student wants, the emergence of AI, and students balking at whether a college degree is worth it. Making sure you have degrees of value and aligning those for access at an access institution. Providing support for students whether financial or wraparound services.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency and honesty. Our students and faculty are receptive to being honest and transparent, even saying this is a fault that we have or I made a mistake. That really has kind of been the bedrock of who I am as a leader.
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