Influential Woman · Higher Education
Miriam Osborne Elliott, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management, Chesapeake College
Wye Mills, MD 21679
Her Story
About Miriam
Dr. Miriam Osborne Elliott is a higher education leader, author, educator, keynote speaker, and founder with more than 30 years of experience in student development, academic administration, and institutional leadership. Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, she began her professional journey with a strong interest in education before discovering her passion for administrative leadership, student development, and educational policy. Throughout her career, she has served in a range of higher education settings, including public and private universities, predominantly White institutions, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She currently serves as Interim Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management at Chesapeake College, having previously held leadership positions at the University of Maryland and the University of the Virgin Islands.
Dr. Elliott holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University and a Master of Education in Student Development in Higher Education from Howard University. Her professional development includes training at Harvard University’s HIHE, a micro-credential in Navigating Board Governance, and certifications in career consulting, job and career transition coaching, job search training, and workplace conflict management. She is an inaugural HBCU Executive Leadership Institute Fellow and has received recognition including the National Association of Professional Women’s 2013 VIP Woman of the Year distinction. Her experience encompasses student retention, academic outreach, program development, staff leadership, and institutional initiatives designed to improve student success and graduation outcomes.
As the founder and CEO of Global Leaders Ethical Training Institute (GLETI), LLC, Dr. Elliott promotes ethical leadership, accountability, and professional development. She is also the author of The Price of Promotion, published by Brooklyn Publishing in September 2024, which encourages readers to reflect on personal and professional advancement and the values they may risk compromising in pursuit of success. Inspired by mentors who challenged her to grow beyond her comfort zone, she is committed to helping emerging leaders develop confidence, lead with integrity, and create opportunities for others. Her guiding philosophy is that meaningful leadership is not measured solely by how far a person rises, but by how effectively they serve others and how faithfully they uphold their principles along the way.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Miriam
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the mentors who encouraged me to move beyond my comfort zone and helped me build confidence in my abilities. Initially, I was motivated by a desire not to disappoint those who believed in me, but over time, that motivation developed into genuine confidence in myself and my leadership. I am also proud of the students and individuals I have influenced throughout my career and grateful for the people who have supported the vision of my organization.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to identify their non-negotiable values and define who they want to be as professionals. Understand your principles, establish a clear moral compass, and allow those values to guide your decisions as you advance in your career. Remember that we are here to help one another. As you rise, bring someone else along with you. Be the kind of leader who lifts others, creates opportunities, and uses influence to make a positive difference.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Higher education faces the ongoing challenge of creating equitable and supportive learning environments while responding to changing student needs, institutional demands, and complex policy requirements. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to prepare future leaders through ethical education, mentorship, global awareness, and greater accountability. Through my work at Chesapeake College and GLETI, I aim to promote leadership that places integrity, fairness, and student success at the center of institutional progress.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I place integrity, stewardship, equity, accountability, and compassion at the center of my professional and personal life. I believe leadership carries a responsibility to treat people fairly, make principled decisions, and use influence to benefit others rather than serve personal ambition alone. I also value continuous learning and self-care because I believe that leading others effectively begins with a commitment to my own personal, intellectual, and spiritual growth.
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