Career Conversations

In this episode, host Christine Simone chats with Ben Lennander, assistant vice chancellor of human resources at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Ben shares his unique career journey, leadership philosophy, and insights on building strong professional relationships in higher education.   Key Points and Themes:

1. Applying an entrepreneurial mindset to drive efficiencies in higher ed
2. The impact of supportive mentorship early in one's career
3. Connecting with the mission of higher education and serving others
4. Transforming a struggling team through positive leadership
5. Utilizing strengths-based leadership to foster job satisfaction and efficiency
6. Building trust and relationships across the organization
7. Investing in continuous professional development and growth

Ben Lennander's unique background and people-centered leadership philosophy have contributed to his success in navigating the complex landscape of higher education. His insights serve as valuable inspiration for professionals seeking to make a positive impact on their institutions and the lives of those they serve.   Links

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In this episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations, host Christine Simone chats with Alyson Baxter, assistant vice president, finance and operations, shared administrative services at the University of Alabama. Alyson shares her inspiring 17-year journey at the university, from graduate assistant to AVP, and the lessons she's learned along the way.   Key Takeaways:

• Seize opportunities for growth and take on new challenges, even if they seem daunting at first.
• Find a mentor who values your strengths, provides a safe environment to learn, and supports your development.
• As a leader, focus on creating a positive work environment where your team feels heard, valued, and empowered to succeed.
• Networking is about making genuine connections and being able to help others by "connecting the dots".
• Leadership and talent will find a way to emerge, even if your career path is non-traditional.
• It's okay if your leadership style is different from your mentor's—stay true to yourself.
• Have patience with yourself as you grow as a leader and learn from mistakes.
• Aim to leave a legacy of kindness, fairness, and giving others opportunities to thrive.

Throughout her career, Alyson has embraced excitement about new projects, sought out mentors, and put herself out there through leadership programs. Her story highlights the importance of continuous learning, human-centric leadership, and meaningful relationships. Alyson's authentic advice is sure to resonate with anyone navigating their own leadership journey in higher ed.   Links

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In this enlightening episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast, host Christine Simone sits down with Adrian Petway, associate vice president for budget and finance at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. Petway shares her passion for higher education and her journey from an accounts receivable specialist to her current leadership role.

Key themes and takeaways:

• Her love for the mission of higher education and being a lifelong learner
• The importance of supporting the core mission of instruction, research, and public service as a finance professional in higher ed
• Teaching economics and incorporating real-life projects to prepare students for the future
• The impact of the enrollment cliff on all universities and the need for effective enrollment and retention strategies
• Leveraging resources like NACUBO's professional development opportunities and the value of building a strong network
• Finding work-life balance and prioritizing mental and physical well-being, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic
• The power of mentorship and the importance of speaking up and realizing that your voice matters

Petway's insights serve as a valuable reminder that passion, continuous learning, and a strong support system are key to a successful and fulfilling career in higher education administration.   Thank you for tuning in to Career Conversations. NACUBO will be back with season two of this show in September.   Links

• Article: Class of 2024: Adrian Petway proves it is never too late to chase a dream
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Greg Argueta, associate vice president for accounting and financial reporting at the University of Texas at Dallas, reflects on his accidental career journey from finance to higher education leadership. Despite originally thinking his move was temporary, the mission of higher education resonated with him over time.   He shares how embracing new opportunities, like leading an ERP implementation, allowed him to grow into more responsibilities. Greg also discusses adjusting to higher education's complexity compared to his previous finance work.   Two crucial lessons Greg learned were the importance of effective communication and preserving trust. He advises actively seeking opportunities rather than waiting passively for career growth. Discover Greg's perspective on developing resilience and leadership philosophy through both successes and mistakes. Higher education professionals and those exploring new career paths will appreciate his insight on an evolving career path in a dynamic field.   Links

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Orkun Toros, associate vice president and chief business officer at The University of Texas at Dallas, shares valuable perspectives from his 18-year career in higher education finance. Starting as a graduate assistant, Toros worked his way up to executive leadership roles across multiple Texas institutions. He offers unique insights on improving processes, leading teams, and adopting new technologies like AI.   Key Points:

• Passionate about the mission of keeping resources in the classroom
• Values authentic, trusting relationships with teams
• Encourages creating environments where people can thrive
• Emphasizes being curious and fearless in exploring initiatives
• Cautions not to focus overly on results over people
• Optimistic about AI's potential to enhance finance processes
• Stresses the importance of celebrating successes

Toros has built an impressive higher ed finance career by embracing new initiatives and valuing people. His story highlights the power of curiosity, collaboration, and maintaining perspective on what matters most. Toros encourages leaders to stay grounded in mission and purpose.   Links

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Amanda Malone, director of budget and HR at Auburn University, shares insightful perspectives from her long career in higher education administration and accounting. With experience spanning over 15 years at Auburn, Amanda provides unique insight on leading change initiatives, supporting faculty, and maintaining work-life balance.   Key Points:

• Believes in collaborating with stakeholders during change
• Values gathering information by observing leaders
• Says be fully present and keep a "human touch"
• Encourages embracing new opportunities regularly
• Advises clearly setting expectations you can meet
• Passionate about supporting faculty research
• Views higher ed through an accounting lens
• Committed to continual formal and informal learning

Amanda's career demonstrates an admirable commitment to continual learning while compassionately leading change. Her story highlights the importance of collaboration, presence, balance, and maintaining a "human touch" in higher education leadership. Amanda encourages staying grounded personally and professionally while also embracing new opportunities.   Links

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Charmel Maynard, 2023 recipient of NACUBO’s Rodney H. Adams Endowment Award, took a leap of faith to leave banking behind and follow a mentor into university investments. In this episode, Charmel shares how he transitioned to higher education and offers advice on leadership, learning, and team building.   Key Points:

• Believes in taking smart career risks and not fearing failure
• Leads with a passion for accountability and ownership
• Values open collaboration with university investment peers
• Emphasizes the importance of asking questions
• Manages by empowering team members' passions
• Creates diverse teams to encourage new perspectives
• Honored for excellence in endowment management

Charmel Maynard has built an impressive career as a university investment leader at an institution that continues to reach key milestones. His story demonstrates the power of taking risks, embracing mentors, and always learning. Charmel encourages listeners to pursue their passions while building strong teams.   Links

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Anne Santos, assistant dean for finance and administration at Rice University's Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, took an unconventional path to her role. With a background in hospitality and small business, Anne shares how she transitioned industries and offers advice on pursuing your passions.   Key Points:

• Transitioned from hospitality/small business to higher ed
• Admires the role of continuing education communities
• Sees similarities in serving others
• Diverse campus was a pleasant surprise
• Learned about university endowments
• Encourages trying higher ed to make an impact
• Shares rewards of student success stories
• Values networking and informational interviews

Anne Santos has built a fulfilling career in higher education administration. Her story demonstrates the power of curiosity and openness to new paths. Anne encourages listeners to pursue their passions and never be the first one to tell themselves ‘no’.   Links

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NACUBO’s Christine Simone interviews Rick Wernoski, the associate vice chancellor for operational excellence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.   Key Points:

• 30+ years in higher ed, started as budget analyst and moved up to leadership
• Passionate about transforming students' lives through academics and research
• Recent success creating a K-2 school that boosted literacy and math scores
• Learned to challenge processes, not just do things because "that's how it was always done"
• Great mentors pushed new ideas, best practices, and supported failures
• Pays it forward mentoring others with honesty, integrity, and trust
• Says "yes" to new opportunities like teaching and committees
• Leadership lesson –ensure all voices are at the table and listen first

Overall, Rick emphasizes being open to new experiences outside your comfort zone for growth. His career shows the rewards of starting small in higher ed administration and working your way up over decades.   Links

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Christine Simone, host of Career Conversations, interviews Darrell Duncan, vice president of finance at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Duncan shares insights from his 25+ year career in higher ed finance, including the importance of loving people, being visible, and embracing change.   Key Takeaways:

• Lead with love – Duncan believes you must love people to truly lead them. Exhibit care and develop trust.
• Be visible – Connect with your team regularly. See how they're doing and what's on their mind.
• Pivot quickly – When changes happen, pivot swiftly to the new goals. Support leadership's vision.
• Learn, unlearn, relearn – Stay open to new perspectives. Be willing to admit when you're wrong.
• Focus on the mission – Put the organization's success first and the rest will follow.
• Enjoy the journey – Appreciate relationships and the process. Find work that motivates you.
• Persevere – When challenges arise, get back up. Let obstacles motivate rather than discourage.

Duncan explains that with openness, care, and positivity, you can accomplish great things in your career. Tune in to hear more!   Links

• Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts!
• • CBO Speaks
  • NACUBO in Brief