In this debut episode of After Further Consideration, hosts Tomika Ferguson and Cody Nielsen sit down with Dr. Charlie Nelms, a transformative leader in higher education. With over 55 years of experience, Dr. Nelms shares the wisdom he's gained from his journey—from his roots in the Arkansas Delta to serving as a chancellor three times. This conversation dives deep into the importance of mentorship, the power of staying true to your convictions, and the crucial role of understanding your "why" in leadership. Dr. Nelms' stories are a testament to the impact of authentic leadership and the lifelong commitment to paying it forward.  The conversation delves into the critical intersection of equity, excellence, and impact, offering actionable insights for leaders at all stages of their careers.

• The Power of Knowing Your Why: Understanding your core motivations (your "why") is essential for navigating leadership challenges, especially during crises.
• Navigating Emotional Challenges: Leaders must separate fact from emotion while maintaining their convictions, especially when issues are rooted in identity and inclusion.
• Embrace Mentorship: Make yourself available to mentor and support the next generation of leaders in higher education.
• Equity, Excellence, and Impact: Dr. Nelms highlights the inextricable link between these three elements, stressing that equity without excellence is hollow. 
  • (or) Equity, excellence, and impact are interconnected and should guide decision-making.
• Impact of Philanthropy: Dr. Nelms' commitment to giving back, inspired by those who supported him, underscores the significance of gratitude and generosity in leadership.

Guest Name: Charlie Nelms

Guest Social: linkedin.com/in/charlienelms

Guest Bio: Dr. Charlie Nelms, a native of the Arkansas Delta, has devoted his life to equalizing opportunities for disenfranchised peoples. He is a senior scholar at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and a senior consultant for the Association of Governing Boards, specializing in HBCU governance and leadership. Charlie’s eminent career includes serving as chancellor at Indiana University East, the University of Michigan-Flint, and North Carolina Central University (NCCU), as well as IU Vice President for Institutional Development and Student Affairs Emeritus. Charlie is the first African American to be appointed chancellor of an IU campus and vice president of the University.
Charlie obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a historically Black College and University (HBCU). He earned his master’s and doctorate from Indiana University, with nearly half a century of affiliation. In 2019, IU awarded him an honorary doctorate, and he is also the recipient of its highest honors: The President’s Medal for Excellence, the Distinguished Alumni Service Award, and the Thomas Hart Benton Mural Medallion for Distinguished Achievement. Charlie is Professor Emeritus at IU. He holds honorary degrees from Earlham College and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and is an Arkansas Hall of Fame nominee.