In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we are joined by Mike Wilkinson, the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of South Alabama. Mike shares his unconventional path into higher education, starting from his freshman year at the Air Force Academy and his early aspirations of a career in sports. He discusses the pivotal moments that shifted his focus towards student affairs, including personal challenges such as his mother's health struggles and his transformative experience with the Houston Rockets. Mike emphasizes the importance of core values like family, trust, empathy, and creating happiness, and how these values guide his approach to supporting students. The conversation also explores the role of student affairs in enhancing the student experience and the critical skills gained outside the classroom. Mike shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, balancing career and personal life, and the significance of storytelling and visibility in higher education.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Career Journey: Mike Wilkinson's transition from aspiring sports professional to a leader in higher education demonstrates adaptability and resilience.
• Personal Adversity: Personal experiences, such as his mother's illness and recovery, significantly influenced his career in student affairs.
• Student Affairs: Emphasizes the importance of holistic education that includes both academic and extracurricular activities, instilling critical life skills in students.
• Leadership: Attributes like empathy, trust, and the ability to handle imposter syndrome are vital for effective leadership in student affairs.
• Community Engagement: Strong student leadership and storytelling are essential in promoting student involvement and success.
• Work-Life Balance: The dedication to student affairs often involves long hours and personal sacrifices, highlighting the commitment required in such roles.

QUOTES

• "Ultimately, people are on this earth to help each other, to lift one another up."
• "If you can swim in three feet of water, you can swim in 30 feet of water, you can swim in 300 feet of water. It's all about your form."
• "Creating opportunities for people and platforms for people to thrive—that’s something that's important to me."
• "The best conversations, the best moments in my career happened behind closed doors, one on one with students."
• "We play a critical role in the university experience and the life experience of these students."

Connect and learn more about Mike Wilkinson.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwilkinson7/

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Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/