This week on HyphenatEdD Leader, Dr. Smarr is reflecting on what it means to lead through chaos — when the structure shifts, the support fades, and you’re left reimagining your purpose in the middle of it all. It’s an honest look at higher ed’s new reality: doing less with less — and finding the courage to lead, pivot, or pause with intention.

Listen to the episode and share how you’re learning how to do less with less in this ever-changing climate of higher education.

#HigherEdLeadership #HyphenatEdD #AuthenticLeadership #DoLessWithLess

How learning to fall forward became the foundation of leadership, resilience, and purpose. In this episode of HyphenatEdD, Dr. Smarr explores how failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s a prerequisite for it. Through personal stories from her leadership journey—from SJSU to SEIU to CSUSM—she unpacks how early missteps shaped her philosophy on succession planning, empowerment, and resilience.

Resources & Mentions:

* 📖 From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life — by Arthur C. Brooks |Book Link (Amazon)

* ✝️ Scripture References:

* Philippians 1:6 – “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it…”

* Romans 8:28 – “All things work together for good…”

* 2 Timothy 1:7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind.”

Being a HyphenatEdD Leader means recognizing that your multiple hyphens—your roles, responsibilities, and impact—do not go unnoticed.

In this episode, Dr. Smarr recount a moment when she didn’t even need a nametag. People already recognized her and the work she bring to the table. It was one of those moments of validation we all need, reminding us that our contributions matter and are being seen.

This is your reminder: lean into being Big in this Space. Give yourself credit for all that you bring—your expertise, your leadership, your commitment. You are known for great things, and it’s okay to own that.

✨ Take a moment today to acknowledge your own impact. You deserve it.

Listen to the full episode here and share your moment of validation in the comments.

#HyphenatEdDLeader #BigInThisSpace #Leadership #CareerValidation #CommunityEngagement #ExperientialLearning

After attending a powerful poetry reading by 2023-24 San Diego Poet Laureate, Jason Magabo Perez, at UC San Diego, Dr. Smarr reflects on how Perez weaves his doctoral journey, artistry, and commitment to social justice into every part of his life’s work.

In this episode, Dr. Smarr spotlights Perez’s poem “We Deserve the Unthinkable” and invites you to pause and ask yourself:

* How is your passion leading your life?

* What truths are you brave enough to speak through your own craft?

Tune in to hear how scholarship, creativity, and advocacy can live as one.

Share your responses in the comments.

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In this episode of HyphenatEdD Leader, we explore what it means to lead, organize, and show up during complicated political and social times. Dr. Smarr will share her personal takeaways from the field, what’s at stake in 2025, and reads the powerful piece “Our Ancestors Prepared Us for This Moment.” This is a call to act—not in grand gestures, but in small, intentional ways.

IARSLCE turns 25 this year—and I’m honored to serve as Chair during this moment of reflection, tension, and transformation. In this episode of #HyphenatEdD, I share how I navigated a recent board meeting, what the global research report really means, and how grace and grit help me lead with intention.

In this episode of HyphenatEdD, Dr. Rochelle Smarr shares the story behind the podcast’s title and why she chose to pursue an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) rather than a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy). She breaks down what makes the Ed.D. a practitioner’s degree, reflecting on the factors that influenced her decision, including her desire to become a Practitioner-SME (Subject Matter Expert) grounded in real-world impact.

I hope you enjoyed today’s staff huddle on the HyphenatEdD Leader. Be sure to engage with me in the comments on this podcast episode page. Be sure to follow and engage with me on Instagram at “HyphenatEdD_Leader” to keep the discussion going.

See you at the next staff huddle!