Friday Focus: Heroic and resilient leaders
October 22, 2020
— by Keith Champagne, vice chancellor for student affairs and athletics
Each year, the professional organization the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators sponsors the Alice Manicur Symposium. The symposium is specially designed for student affairs professionals who identify as women and who are at the middle-management level and are considering or ascending to senior-level leadership positions. In fact, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the Division of Student Affairs, we already have one of the most diverse and talented divisions in the nation in terms of women in leadership positions at the associate vice chancellor and director levels.
In addition, leadership is demonstrated in many different ways, and leaders rise to the occasion when confronted with challenges. Over the past several months, these leaders in Enrollment Management, Student Services, Athletics, Admissions, Financial Aid, Residence Life, Nanook Recreation, Center for Students Rights and Responsibilities, Center for Student Engagement, Student Health and Counseling Center, Dining Services, Disabilities Services, Military and Veteran Services, and Registrar's Office have been heroic and resilient as we at the university continue to successfully function during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, they have led and conducted crisis simulations; done contingency and scenario planning to implement the university’s testing practices; moved students safely into residence halls; provided meals; conducted virtual orientations, admissions, student engagement programming and social norms campaigns; provided emergency funds; processed financial aid; registered students for classes; and developed educational and safety sessions and overall mitigation plans. They have accomplished all of this while maintaining a caring, compassionate, positive, and optimistic attitude and a student-centered focus.
Furthermore, the leaders in this division demonstrated the ability to sustain a high level of energy under pressure as they consistently and continuously responded to the challenges brought on by this global pandemic with professionalism, grace and poise. Additionally, they have continued to work hard and persevered to achieve an ideal safe space and community for our students.
I am truly honored and grateful to be able to serve and work with such an outstanding group of resilient student affairs leaders who continue to work with a real sense of urgency and positive energy as we focus on students’ holistic wellness and well-being.
As leaders, we are placed in positions of leadership to get desired results through other human beings in an institution or organization. Well, without the kind of leaders that I have mentioned throughout this column, those desired results are not achieved or accomplished. We all at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are very fortunate to have such outstanding leaders serving our students, division and university.
Thank you all very much!