In this episode, Cody and Tomika explore the intersections of leadership, DEI, and self-care the day after the 2024 election, reflecting on what today’s political climate reveals about our society and our approach to diversity and inclusion. Together, they dive into how leaders in higher education can navigate complex, often polarized spaces to foster lasting equity and community engagement. Cody and Tomika share personal experiences and outline the need for leaders to be grounded, adaptable, and focused on the humanity behind their work.

Key Takeaways:

• Hope as Fuel: In the face of societal challenges, sustaining hope is crucial to staying committed to DEI work and fostering inclusive communities.
• Revisiting DEI Work: Tomika and Cody challenge listeners to go beyond acronyms like DEI, emphasizing a deeper connection to the actual issues and lived experiences within equity, accessibility, and justice.
• Nuanced Leadership: Effective leadership means embracing complexity, recognizing diverse perspectives, and balancing long-term goals with relational and community-focused actions.
• Leadership as Community: Real change in higher ed relies on building genuine, inclusive communities that allow for disagreement, growth, and the presence of all voices, even those that differ from our own.
• Self-Care as a Leadership Tool: Cody and Tomika stress the importance of leaders caring for their own well-being, as this directly influences resilience and the capacity to support others.
• Embodying Ubuntu in Leadership: Tomika calls for a communal approach to leadership, grounded in the African philosophy of Ubuntu—"I am because we are"—to ensure equity work is shared and sustainable.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Dr. J. Cody Nielsen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-cody-nielsen/

Dr. Tomika Ferguson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomikaferguson/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
After Further Consideration is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Mastering the Next and Talking Tactics.

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

• Leadership isn't just about holding a title—it's about leveraging privilege to advocate for systemic changes.
• Navigating the emotional and professional complexities of working in student affairs and academic administration can shape one's leadership philosophy.
• Tenured faculty have to speak out on institutional failures, particularly in times of crisis.
• Equity in higher education requires reshaping the systems, not just "throwing life jackets" to individuals.

In this episode, Dr. Kris Renn shares her extensive journey in higher education, discussing her roles in student affairs and academic affairs. She reflects on pivotal leadership moments, including a significant student protest, and the challenges of navigating crises in leadership. Dr. Renn discusses the importance of tenure as both a privilege and a duty, reflecting on her role in addressing crises, including leadership turnover and governance issues. She offers insights on balancing equity and shared governance and highlights the importance of preparing the next generation of higher education leaders with intentionality.

Guest Name: Kris Renn

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-renn-062b4116/

Guest Bio: Dr. Kristen Renn is a Professor of Higher, Adult, & Lifelong Education (HALE) and Mildred B. Erickson Distinguished Chair emerita at Michigan State University. She teaches courses on student development, diversity, and education research in the Student Affairs Administration MA and HALE MA/PhD programs. From 2013 to 2024, she served as Associate Dean and Senior Advisor to the Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education. Dr. Renn’s research focuses on student success, identity development, mixed-race students, women’s higher education globally, and LGBTQ issues. Supported by grants from the Spencer Foundation and others, she has led initiatives to increase success for low-income and underrepresented students. A past president of the Association for the Study of Higher Education, she has served as Associate Editor for the Journal of College Student Development and received multiple awards, including MSU’s William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award in 2024.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Dr. J. Cody Nielsen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-cody-nielsen/

Dr. Tomika Ferguson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomikaferguson/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
After Further Consideration is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Mastering the Next and Talking Tactics.

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this episode of After Further Consideration, Dr. Gaëtane Jean-Marie, Dean of the College of Education at Rowan University, joins Tomika Ferguson and Cody Nielsen for a dynamic conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the power of intentional relationship-building. From starting as a faculty member to becoming a dean, Dr. Jean-Marie shares insights on how navigating race, gender, and leadership has shaped her approach to equity and inclusion. She also reflects on how mentoring future leaders has allowed her to lead with fairness and integrity. Dr. Jean-Marie reflects on her journey from faculty to administration and shares actionable strategies for leading with equity, creating space for collaboration, and pacing institutional change. She offers valuable insights on how leaders can avoid isolation and maintain a sense of purpose by focusing on what truly matters—supporting others and fostering inclusion.

Guest Name: Gaëtane Jean-Marie

Guest Social: linkedin.com/in/gaëtane-jean-marie-6974b59

Guest Bio: Dr. Gaëtane Jean-Marie is Dean of the College of Education and Professor of Educational Leadership at Rowan University. Previously, she served as Dean at the University of Northern Iowa and held leadership roles at the University of Louisville. Her research centers on educational equity, social justice in P-12 schools, and leadership development. Dr. Jean-Marie has authored over 90 publications and secured over $5.9 million in grants. She serves as editor of the Studies in Educational Administration Series and holds numerous advisory board positions, including chair of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate.
Recognized for her research and leadership, she received the 2024 Woman of Achievement Award from Scouting America – Garden State Council and other prestigious honors. Since joining Rowan University in 2019, she has led efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion while preparing future educators to meet the challenges of modern education. Energetic and dedicated, Dr. Jean-Marie excels as a leader, mentor, and educator

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Dr. J. Cody Nielsen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-cody-nielsen/

Dr. Tomika Ferguson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomikaferguson/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
After Further Consideration is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Mastering the Next and Talking Tactics.

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register