In this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, we sit down with Dr. Danita Brown Young, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She shares her journey from aspiring mathematics teacher to a nationally recognized leader in student affairs. She discusses the evolving landscape of higher education, the importance of student well-being, and the role of integrity, flexibility, and collaboration in leadership.

Our conversation covers a wide variety of topics, including:

• Dr. Brown-Young’s Leadership Journey: From her first leadership role as a fifth-grade safety patrol captain to leading major student affairs divisions.

• The Importance of People-Centered Leadership: How her career has been shaped by a deep commitment to student success and holistic support.

• Work-Life Integration vs. Work-Life Balance: Viewing life like a diversified portfolio and the importance of grace in leadership.

• The Challenges of Leading in Higher Ed: Managing budgets, political headwinds, and student needs while maintaining institutional integrity.

• The Role of AI and Technology in Higher Education: The opportunities and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence in student affairs and learning.

• Mental Health and Student Well-Being: How the university is supporting students holistically, reducing stigma, and providing resources for mental wellness.

• Crisis Management and Leadership Under Pressure: Navigating challenges such as student protests, strikes, and pandemic-related disruptions.

• Building Strong Teams and Organizational Culture: The importance of relationships, collaboration, and community-building in large organizations.

• Engaging with Students Effectively: Strategies for meeting students where they are and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making.

• • Advice for Aspiring Student Affairs Professionals: The rewards and challenges of the field and the importance of passion, dedication, and resilience.

  
  

  You can learn more about Dr. Brown Young at https://studentaffairs.illinois.edu/brown-young

In this episode, we welcome Dean Brooke Elliott of the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Brooke shares her leadership journey, lessons learned, and the values that define her as a leader. From transparency and boldness to the importance of empathy, Brooke discusses how her leadership style has evolved over the years. She also opens up about the challenges of leading through change, balancing innovation with team readiness, and the impact of building diverse and inclusive teams. We dive into: - Brooke’s leadership philosophy and how it has evolved over time - The importance of transparency, boldness, and empathy in leadership - Lessons from transitioning into administrative roles and building consensus - Strategies for fostering inclusion and authenticity in leadership - How higher education leaders can embrace change and rethink the learner experience - The impact of mentorship and feedback on leadership growth - Maintaining focus, balance, and resilience in a demanding role - The personal and professional challenges that shaped her perspective, including overcoming health obstacles You can learning more about Dean Brooke Elliott at https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/profile/w-brooke-elliott

Chris and Candice dive into the complex topic of accountability and how they motivate themselves and their teams to be accountable. Working in an environment that doesn’t have a significant amount of extrinsic motivation, they work to build team cultures where people are intrinsically motivated to achieve success.

Candice and Chris are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively have more than 50 years of experience working in higher education. Candice is currently the Senior Director of IT Partners at the College of Applied Health Sciences and Chris is the Chief Information Officer and Senior Director of IT Partners at the Gies College of Business.