Dr. Donovan Segura nominated into Penn State’s Academic Leadership Academy
Baton Rouge, La. – Donovan Segura, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Title IX at the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and Professor of Public Policy and Public Administration at Southern University and A&M College, was nominated as a participant into Penn State’s Academic Leadership Academy, a virtual interactive program involving collegial interaction to deepen the understanding of the complex challenges facing college and universities today and to chart plans for career advancement.
"I am incredibly thrilled and extremely humbled that I was selected to participate and represent our campus. I am confident this Leadership Academy will add value to my journey of molding and shaping the kinds of leaders as well as grow the capacity needed to lead more wisely, skillfully, and with greater vision and courage," said Dr.Segura.
The Academic Leadership Academy is designed for academic leaders who want to be strategic and thoughtful in leading transformational change at their institutions. Through case study, dialogue with peers, and engagement with leadership and scholarly frameworks tailored to the higher education context, participants have the opportunity to reflect on their values and commitments as academic leaders.
"There are many definitions of leadership, but almost every one of those definitions involves action.The data reveals, central to the challenges we face and will face will be our attempt to achieve greater inclusivity, diversity, and equity across colleges and universities.I believe this will require a transformation of our institutions, and it begins with a transformation of our thinking," expressed Dr. Segura.
With its focus on topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (and the legal issues surrounding them), it is designed for those seeking to engage with colleagues broadly to articulate principles and engage new ideas related to these crucially important goals.
" I want others to recognize that the American higher education system can be a mechanism for greater inclusion, greater diversity, and increased equity in our society. As leaders we must figure out how we can assure leadership is seen as a systemic capacity, expressed at every level within our learning communities and see that leaders and their practice of leadership is better-informed and consequently more effective," added Dr. Segura.
Dr. Segura earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master of Arts in Social Science, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy Administration, all from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge.