Florida International University has soared into the US News and World Reports top 50 public universities and is regarded as one of the most dynamic institutions of higher learning in the nation. We have the opportunity to talk with the new President of FIU today, Jeanette Nunez. Jeanette has taken the helm of this Carnegie Research 1 juggernaut this year following a very successful private and public service executive career.
Prior to stepping into this President role, she was the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Florida. She is a two-time FIU graduate, Miami native, and the mother of an FIU student. Jeanette is also a former member of the Florida legislature, and a recognized leader in the rapidly growing and exciting Miami Metroplex and throughout the state of Florida.
It is always our intention on Voices of Leadership to share with our listeners conversations with the best and brightest of our university leaders. Today's guest, Dr. Brian Hemphill, President of Old Dominion University, truly epitomizes that description. Brian has been the President of three universities and has led each of them to new heights.
In this episode, Dr. Hemphill shares insights from his leadership journey and discusses the challenges and opportunities facing higher education. He also shares with us the cutting-edge programs and approaches he is implementing at ODU to address those challenges and opportunities.
Today's episode is a special one. Willie Funk, Managing Vice President of the firm, joins me on the podcast. Our special guests are two remarkable leaders from Texas Christian University, Dr. Victor Bochini, who served as TCU’s Chancellor for over 20 years and now holds the title of Chancellor Emeritus, and Daniel Pullin, the current Chancellor of TCU, who took the helm following Victor's extraordinary tenure.
We are talking about what it really takes to navigate a leadership transition. This conversation offers an inside look at what leadership continuity looks like when it's done with intention, respect, and vision.
Today's guest is Dr. Douglas Girod, the 18th President of the University of Kansas. Since assuming the role in 2017, President Girod has led KU with steadfast commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. A distinguished surgeon and educator, Dr. Girod previously served as Executive Vice Chancellor at the KU Medical Center, where he advanced research initiatives, strengthened clinical partnerships, and expanded medical education.
His leadership has been instrumental in shaping KU’s future from championing transformative campus projects, to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Under his guidance, KU continues to thrive as a leading public research university, preparing students to excel in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Today's guest has the unique distinction of having headed three of the nation's most prominent university systems. JB Milliken has led the University of Nebraska System, City University of New York System, and currently leads the University of Texas System. Our conversation explores how he has approached these vastly different organizations and his views regarding the challenges and opportunities confronting higher education.
Today in his current role in Austin, he oversees one of the largest public university systems in the United States. The University of Texas System is comprised of 14 academic and health institutions that collectively enroll over 256,000 students and employs more than 122,000 faculty, healthcare professionals, researchers, and staff. He oversees a total budget of nearly $31 billion.
Our guest today is Blake Thompson, President of Mississippi College. Blake's interview provides us with the opportunity to compare and contrast leadership approaches at a major public research university and a relatively small private college. He was the Board Secretary at Ohio State University, sitting in on strategic discussions with the OSU Board prior to becoming President at Mississippi College in his native state.
He sits on the NCAA President's Council for Division II. He is a longtime friend of our firm, and we couldn't be more delighted to visit with him today.
Our guest today is Coach Lon Kruger. Coach Kruger is one of the very few coaches to lead five different programs to the NCAA tournament. He retired from coaching in 2021, finishing with over 650 career wins. In 2022, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the game's great coaches.
Our guest today is Dr. David Skorton, who is President of the American Association of Medical Colleges. David has had a remarkable career and has held many titles and positions of significant responsibility and importance. Among these roles are medical doctor, University President, Director of the Smithsonian, and his current role as President and CEO at AAMC.
Dr. Robert C. Robbins is our guest today. Bobby has recently completed a seven-year tenure as the President of the University of Arizona. Prior to the University of Arizona, he served as President and CEO of the Texas Medical Center, and earlier was Chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University.
We are delighted to discuss his successful career as he moved from world renowned heart surgeon to university president and of course the tenets of leadership he developed and followed during his journey through these various roles.
Since beginning this podcast series highlighting university Presidents, we have been struck by the challenging journeys many have taken in their rise to leadership. Our guest today is Andrew Hsu, President of the College of Charleston, and his journey has been one of the most inspiring we have encountered. Andrew was born and spent his early years in China. Part of which was spent in a re education camp during the cultural revolution in that country.
Andrew assumed the Presidency of the College of Charleston in May of 2019. He is a beloved figure in the city of Charleston and has been transformative in his leadership at the College of Charleston. We are delighted to be able to discuss his journey and gain his insights into leadership today.
