Key Takeaways from the Leading through Chaos and Crisis: Empowering Women Leaders in Higher Education Session at the APLU Annual Meeting

By Dr. Robin Parent

At the APLU Annual Meeting last month in Orlando, a session on Leading through Chaos and Crisis: Empowering Women Leaders in Higher Education led to a number of actionable insights for advancing women’s leadership in higher education. More than 200 individuals attended the session, which featured a short panel discussion with five APLU senior leaders: Presidents Tomikia LeGrande and Marlene Tromp; Provost Karen Patterson; Vice Chancellor Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Anju Reejhsinghani; and Chief of Staff Ashley Arceneaux; and moderated by Senior Principal, Melody Rose.

After the initial panel discussion, which elicited a number of “nuggets of wisdom” from the panelists, the audience engaged in round-table discussions. Each participant was encouraged to provide feedback on notecards. One side of the card represented something learned or an “Aha!” moment. On the other side of the card, participants provided a couple of sentences about what more they’d like to learn. Below are the main themes and recommendations that emerged from more than 100 participants’ reflections and feedback.

1. Strategic Goal-Setting and Reflection
Participants emphasized the importance of prioritization, structured goal-setting, and reflection to navigate complex leadership landscapes.

• Key Insights:
  • Regularly evaluate progress toward major objectives (“big rocks”).
  • Set aside dedicated time for strategic planning and reflection.
• Opportunities for Support:
  • Develop tools for time management and prioritization.
  • Provide strategies for balancing immediate crises with long-term planning.

2. Resilience and Self-Care
Sustaining personal well-being and resilience is essential for effective leadership.

• Key Insights:
  • Clarity of purpose can help leaders withstand pressure.
  • Self-care, celebration of wins, and finding fulfillment in work are vital.
• Opportunities for Support:
  • Offer practical approaches to achieving work-life balance.
  • Address systemic burnout and create leadership-specific self-care strategies.

3. Authentic Leadership and Influence
Authenticity and leading through influence rather than authority resonated strongly with participants.

• Key Insights:
  • Authenticity sharpens focus and energizes leadership.
  • Influential leadership drives cultural change effectively.
• Opportunities for Support:
  • Highlight stories of authentic leadership in higher education.
  • Provide guidance on aligning authenticity with institutional expectations.

4. Managing Chaos and Crisis
Participants sought practical approaches to handling crises and workplace challenges.

• Key Insights:
  • Leaders must remain calm and tenacious in chaotic environments.
  • Trust-building is essential for navigating hard situations.
• Opportunities for Support:
  • Develop tools for addressing resistance, bullying, and toxic environments.
  • Provide actionable strategies for confronting sexism and fostering accountability.

5. Building Relationships and Networks
Strong professional networks are fundamental to leadership success.

• Key Insights:
  • Deepening relationships is integral to leadership progress.
  • Leaders manage spaces and politics for the benefit of others.
• Opportunities for Support:
  • Expand mentorship and networking opportunities.
  • Create structured programs for peer learning and relationship building.

6. Structural Change and Advocacy
Advocating for systemic change and equitable leadership environments remains a priority.

• Key Insights:
  • Leaders, specifically women leaders, must navigate perceived incompetence and advocate for stakeholders.
  • Cultural change requires collaboration and systemic vision.
• Opportunities for Support:
  • Share strategies and seek feedback on what works and doesn’t work and why from a peer support group.
  • Define metrics for cultural shifts, such as fostering kindness and inclusion.

7. Empowering and Mentoring Future Leaders
Supporting the next generation of women leaders is critical for sustainable progress.

• Key Insights:
  • Leadership involves lifting others and building competencies.
• Opportunities for Support:
  • Develop formal mentoring and leadership development programs.
  • Offer actionable strategies for advocating for rising women leaders.

8. Practical Solutions for Leadership Challenges
Participants consistently requested actionable tools and case studies to address real-world challenges.

• Opportunities for Support:
  • Provide tangible strategies for crisis management, bias navigation, and systemic advocacy.
  • Offer case studies featuring effective solutions by women leaders.
  • Continue this series throughout the year for APLU leaders.
  • Extend this session at the APLU Annual Meeting to include skill-building and more peer discussions

Conclusion
This analysis highlights the unique stressors faced by women leaders in higher education as described through the session feedback. These stressors include navigating systemic barriers, managing crises, and balancing competing priorities – all while attempting to lead authentically. Participants emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive community to share experiences, build resilience, and deepen professional relationships. Addressing these challenges requires not only practical tools for skill development but also structured opportunities for mentorship and networking.

________
Dr. Robin Parent is Associate Vice President Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & STEM Education at APLU.