30 min
Interview with Dillard University President Walter M. Kimbrough The Innovating Together Podcast
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- Education
Today we’re talking with Dillard University President Walter M. Kimbrough. President Kimbrough is recognized for his research on African Americans in college and has written the book Follow The Leader: Lessons in Social Media Success From Higher Ed CEO’s.
President Kimbrough says they have been in some hybrid form all throughout the year and expect even more classes in person this next semester. In a survey they found that 85% of students preferred an in-person experience. President Kimbrough says they’re trying to make the best of the situation and that he can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
While the total number of applications is down, President Kimbrough says they’re still on track to make class, with a high number of students committed to returning. He also predicts that the enrollment cycle will simply be delayed and more people will apply throughout the summer as they see things are starting to open back up.
Known for his strong social media presence, President Kimbrough likes to connect as a real person that dares to show up as himself. He’s aware that social media is a public place, and you can’t take stuff personally. He says if anyone has an issue over social media it doesn’t affect him, if they choose to reach out in person he’s very accessible. One such time that President Kimbrough experienced backlash was when he sent out a letter encouraging more African Americans to be involved in research studies for the COVID-19 vaccine as they weren’t being adequately represented. The backlash was strong but President Kimbrough held his ground.
Before the pandemic there was some real headway being made on equity issues and Dr. Kimbrough is positive that momentum can be restored. With people concerned that enrollment is dropping, the real concern should be the rate at which African American enrollment is dropping. President Kimbrough says we need to create communities that are responsive to all students. We need to have intentional conversations and institutions that represent the student body. Present Kimbrough touches on Ohio State University recently saying that their retention issue with African American students is tied to little to no African American staff, so they plan to rectify that.
If you’d like to learn more about President Kimbrough, he’s available on all social media platforms as either @hiphopprez or @walterkimbrough.
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Welcome to innovating together, a podcast produced by the University Innovation Alliance. This is a podcast for busy people in higher education who are looking for the “aha moments” that can propel their work forward. Innovating Together curates the best insights, research, and experts. To connect with us further, visit www.theuia.org.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message
Today we’re talking with Dillard University President Walter M. Kimbrough. President Kimbrough is recognized for his research on African Americans in college and has written the book Follow The Leader: Lessons in Social Media Success From Higher Ed CEO’s.
President Kimbrough says they have been in some hybrid form all throughout the year and expect even more classes in person this next semester. In a survey they found that 85% of students preferred an in-person experience. President Kimbrough says they’re trying to make the best of the situation and that he can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
While the total number of applications is down, President Kimbrough says they’re still on track to make class, with a high number of students committed to returning. He also predicts that the enrollment cycle will simply be delayed and more people will apply throughout the summer as they see things are starting to open back up.
Known for his strong social media presence, President Kimbrough likes to connect as a real person that dares to show up as himself. He’s aware that social media is a public place, and you can’t take stuff personally. He says if anyone has an issue over social media it doesn’t affect him, if they choose to reach out in person he’s very accessible. One such time that President Kimbrough experienced backlash was when he sent out a letter encouraging more African Americans to be involved in research studies for the COVID-19 vaccine as they weren’t being adequately represented. The backlash was strong but President Kimbrough held his ground.
Before the pandemic there was some real headway being made on equity issues and Dr. Kimbrough is positive that momentum can be restored. With people concerned that enrollment is dropping, the real concern should be the rate at which African American enrollment is dropping. President Kimbrough says we need to create communities that are responsive to all students. We need to have intentional conversations and institutions that represent the student body. Present Kimbrough touches on Ohio State University recently saying that their retention issue with African American students is tied to little to no African American staff, so they plan to rectify that.
If you’d like to learn more about President Kimbrough, he’s available on all social media platforms as either @hiphopprez or @walterkimbrough.
--
Welcome to innovating together, a podcast produced by the University Innovation Alliance. This is a podcast for busy people in higher education who are looking for the “aha moments” that can propel their work forward. Innovating Together curates the best insights, research, and experts. To connect with us further, visit www.theuia.org.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message
30 min