🎙️ Episode 26 of Discovering Your Mission w/ Dr. Mordecai is now live!
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Tonjua Williams, the first African American and female president of St. Petersburg College—a trailblazer whose leadership has transformed lives and communities across Florida.
Dr. Williams shares her incredible journey, from overcoming adversity to leading one of the nation’s most impactful community colleges. With nearly four decades of experience, she offers unmatched insight on what it means to lead with integrity, accountability, courage, and compassion.
In this episode, we dive into:
✅ The power of representation and resilience in leadership
✅ Her mission to break cycles of poverty and build generational change
✅ Advice for aspiring college presidents and bold changemakers
✅ Transformative programs for underrepresented students
✅ Why courage and compassion must walk hand in hand in leadership
From national recognition to community transformation, Dr. Williams is a force for good—and her story will inspire you to lead with purpose, no matter the obstacles.
🎧 Tune in to Episode 26 and discover what it truly means to lead with heart and transform through hope.
In this conversation, Dr. Mordecai interviews Erika Liodice, the executive director of AFIT, discussing her mission to empower changemakers in higher education. Erika shares her professional journey from marketing to leading AFIT, emphasizing the importance of accessible innovation, collaboration, and listening to the needs of educators. She offers valuable insights on navigating challenges in the education sector, the significance of infusing joy into work, and overcoming creative blocks. The discussion concludes with Erika's excitement for the future of AFIT and the collaborative opportunities ahead.
🎙️ New Episode of Discovering Your Mission w/ Dr. Mordecai!
In Episode 23, I have the distinct honor of learning from a dynamic leader in higher education—Dr. Irvin T. Clark III, President of Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC). 🔧📚
With over two decades of impact in student success, workforce development, and economic mobility, Dr. Clark is redefining what it means to lead in the technical college space. His leadership is a testament to the transformative power of education aligned with industry.
In this episode, we explore: ✅ Dr. Clark’s inspiring journey through multiple leadership roles across the country ✅ The evolving role of technical colleges in driving workforce innovation ✅ How SCTC is aligning academic programs with real-time labor market demands ✅ The power of public-private partnerships and employer engagement ✅ Strategies for student retention, upskilling, and economic resilience ✅ Dr. Clark’s vision for equitable access and community transformation
Dr. Clark shares a powerful message on purpose-driven leadership, the importance of economic opportunity, and how technical education is the engine driving today’s skilled workforce. His work is building bridges between classrooms and careers—ensuring students don’t just graduate, but thrive.
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Mordecai speaks with Kathryn Goetzke, the Chief Hope Officer of The Shine Company, about her journey in promoting hope as a vital component of mental health. Kathryn shares her personal experiences with loss and hopelessness, leading her to create programs that teach individuals how to cultivate hope.
They discuss the importance of understanding hopelessness, the misconceptions surrounding hope, and the need for hope education in schools. Kathryn emphasizes that hope is measurable, teachable, and essential for emotional well-being, and she outlines her mission to equip everyone with the skills to find their way back to hope.
In this episode of Discovering Your Mission, Dr. Mordecai interviews Dr. Solomon-Fernández, President of Urban College of Boston. They discuss the mission of Urban College, the importance of diversity, and Dr. Solomon-Fernández's journey to leadership.
She shares insights on navigating challenges, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the future of higher education. Dr. Solomon-Fernández emphasizes the need for cultural dexterity and self-awareness in leadership and the importance of personal well-being and community support. She concludes with her personal mission statement focused on helping others discover their agency.
In this conversation, Dr. Mordecai speaks with Julie Golder, Vice President of Search Services for the Association of Community College Trustees. They discuss Julie's unique journey into higher education, the evolving landscape of leadership in community colleges, the importance of organizational culture, and the qualities needed for today's leaders.
Julie emphasizes resilience in the executive search process and foresees significant trends, including the impact of AI and the necessity of emotional intelligence in leadership. She concludes with her personal mission statement, highlighting the values of hard work and kindness.
Dr. Monte Randall is Muscogee (Creek) from the Apekv-Tvlledegv Tribal Town and Deer Clan. He proudly serves as the fifth President of the College of the Muscogee Nation.
Join Dr. Mordecai for the latest episode of "Discovering Your Mission" as he sits down with the incredible Dr. Martha Parham, Vice President of Public Relations for the American Association of Community Colleges.
What does it look like to be a faithful presence in the field of education from a leadership level? How can community college help address the labor shortage in the state of CO? Listen in as we interview Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, the sixth President of the Community College of Aurora, as he shares his thoughts on the role that community college can play in filling the gap between earning a degree and finding employment opportunities.
What’s more important than transparency? How do you shift from care as emotion to care as infrastructure? Which meetings should you just skip? (Hint: The answer starts with three Ps!)
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee (Community College of Aurora President) and Mary Janz (Marquette University Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life) provide TONS of ideas about how to create workplace well-being and explain why this is the new era of higher education we’ve been waiting for!
Campus Confidential is presented by Compass Group and produced by Corey Inscoe – with your hosts Kelsey Harmon Finn and Loren Rullman.
Good morning, Champions! It's time for our Week 10 message of the year 2024. This week, I want to encourage you to “Stop Doubting Yourself!” You have what it takes to succeed and fulfill your purpose.
Good morning, Champions! It's time for our Week 7 message of the year 2024. This week, let’s discuss the importance of “Learning How to Respond Versus React to Situations.” By developing this skill, you are sure to improve your intentionality.
Good morning, Champions! It's time for our Week 6 message of the year 2024. “Are You Paying Attention to What People Are Showing You About Themselves?” Doing so can save time, prevent drama, and help you navigate decision-making.
Good morning, Champions! It's time for our Week 5 message of the year 2024. “Don’t allow the limitations of others to become YOUR reality.” Check out http://ItsDrMordecai.com for more videos, articles, and content. 😁
Good morning, Champions! It’s time for our Week 3 message for the year 2024. This week, let’s discuss “identifying what would cause us to fail” this year.
Throughout the 2023 calendar year, Dr. Mordecai has joined co-hosts Scott and Casey Bloyer for their Sunday night radio show on 710 AM. Recently, the brothers hosted the last show on air and Dr. Mordecai was honored to participate. To listen to the last show and other episodes, please visit: https://open.spotify.com/show/1khUc2KLFU0JzH6SiRg4tO
