Cheree Meeks:
It’s really been helpful and I have the skills that, you know, a class I don’t think would teach me this in the way of this real life application and seeing it in real time failing or not succeeding, but then, okay, now what do we do next? But now what, you know, that’s still important. And so how do we continue to move things forward and make changes? And, and that’s, that’s been really beneficial too.

Keith Edwards:
Hello, and welcome to Student Affairs NOW. I’m your host, Keith Edwards today, we’re talking about senior level student affairs leaders who have participated in community boards and their personal and professional experiences and learnings. Today’s episode topic was recommended by Dr. Hillary. Lichterman a past guest on two podcasts. Thank you to the Hillary. And I’m joined by three leaders who have experienced at community boards who can talk with us about the benefits, challenges, and considerations to be aware of for folks looking for these opportunities. I’m so excited to hear more from each of you and learn more from each of you. Student Affairs NOW is the premier podcast and online learning community for thousands of us who work in alongside or adjacent to the field of higher education and student affairs, we release new episodes every week on Wednesdays. Find details about this episode or browse our archives at student affairs.

Keith Edwards:
Now.Com. This episode is sponsored by LeaderShape, go to LeaderShape.org, to learn how they can work with you to create a just caring and thriving world. This episode is also sponsored by Vector Solutions, formally EverFi, the trusted partner for more than 2000 colleges and universities. Vector Solutions is the standard of care for student safety, wellbeing and inclusion. As I mentioned, I’m your host, Keith Edwards, my pronouns are he, him, his. I’m a speaker consultant and coach. And you can find out more about me@keithedwards.com. I’m broadcasting from Minneapolis, Minnesota at the intersections of the ancestral homelands of both the Dakota and the Ojibwe peoples. Let’s get to the conversation, let’s meet our guests. We asked each of you to introduce yourselves a little bit, your professional role, and also the boards that you’re being involved in. Alvin let’s go ahead and start off with you.

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
Great. Thank you so much, Keith. And, and thank you for the invitation to join you for this discussion. I’m Alvin Sturdivant. I serve as the vice provost for student development at Seattle University, where I’ve been for 12 years and five years in particular in this role I’m involved quite extensively in the community. I’m currently on three boards. I just recently joined the Swedish Health Systems Board of Trustees for a three year term. I’m also the chair of the Meredith Matthews East Madison, YMCA board of governors. That’s a, a neighborhood specific Y M C a branch. And then lastly, I’m a board member for the central district forum for arts and ideas. And that is again a neighborhood specific board that focuses around arts development for youth and their families.

Keith Edwards:
Awesome. Well, thank you so much. I’m super curious about all of those and, and about you. So looking forward to hearing more about those Cheree, why don’t you tell us a little bit more about you?

Cheree Meeks:
Hello everyone. Thank you so much for the invitation. My name is Cheree Meeks and my pronouns are she her hers, and I currently serve as the assistant Dean for programs, diversity and inclusion in the wa Frankie honors college at the University of Arizona. I serve on one, I would call a traditional board which is the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. I serve on that board. But some other experiences that I have that I believe are boards in a different capacity. I serve as the president of the NAACP here in Tucson. I have also served on the commission, the university of Arizona’s commission on the status of women. I also serve on our mayor’s racial equity and justice advisory council . So community involvement is very important to me.

Keith Edwards:
Yeah, lots of great involvement. Want to hear more about that? And Tanisha, tell us a little bit more about you.

Tanisha Price-Johnson:
Sure. My name is Tanisha Price-Johnson, and I’m the associate Dean of student affairs at the school of medicine of the University of Southern California. After spending much time at the University of Arizona, working with Cheree and some elements I currently serve on the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona board as well. Been a long time member and current president of the University of Arizona black alumni. In addition to that also serve on the university of Arizona African American Alliance board, and formally served as the president of the YWCA of which I’m still affiliated with.

Keith Edwards:
I love that we’re seeing really a divergence of boards and involvement and topics but also some convergence and some interconnections here as well. This is really great. I, I really want to hear more about all of these and mostly you know, as you share some of the things you’re involved in really curious about how this connects with you all professionally, maybe it’s unprofessionally related and is just a personal passion that you don’t get to really address in your professional life that you get to connect with in some of this other involvement, maybe it’s really interconnected, but love to hear from each of you a little bit about the benefits and challenges of your involvement in these boards, both personally and professionally. Tanisha let’s start off with you. What’s what’s been the upsides and the downsides and the challenges.

Tanisha Price-Johnson:
Sure. I would say the benefits are being able to step out of your comfort zone and get more familiar with political trends, current trends outside of higher education, because many times those aspects eventually show up in your line of work. I think in all of these different affiliations you’re able to serve as an ambassador and many times once they identify or know that you work on a major university campus, there are plenty of opportunities for intersection collaboration. So I think those are definitely the benefits. I would probably say some of the challenges include yeah, well, time management and how much do you give to one organization? I know that my experience has been most of the times I find my niche in these different organizations and then tend to volunteer, lead a sub-committee or a work group, or even lead the organization. But I think one of the major challenges is when you realize that you’ve stepped onto a board and it doesn’t actually align with what your passions are or what your personal mission is, and then having a conversation to either determine how to figure out your ways to contribute or sometimes having to step off and allow someone else to fill that role. So I’ve had experiences with both, but I think definitely for the most part the benefits outweigh outweigh those challenges.

Keith Edwards:
well, I think time management is obvious, but I love that you’re pointing to folks who may be listening to this, curious about board involvement, maybe have been asked or invited or thinking about it or something they want to pursue seems like an early lesson here is to really do your homework. Cause it seems like much better to find out early on if it’s a good fit or not rather than to agree and find out later than have to get out of it or reconfigure expectations. Right. Cheree, what would you, what did you resonate with or add to what Tanisha has offered us here?

Cheree Meeks:
You know, so I was thinking, can I just say ditto and, and be done? I agree with all of that. I would add that, you know, I believe the benefits are finding something that you care about and having that outlet to do the thing that is important to you. So when I think about some of the involvement that I have, it is those things that I care about, the things that I care about, whether or not I’m getting paid for it. And so I believe that that is extremely important. Sometimes we, you know, I have found myself confined to you know, roles and responsibilities and there may be things that don’t really allow me time according to, you know, an employer to participate in some of these things. So, but I want those experiences, I want to be able to connect.

Cheree Meeks:
And so I often have found ways to go out and seek those things that, that I’m not having a lot of access to in, in my role. So that’s important to me that community involvement that staying busy. And I know as we talk about, you know, time management, that that can be really difficult, but if I care about something, you know, I believe, you know, we make time for the things that are important to us. And so I often find those things that are important to me. I believe that the time management is absolutely a challenge. For instance being a part of Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, I also did not really know much about the board when I was a little girl, I was a Daisy, I was a Brownie. So I had that experience and have not, you know, been involved for many, many years.

Cheree Meeks:
And so to come back to it, I’m seeing it from a different perspective. So there’s also this learning . But one of the challenges is for me, has been wondering whether or not invitations have come to me because of certain identities that I hold in all honesty, I’ve had people that have kind of pulled me to the side to say, Hey, we are looking for ways to increase our diversity. And so in some ways I appreciate knowing that upfront, but in other ways, I think, do you value what I bring to the table aside from whatever identity you have selected, that is the reason why you have chosen me for this. And so it’s important to think about self care in this involvement and, and why am I here? And how much of myself am I expected to give that others may not be expected to give.

Keith Edwards:
Yeah. Wanting to contribute from that perspective, but also not wanting to be tokenized and essentialized into that. You’re reminding me of a conversation I often have with people who I’m coaching particularly around their career is what is it that you really need in life? And then do you need to get all those things from your job and that, the real freedom that goes, yeah, I need these things in my life, but I don’t have to get them from my job. And you’re saying, I found these other things that have been able to meet your needs without having your job, have to do all of that heavy lifting. It’d be really great. Alvin, what would you like to add to what we’re talking about here about the benefits and challenges?

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
Sure. What Tanisha and she have offered thus far, certainly resonates with me as well. So Cheree, when you said ditto, I was thinking the exact same thing earlier, you know, it’s interesting because it’s, for me, I’m marrying together other, the things that I’m passionate about. And my community involvement and engagement. And in my instance, each of the three boards that I’m currently involved in are a part of the neighborhood that either I live in or work in. And so it provides me with an opportunity to contribute, you know, in meaningful ways to areas that are quite important to me. You know, so as I reference currently I’m involved with the Swedish Health Systems Board of Trustees. I just recently joined that board. In fact, this is my first month as a full trustee in, in that particular group and in health equity in particular is the reason that I joined that board you know, I’ve had a number of personal circumstances that have resulted in my engagement with that particular health system.

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
And as a result, I was able to see the inner workings of the, the, the program. And so when I was approached about joining the board I had a very personal connection and reason for wanting to do so. And the same as the case for the YMCA in the central district forum I’m, I’m very passionate about arts, I’m passionate about youth development. And this gave me the opportunity to really engage in that work in ways that are very different from my professional role and to do so in a neighborhood in which I live and care very deeply about the neighborhood that we’re situated in, in each of these instances is one of the most historic neighborhoods in the state of Washington in that it has historically been home to a very robust African American community. Certainly gentrification has had its impact but it still is rooted in that. And so the work that I do with each of these boards really gives me an opportunity to represent the interest of this neighborhood and its, you know, total sort of catchment area but also to really invest in an area that for 12 years has been home to me and gives me an opportunity to really influence the kinds of directions that we’re taking.

Keith Edwards:
I guess one of the things I’m hearing here is Tanisha talking about how the, the community involvement and the professional merge as they learn and expertise and connections, and Cheree started talking about the personal, like there’s this other side of me that I don’t get connected. And then you’re really, Alvin been talking about a really place based value, right about really wanting to invest in the community that you, that you live and work in. So many wonderful organizations doing so many wonderful things. But I heard you all say, you know, time management is difficult setting aside the time. Cheree Talked about sort of the challenges around am I being tokenized for my identity and was the value and how do I manage that boundaries self care you’re all involved in multiple things. Others aren’t involved in anything for folks who maybe want to get started on this aspect of their life. What suggestions would you have for exploring, connecting, even just finding these opportunities? I know I have thought about this and the only time I really hear about board opportunities when people are in them oh, you got on that? Oh yeah. It wasn’t hard. It was great. I’m like, oh, well so how do we find out about these opportunities? Cheree, Maybe you can start us off here. How do we find out about opportunities? How would we pursue these?

Cheree Meeks:
Well, I think it’s important first to consider, what are you interested in? What do you want to put your time talents? What do you want to give to and then seek out opportunities? There, there are lots of nonprofit organizations that I’m sure would love to have folks who you know, can, can come on with a new perspective and can share whatever their talents are with the organization. So I really think it’s important to, to think about what you want to do because there are lots of boards out there and they all have different processes. Some you must be nominated, some you can you know, apply. So find out what that process is, but I, something you said earlier was do the research that is so important. So to find out, you know, yes, yes. Informational interviews with folks who may be a part of the organization or a part of the board, so that you can learn a little bit more, not what’s on the website, but so that you can find out from a human being, what is this experience like, tell me more about this organization. what are some of the challenges, because I believe when you’re being recruited or when you ask those questions in a way as if you are pursuing, you’re going to find out some information that may not be on the website or you’re, you’ll get those, those current events, those current things that are going on. So I do think it’s important to reach out, find out what folks who you admire, folks, who you consider mentors, what are they involved in? What are some recommendations that they might have, and then move forward in that way. But I believe there’s something out there for everyone. It’s just finding what you’re willing to put your time and talents toward

Keith Edwards:
Great. And, and I, I’m assuming that as you’re all involved in different boards, some of them I’m assuming are very intensive and more like a, another job and others are show up occasionally offer some good thoughts, contribute to the conversation, minimal time commitment. That might be another thing for people to pursue as they’re doing these informational interviews and checking out, doing their homework Alvin, what else would you suggest for folks who are interested in being more involved in some of these ways to pursue them?

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
Yeah, I agree with what you all have offered thus far, you know, for me it legitimately was about really understanding the differences between the different types of boards and the, the various commitments and obligations that I would have to make in order to really engage with the particular boards financially and otherwise. You know, so you know, is there an expectation that I’m giving on an annual basis and at a certain level in order to maintain my participation and is it is it, you know, get and give or just give from my own sort of personal finances you know, and that that’s in addition to the gift of time that Cheree was talking about earlier there’s also understanding the differences between leadership boards and, and boards that have fiduciary and legal obligations and whether or not you’re interested in taking on those responsibilities as a part of your work with a particular organization the additional piece that I would offer you know, I, I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve been invited to be a part of each of the boards that I’m currently involved in.

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
And certainly in my past, there have been others that I’ve applied to or been elected into. But in this instance it was by invitation. But I know that in the city of Seattle there are multiple associations that also take some responsibility for helping folk get placed into board opportunities. So if you have limited experience with boards, and you’re interested in getting connected and finding out about the various opportunities that are available in your geographical area, you can connect with these organizations and they can help you in sort of a TPE kind of a way get connected to different opportunities where you can learn from folks who are currently involved, either at the staff or board level about the different opportunities and, and pursue them in, in that regard. And so there are a range of ways that you can learn about them get connected. But the informational interviews that Cheree talked about are great ways to, to, to get the inner workings of an association. Even when invited I, you know, noted, I was invited, but I did informational interviews after receiving those invitations. So that was very clear about what I was getting into and, and whether or not I could legitimately make that commitment.

Keith Edwards:
Yeah, I’ll just add, I think another, you mentioned associations, but sometimes different communities have, you know, association of nonprofits or, or foundation of foundation or association of associations. I think another avenue is they’re often in communities are search firms that specialize in the nonprofit sector. And even though you’re not looking for a job in the nonprofit sector, those folks know boards know who needs knows what they’re looking for and can kind of do some matchmaking, which it can be mutually beneficial. Tanisha, what else would you offer folks who are thinking about pursuing this?

Tanisha Price-Johnson:
Sure. I think to just from reading the newspaper, you start to see the different organizations that are active. And I think that was one of the things that helped me because I you’re always you see people in the news, but then typically they’re solving a problem or, or paying attention to a specific issue. So that’s what would keep it, on my radar, many times we find ourselves on these boards in a different type of pathway. So I think about the Y WCA, I started to attend professional development workshops. I went to conferences, I was asked to serve on a selection committee. And next thing I know I was, I was on the board. And then next thing I knew I was the president for a little while. And it was like, whoa, this whole a growth trajectory of volunteerism that I think happens to us organically.

Tanisha Price-Johnson:
And so I think that’s probably another pathway for people who are interested is just staying at the pulse of the organizations that you’re truly interested in. I think oftentimes too especially if you’re in a community for a long, for a long standing time there will be people that will notice your activities, whether you’re volunteering or your, the work that you do. And sometimes we’ll sit down and have a conversation with you and say, Hey, I know that you have a passion about this. What about serving on, on this board? So I think doing your due diligence is the main takeaway, especially if it’s the traditional way or the non-traditional way of getting involved. It’s making sure you do that due diligence aspect.

Keith Edwards:
Before we move to our next question, I just want to interject here with what are some of the benefits what have been really some of the takeaways. I know you talked about your passions and your commit commitments, but has there been paid for trips? Have there been connections and network people who you meet, what have been some of the real, tangible benefits that you’ve taken away from some of these experiences? Cheree. You want to lead us off here?

Cheree Meeks:
Sure. I haven’t had any paid for trips, so , maybe I’ll bring that up.

Cheree Meeks:
I will admit, I, I have been apart since, since the pandemic and so everything has been virtual. I think we have had a few meetings in person actually, Tanisha. I remember, yes, we did go and we were outside and it was really nice, but I, I would say that some of the benefits are really getting to know the resources that are available. There are some organizations that we, we know very surface level information about, and I feel like I have learned more about the inner workings of an organization in such a way that I can pass that information along to folks who need it. and to be someone who can, you know, sprinkle this information in communities that might not receive it otherwise, or might hear it differently in a pamphlet, on a website than hearing it directly from myself, who I believe am a, you know, a trusted person in the community.

Cheree Meeks:
I think it makes a difference. And so I, I appreciate the things that I have learned and how I’ve been able to pass the information along. Also some of the things that I want to work on for myself in terms of, you know, learning more you know, all the budgets are always changing. I always love learning about budgets, and I have been able to dig into that in a way that I have never done before. And so I’m learning things that I can then apply in many other settings. And I really do appreciate that. One of the nontraditional boards is working a lot with policy and legislation, and that’s something that is near and dear to my heart is what I believe will, will make the change that I hope to see across this country. And so to be engaged in drafting legislation, and how do we talk about this? If we’re asked to testify before committees at the capital or those kinds of things has really been helpful. And I have the skills that, you know, a class I don’t think would teach me this in the way of this real life application and seeing it in real time failing or not succeeding, but then, okay, now what do we do next? But now what, you know, that’s still important. And so how do we continue to move things forward and make changes? And, and that’s, that’s been really beneficial too.

Keith Edwards:
Me. So I, I heard having some insider info to, to be for you and to be helpful for others, just your own learning and growing and professional development, but then also being able to shape some of the things go on. And I think you kind of pointed to another type of community involvement that we haven’t mentioned yet, which are political campaigns, and I’ve known many student affairs professionals who have been a part of a campaign or chaired a campaign for city council or something like that. That’s maybe another way to think about some of this Tanisha and Alvin, what would you add or some of the benefits that, that you’ve seen or that you’ve seen others experience?

Tanisha Price-Johnson:
I would say, just add to that is that you have no idea the issues or the impact that will come down the line for the organizations that you’re involved with. I take like the, the girl Scouts, there is so much going on on the national level that trickles down to your, your local level and how as a board member, you respond and stay attuned to those issues is really important because you could just be out doing your, your regular daily activities. And someone knows that you’re affiliated with this board and may have a question about the organization stance. And if you’re not informed, then you kind of fail both yourselves, the organization, and then the person that’s seeking the information. So it’s really helped me to stay abreast of what’s happening. So that as a, a member, I am very active and mindful about the pace about the issues about the trajectory, so that I can give a solid explanation if someone approaches me about an issue that’s happening. So I think, again, going back to due diligence as a board member is, is, is super important.

Keith Edwards:
well, and, and learning about the national issues. So you can be effective on the local level. I’m also assuming that some people’s local level involvement can then lead to roles with national things as well, seeing Alvin, what would you add here about some of the benefits that you’ve seen or experienced?

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
Sure, the influence piece is significant. You know, it my involvement has placed me in situations and at tables that I wouldn’t otherwise be present at and, and the opportunity to really dig deep into issues that are impacting this community that I care very deeply about is, is a great benefit. It also has exposed me to a range of leaders in a range of different sectors, political and otherwise who are interested in hearing my perspective because of the involvement that I have with these various boards. , the other piece that has been really critical is thinking about it through sort of an intersectional lens that you know, the, the Y M C a as an example really brings together you know, healthy living education youth violence prevention and, and other areas that we tend to spotlight in ways that are meaningful for me as an educator but also for the experiences that a variety of different people are having.

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
And that has been a huge asset and benefit professionally. It also benefits me in that you know, you know, Iwork at a university that’s situated in this neighborhood and it’s granted us an opportunity to think about new partnerships or new collaborative opportunities that we wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise it also you know, when, when I go out into the neighborhood you know, I’m Alvin who’s on this board, but also who works at Seattle university. Right. In you know, it, it creates an opportunity to expose students to someone who looks like me. Who’s in a senior role at this university to think about what enrollment at this university might be like for students. Who’ve not historically considered us. And that is a huge benefit and advantage, at least from my, my perspective in that it, it brings together all of my worlds in ways that really make a difference for me. As I think about my leadership,

Keith Edwards:
Yeah. One of the things that I didn’t hear you all mention, but I have to assume as a part of the experience, don’t you just meet wonderful people. Oh, I just gotta imagine the people who you meet on these boards might be people that you never would meet in higher ed have a different perspective, different ways of engaging. And I assume the professional networking and connections is invaluable, but I also bet you make some good friends that you’re having over to the house for dinner and some of that as well.

Tanisha Price-Johnson:
Absolutely. I would say to with some of the organizations that they’ve longstanding members who may have been the trailblazers in these organizations and establishing those relationships has been absolutely rewarding and they, it, and it, and it also steps outside of the board life, right. It goes into the personal life and you’re able to learn more about their families and why they actively became involved in these organizations. So I think that’s the glue that keeps us coming back many times to these different organizations.

Keith Edwards:
Yeah. Awesome. Cheree and Alvin, you want to add to that about the relationships and the connections?

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
Yeah, I agree with what Tanisha just offered you know, the, the, the relationships, the friendships, the connections that I’ve been able to establish through my board involvement have far exceeded my expectations you know, to, to some degree there are folks who want to get in and get out and aren’t really you know, vested in creating these lifelong relationships. And certainly that’s not the case for me. I get involved in things primarily because of the opportunity to, you know, engage in community and to create a new village for myself. And that’s definitely been the case with, with these boards these are folks who, as you noted Keith you know, we’re, you know, over to one another’s homes for meals and our families are connected and, and tapped into one another. And we’re seeing you know, different milestones occur in one another’s lives. And without these boards, we wouldn’t have likely known each other, let alone had these more intimate relationships with one another.

Keith Edwards:
Yeah. And just the serendipity, right. And then you meet them who knows this, who knows this, who knows this. And I think I’ve, I’ve heard some of the serendipity coming, coming along. Cheree, do you want to add anything on the personal relationship

Cheree Meeks:
Really different than what what’s been said? But, but I’ve found the, the support to be really nice. So we may meet on this board, but we talk about something else that we have in common. And so now there’s an invitation to go hiking together, or to do something that maybe you’ve never done or to haven’t experienced alongside someone. And so I think it, it really just opens up you know, your experiences, but those relationships, and to be able to then get to know one another outside of whatever setting you may have met, but that’s going to then come back and strengthen the work that you do on the board. because you’ve gotten to know one another and understand one another and your perspective and experiences outside of the board. So I really think that that ultimately it does strengthen everything that you’re, you’re working on.

Keith Edwards:
Well, I know that as student affairs professionals, we are in the relationship business, right. That’s that’s the business that we’re in. And I just will just say having coached more than a hundred different coaching clients, I’ve never had one who didn’t want more friends. people who have a lot of friends, want more friends. People have two friends would really like a third yeah. People want more friends. So if you feel like I want more friends, but everybody else is good, they all want more friends too. So these connections and these opportunities of who you get to meet and connect, particularly for, for senior level folks, right. As you’re moving through campus, sometimes those personal relationships just can’t be done. Sometimes that’s about power and hierarchy. Sometimes it’s just about role and conflicts of interest and you never know. And so it’s, it’s kind of nice to be in these other situations where some of that is a little bit different. Well, we’ve talked about this already, but I do want to just kind of give each of you a chance. What do you think folks would, would really think about you’ve you’ve done not just boards, but multiple boards who had involvement Tanisha pointed to it doesn’t always go, as you would expect it would go. What would you want folks to really think through before they would make this commitment and Alvin, we’ll start with you.

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
Sure. I got ahead of myself earlier and shared some of this already. But the, the, the time commitment piece I think is critical knowing specifically what the time commitment is and what is expected of you as a board member is a significant part of, I think the decision making process , Understanding and ensuring that the, the work of the board aligns with your interest and the things that you’re passionate about and that you can honestly see the obligation through from beginning to end. You know, so, you know, term limits are a part of board experiences. And as I noted the board that I just joined is a three year term with renewable options. And it, it’s important to be thinking about that because oftentimes you’re brought onto a board and that board already has imagine what the next level of involvement will be for you.

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
And while you may be thinking about it in the context of one term and done, they’re not thinking about it necessarily in that regard. And so you know, giving yourself an opportunity to really think about, you know, how long I want to be involved what level of involvement I want to have, do I want to be a part of an executive committee of the board you know, I’m current chair of the Y M C a board of directors. I didn’t join the board with the expectation that that would happen. And of course here I am six years later and, and I’m still one on the board in my second term and two as the chair. And so those are the things that, that are and are, and were important for me. And then the other piece that I offered earlier around the different types of boards you know, leadership, fiduciary, legal understanding you know, the various sort of nuances associated with the different types of boards and, and really doing your homework and understanding you know, you know, as Cheree was talking about earlier, do I really want to be in the weeds of budgets and finances or am I more interested in you know, advising and consulting around programs and services because those different opportunities are certainly available.

Keith Edwards:
Great. Tanisha, what would you want folks to really think through?

Tanisha Price-Johnson:
I would say that, the chairman of your board are really looking for members who are committed and committed means that you’re committed to the mission. So make sure you study the mission, the goals, aspirations of the organization. I think too, taking seriously the agenda items that you’re discussing at a meeting. And, you know, I know we’re all very busy, so, but I think it’s, it’s really important to take a look at those agendas and make sure you have your questions about the issues. And I think the other organic piece is that if there’s something that’s coming up that you have to discuss at a meeting contact one of your fellow board members before the meeting, and maybe talk about, am I off base? Am I understanding this correctly? Because your meeting time is really precious. And so being fully present and being able to contribute is really important.

Tanisha Price-Johnson:
And I think much of the work that we do in these organizations require some problem solving with the positive attitude. We know that some of these issues can get heated and maybe we are not all on the same page. So how do you find that, that balance and have a positive attitude and make informed decisions that’s going to really push upon your skill set that you utilize, whether it be in your profession or within these board settings. So I think it, it, it’s really important to make sure again, that alignment comes in into play. And again, if, if it gets too deep in, and it’s not something that you’re really committed to, I think it’s time to just take some time to take a step back and just reassess what your value add is to these organizations.

Keith Edwards:
Well, you keep reminding me of homework. You reminding me that we should do our homework before we join a board. And now you’re telling me once we’re on the board, we need to do our homework there as well, which is two really good suggestions.

Tanisha Price-Johnson:
Yeah. And I think just another thing to add too, is sometimes you step onto these boards and I’ve had this experience and I’m sure a and Shari may have had it too, is when you come into a new setting and there’s some background noise that you really are not familiar with, but you see that, you know, there are people siding on one side of the fence and you don’t know which way to go. I think trying to figure out those elements before you step onto the board is really helpful too. And I’m sure there’s always a member willing to give the history. That’s really important too.

Keith Edwards:
yes. Yeah. They’ll rally into one side or the other for sure. Cheree. What else would you want to add for folks to really think through those?

Cheree Meeks:
Those were really great things. I don’t have a whole lot to add other than to say, you know, really think about why you want to be on this board, what you can add, what your impact could be. I think that’s so important to, to not wait until you’re on the board to try to figure out a plan, but to think about that in advance, because that’s going to help you make an informed decision about whether or not this is going to be the best place for you to do that. I, I think sometimes we hear other people who’ve had great experiences with boards, and so we want to encourage people to participate in boards, but the reality is that boards are not for everyone. , we all have different approaches that we might take to reaching a goal or to get things accomplished. And so for some, it may be on a board for others that just may not be the way to do that. So really think about why you want to do that and how you might envision your impact happening through the work on the board.

Keith Edwards:
Yeah. Wonderful. Well, you all have been great. I just want to remind those watching and listening. You also don’t have to sign up for three boards right away. Like these three folks have done, you can just start with one and he’s your way into it. They’re here as experts to really guide us through here. Oh, we are running out of time and the podcast is called student affairs now. And we always like to end on this question, what are you thinking about troubling or pondering now might be something related to our conversation or just something that you’re really with in this moment in time. And also if you want to share where folks can connect with you feel free to go ahead and do that. And Cheree, what are you troubling now?

Cheree Meeks:
Oh, I love this question. I think I’ve been thinking about a whole lot of things, but . Yeah. but I would say, you know, I really am thinking a lot about self care.

Cheree Meeks:
And, you know, during this pandemic, I’ve had a lot of time to think about what is important to me and what may not be as important to me. I’ve had time to really experience it, some of the challenges that I’m seeing in the community. Some of the challenges that students are experiencing because when they come to us, they do not leave who they are behind and real world things behind. And just the need to be flexible and, and be understanding that we all are experiencing this differently and the way that we deal with it is not always the same. So I’ve just been thinking about being, being , you know, my grandma would say, be stingy with your time and, you know, I’m thinking not in, not in such a way that is, you know, you, you want to, you don’t want to share it with others, but think about what you’re giving to others, but also don’t forget yourself.

Cheree Meeks:
And I know that I’ve lost that in some ways because I get very passionate about things and I start talking fast and I care about it and I want to make change and well, if you’re not doing it the way that I think it should be done, well, I’ll step in and I’ll fix it. But what I’m learning is that that’s me giving all the time, all of myself, but not really taking time to think about myself and how I can possibly reach that goal in a different way. And so the thing that I’m thinking about the most is self care. And for some participation and leadership and boards may be a form of self-care . So just think about what that means for you.

Keith Edwards:
Yeah. Wonderful. Tanisha what’s with you now.

Tanisha Price-Johnson:
I think what she said, I’m, I’m doing that in a small little pilot. So I have a daughter who is a freshman and she has some college friends. And so I’ve been really mindful in trying to be very present with this group of young women, because when people ask you, like, how did you get, or how did you choose your career path? Or how did you get where you are? I, I don’t know. I think it was a trial and error and stepping out and just being courageous enough to do. And so just trying to instill in them the importance of community service of how they pay attention to what’s happening in the world and how those issues impact their everyday lives and make sure that they’re reading periodicals, you know, who wants to read the New York Times when you’re in college and everything is so fast paced, take time to read, trying to create book lists, but I guess just really being present with them and allowing them to pick my brain, but also to give them some pearls of wisdom that maybe I didn’t receive, or maybe that I, that I missed, because I was thinking that I knew everything.

Tanisha Price-Johnson:
So I think I’m just trying to be a resource to them. And then hopefully spread that to other young people who are in a point in their lives where they’re trying to figure things out. So just trying to, trying to be a role model, but a present and active role model. So that helps allows me too, to reach back as some of the things that I’ve learned on these boards and be able to share with them, because much of the stuff that I’ve learned, maybe I didn’t learn until I stepped onto these boards. So trying to help them be holistic and present with themselves. So that’s where I am right now.

Keith Edwards:
I’m really hearing how generous you are and how rejuvenating that is for you to be generous in these ways. Yeah. Alvin what is with you now?

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
What, and Tanisha both offered strongly resonates with me. You know, I’ve been thinking about it though through the, the lens of responsibility and obligation and the sense that I feel to my communities and how that influences the types of things that I choose to get involved in. And Tanisha in particular, when you were speaking you know, the other piece for me is sort of one-on-one mentorship and with black men in particular and there are a number of those relationships that I’m currently nurturing. Those who are both students of mine here at the university and who are more engaged in my life, out in the, the community. And you know, folks oftentimes talk about, you have to be tired and, you know, Cheree, I go back to what you said earlier.

Alvin A. Sturdivant:
The things that you love doing are the things that you make time for. And while I feel a sense of responsibility and obligation, I also love doing these things. And, and they are life giving and give me so much energy and are rooted in who I am as a person. And, and I got that from my grandmother. You know, there is no time when you shouldn’t be thinking about the impact that you can have on your community and if you have the obligation or the opportunity to really give back in ways that others can’t you really need to be thinking about how you can best do that and how you can show up in ways that are authentic and courageous and allow you to be vulnerable. And for me, that’s what my involvement is about. I recognize that I hold privileges that I haven’t always held. And as a result of that my presence in these spaces is required in a different kind of way. And so that, that’s the piece that’s always sort of sitting with me as I think about my life, my work and, and my involvement.

Keith Edwards:
Well, the second grandmother shout out we’ve gotten in today. so thank you all for that. Some themes here, it, it has know some things. Yes. They do grandmothers around generosity around really, what is my purpose and how do I align what I do with my purpose, and also the purpose of these organizations, and then the, the ideally reciprocity of giving and receiving, but it doesn’t always work that way. And how do you navigate all of that? So some really great themes this has been terrific. Thanks to each of you congrats to each of you on your leadership roles, and thank you for the contributions you’re making and for sharing all of this with us today. We so appreciate it. Thanks also to our sponsors of today’s episode LeaderShape and Vector Solutions, LeaderShape partners with colleges and universities to create transformational leadership experiences, both virtual and in person for students and professionals with a focus on creating a more, just caring and thriving world. LeaderShape Offers, engaging learning experiences on courageous dialogue, integrity, equity, resilience, and community building to find out more, please visit LeaderShape.org/virtualprograms, or connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and Vector Solutions.

Keith Edwards:
How will your institution rise to reach each of, to reach today’s socially conscious generation? These students report commitments to safety, wellbeing, and inclusion are as important as academic rigor when selecting a college it’s time to reimagine the work of student affairs as an investment, not in an expense for over 20 years Vector Solutions, which now includes the campus prevention network, formerly EverFi has been the partner of choice for more than 2000 colleges and universities and national organizations with nine efficacy studies behind their courses. You can trust and have full confidence that you’re using the standard of care for student safety, wellbeing, and inclusion transform the future of your institution in the community. You serve, learn more at VectorSolutions.com/student affairs. Now huge shout out to Naam Rosie. The production assistant for the podcast does all the behind the scene work to make us all look and sound good. And if you’re listening today and not already receiving our weekly newsletter, please visit our website at student affairs. Now.Com scroll the bottom of the homepage and add yourself to our list. You while you’re there, check out our archives. I’m Keith Edwards, thanks again to our fabulous guests and, and their grandmothers and all that they shared today. And to everyone who is watching and listening, please make it a great week. Thank you all.