When I started at Langston University, I made it a point to engage with students and alums, eager to understand their experiences. During those early conversations, I was surprised—and admittedly saddened—to hear students say they didn’t even know who their dean was. Some alumni shared similar sentiments. Unfortunately, this isn’t just a Langston challenge; it’s a pattern I’ve seen nationwide. With so much on a dean’s plate—curriculum development, enrollment strategies, budgets, and fundraising—it’s easy to get consumed by the administrative load.
That changed for me when I visited Ashland University as part of an accreditation site evaluation. There, I had the opportunity to meet Business School Dean Dan Fox, whose approach to leadership reshaped how I view my role. Dean Fox was known not just for his title but for his intentional engagement with students. He hosted regular eating events—some casual like “Donuts with the Dean” and others featuring Chick-fil-A or local favorites. These gatherings created a warm, accessible environment where students could personally connect with faculty and administrators.
Inspired by his example, I launched Donuts with the Dean at Langston, and it’s been an absolute game-changer. These sessions provide more than just a chance to share a donut; they are moments to build bridges between students, faculty, and administration. Conversations happen, relationships grow, and students feel seen and heard. In October, we hosted President Jackson, who joined us to connect with our students firsthand.
Donuts with the Dean is more than just an event—it reflects our commitment to building a culture of trust and goodwill across campus. Leadership isn’t just about strategy; it’s about showing up, being available, and listening. I hope these small gestures leave a lasting impact on the Langston community because, as Dean Fox taught me, sometimes the most meaningful connections are built over simple things—like donuts.