PETTY PRINCIPLES: Operating in Excellence as a Christian Woman and Leader

I typically find myself writing Petty Principles for leaders in higher education. I will take a difference stance and provide Petty Principles for Christian women leaders. Like many other woman leaders, my journey to leadership has been ever evolving. But if you add in my faith, then it will be one that I hope that other women will gain wisdom. It is a unique path, one that I would have never imagined. If someone would have told thirteen-year-old, or even the twenty-yearold, Tanjula this would be where she would be today, I would not have believed the stories told. I must say, there have been a many bumps, deep valleys, detours, and lonely places along the way. On this journey, I committed to God and myself that I would strive for excellence in all that I put my hands and mind to. Ecclesiastes 9:10 tells us that “Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; I am a lover of the Message Bible, and this is how it translates, “Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange for the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!” I made up my mind early in my life that the only one to trust was and is God, no matter how tough the journey got. I have had people to tell me that I make being a higher education leader look easy. I will never say it’s easy, but I have learned that if God has graced you with a gift and purpose, others will never see your scars or struggles. I must be honest, there were moments when I questioned God about my purpose and if this

is really what I am called to do in this life. I can give full testaments of the moments when I have felt defeated, unappreciated, and unworthy in some of my positions, not simply because I am a woman, but because I am an African American woman. On the other hand, this journey has been one that has taught me humility, gratitude, and help me build and walk in my faith. It is my hope that I will be able to share some advice, strategies, stories, and a few of my favorite scriptures which I focused on to help me become a successful Christian woman leader. I hope that I can encourage, inspire, and motivate current women leaders, but importantly, the next generation of Christian woman leaders to continue to grow and walk boldly in

their purpose.

Faith, Family, and Career: Oftentimes, we as women juggle the role of our careers, our families, and other competing priorities. There are times when the situation is a bit more complex. As I began to make advancements in my career, I was a single mother (divorced) with two small children who demanded much of my time as they were active in extracurricular activities. I was not surrounded by my family as I had moved away from my hometown. So, trying to find the balance and have enough time in the day was always a challenge. I wanted to be a great mother, seek advancement in my career, and further my education. I wanted to be excellent in everything that I was involved in, all while growing on my spiritual journey. I realized that I needed to be spiritually mature

in my pursuit of excellence. I understood that without pursuing excellence, my life would remain stagnant, lukewarm as explained in Revelation 3:15-16. My quest for excellence fueled my fire and reminded me of my commitment to God.

As I excelled in my career I felt that I had to pick between time with my children, my education, and my education. It began to be a struggle, until I obtained a Vice Presidency. One may think that the demands of this position increased, and you are correct, it was very demanding but as in true Tanjula fashion and by the grace of God I survived. There was something that was so profound in that happen upon accepting this position, my President said to me, “Tanjula if you make decisions based on faith, family, and career, you will do well.” I took those words to heart, and each time I prepared to make a critical decision, I made it based on Faith, Family, and Career. Even when I prepared to transition from this particular position, I used his advice to move forward. Know that God will and know that God always provided. Isaiah 43:16, Message Bibles reads, “This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves. If you look at the NIV version it states, “thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters”. This verse looks back to the Exodus, where the Israelites found their escape route blocked by the Red Sea. The Israelites were afraid, but God told Moses to stretch out his staff over the sea to divide it so that the people would have a way of escape. To operate in a state of excellence, the word of God has to be before you. If we are obedient to God and keep his word first and plant that seed in your heart, I know that God will be ever present in the decisions that you make.

Grace Is Her Name: As a leader in a male dominated field, and oftentimes the only woman at the table. My advice is reflective of 1 Corinthians 9:24 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one LEADERSHIP MATTERS | Page 9 gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Do not feel that you have to conform to the behaviors that surround you, in all things remember that you are a lady first. You must remain poised, professional, respectful with humility at all times. For women leaders there can be unique set of challenges to include but not limited to being treated equally, being paid equitable to our male counterparts, building confidence, speaking and standing up, and trusting their own voice. As a woman administrator, I have come to know all too well that my actions and behaviors are scrutinized more than those of my male colleagues. As I operate in a standard of excellence, I remind myself not who I am, but who my God is, and he is a comforter, provider, and protector. He gives me the confidence to be a woman of integrity, and stand up for those who do not have a voice to speak up for themselves. I have read and recommend that women should explore a variety of support opportunities to find workable solutions. My advice is trust yourself and use your voice, but do it with a spirit of excellence. With very few women in administrative ranks, even when you think people are not watching they are. So regardless of your title and your legal name, “Grace is your name”.

Don’t let your voice be silenced: It is ironic I just informed you to trust your voice. I can recall when I was working on my doctorate, I had an African American male faculty member, who told me that I was to vocal and that can be interpreted as I am being a ___ (I will allow you to fill in the gap). I left that meeting feeling belittled, crushed, and shattered. I must admit, I did every self-assessment that I could possibly do to check myself. It was when I submersed myself in prayer, as Jeremiah 33:3 states “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” During my spending time with God, I heard the Holy Spirit directly speak to me saying, “your voice is important, and you are to use wisdom with your tongue”. Immediately, my attention turned to Ephesians 4:15, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that

is, Christ.” Yes, operating in excellence meant I had to be methodical and strategic about how I use or did not use my words. It does not mean you have to be quit, it means there is a time and a place to speak up, remaining in a place to trust your voice.

There are many women aspiring leadership positions in higher education. Unfortunately, many are not afforded the opportunity, due to lack of knowledge, skills, or political maneuvering, as many of the leadership positions in higher education are dominated by men. This is not to take away from the work that men have done, but there are many strong female leaders who have the ability, knowledge, and skills to be in leadership positions at institutions across the country, and whose voices should be equal to the men that surround them. God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us. (II Corinthians 12:9). In fact, He has made provision for our salvation by His grace through faith. As you operate in excellence remember your ethics, morals, and values as you use your trust and use your voice. Just a word of wisdom James 4:10 says “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” Remember sometimes your voice is your humility.

Develop a Support Network: One thing that I can acknowledge is that I have a small, tight circle of supportive friends and family that cheer me on but are also my biggest critics. These individuals allow me to stay grounded and remain humble. More importantly, this support network is a constant reminder of remaining humble. James 4:6 reminds us that, God gives more grace, and God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” As you grow in your careers it is easy to lose sight of the journey and you begin to look at the destination. I have crossed the paths of men and women, who have identified themselves as self-made leaders. Then I have heard the old adage it is not what you know it is who you know. I have actually seen this be partially true, but in my life I want the main person to be God. As women administrators or aspiring leaders to grow in your roles, you need Gods guidance on who to connect with and to surround yourself with.

It brings my attention to a woman (Dr. Christine C. Thomas), I met over ten years ago, we were two peas in the pod. We were and are the epitome of the scripture Proverbs 27:17, Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Our presence brought energy and excitement to any project that we would work on together, and we were dynamic together. We would critique each other, and receive it in love. The words that she would speak to me reminded me of Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Meaning you cannot surround yourself with people who do not have your best interest at heart, if you are on a journey of excellence. You must pray and ask God for a spirit of discernment for those who are around you and speaking to you. Read Proverbs 2:6, that says “for the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Write it down: What is it that you want to do? What is it that you want to be? What is your focus? What are you striving for? I do believe in writing it down and journaling to remind myself why I do what I do every day, and I love it all the more. Habakkuk 2:2: States “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” I have lived by this scripture and write down my personal and professional priorities. I review these periodically to remind myself of what is truly important. I advise you to do the same.

You Are God’s Best: You may recall earlier I informed you that I have had my share of many bumps, deep valleys, detours, and lonely places along the way. I was at a challenging point in my life, it was almost as if there was a downward spiral in slow motion happening, and it felt as though there was nothing that I could do about it. I found a place of peace in a corner at a local restaurant. I would go journal, pray, and worship God in my own way. There was a waiter, his name was Kagan, he was just awesome and would greet me every day with a smile. One day Kagan came to me and said “you are going to be alright”. I was caught

off guard that he even noticed or thought that something was wrong. As many women, I can cover up the hurt and pain, and be flawless in the moment. I can put on an Oscar winning performance, and you would never know unless I wanted you to. As a leader, we must understand that people are our business, but I must warn you, people can fail you and hurt you. I have heard some say, “don’t take it personal”, but when you truly care about people, and they are at the core of what you do, it is difficult not to feel the hurt. On this journey there are times your wounds can be so transparent that they are not visible to the physical eye, but in the sight of spiritual eyes, can be very telling.

Henceforth, I went back to my lunch spot hoping to see Kagan. Unfortunately, I was told he is no longer here, but left this note for you. On receipt paper from the restaurant his messaged read

Hey Tanjula: There is a song that our ministry put out that I thought would bless you. It’s called “ Got any rivers”

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? Got any mountains you cannot tunnel through? God specializes in things called impossible and he can do what no other power can do! Have a wonderful day! Expect God to bless you in whatever you do! You’re Gods Best. Signed Kagan

I share this with you to tell you, you are Gods best! No matter what the challenge or the circumstances you are the apple of his eye, the epitome of courage and strength. Operate in a spirit of excellence in all that you put your hands to, make your decisions based on Faith, Family, and Career. Always remember that Grace is your name, no matter where you are. Trust your voice, and don’t be silenced, develop a support network, write it down, and know that you are God’s best.

Dr. Tanjula Petty’s Bio

Dr. Tanjula Petty is married to William Petty, COL, Retired. She is the mother of one son who serves in the United States Army, and a daughter who is a graduate student in college. She currently serves as the interim Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs. She has served as a higher education administrator with 18 years of extensive experience providing progressive and transformational leadership for postsecondary institutions with a commitment to improving the practices in higher education. Dr. Petty fully utilizes the skills and experiences of others to advance quality instruction, institutional improvement, and workforce development needs through data, research, and policy changes. Throughout her career, she has championed academic excellence, access and support for first generation and underrepresented students. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Petty grew up as a first-generation student as she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Resource Management and Masters of Science in Public Administration from Troy State University. Dr. Petty completed her doctoral studies at Alabama State University in the Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law. Additionally, she has completed post-doctoral studies in educational leadership at Harvard University School of Education. Dr. Petty received the 2013 Distinguished Dissertation Award presented by the Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools (CHBGS) and ProQuest/University Microfilms International (UMI), and joined the ranks of award recipients in the ProQuest “Hall of Scholars”.

Other awards and recognitions for her work in higher education and the community include but not limited to: • ASU Women of Excellence Award (2020) • Rural Leader Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People (2019) • Alabama State University’s 50 Under 50 Recipient • Rural Leader Magazine’s “40 under 40” • Rural Leader Top 20 Women of Small Town America. • Featured in Diverse Issues in Higher Education, ASU Spotlight, ASU Today Magazine

To bolster her executive strengths, Dr. Petty has participated in a variety of professional development opportunities including the Executive Leadership Academy (American Academic Leadership Institute), Hampton University’s “On The Road to the Presidency: Executive Leadership Summit” under the leadership of the longest tenured HBCU President, Dr. William Harvey, and the Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership.

Petty is active in the community, professional, and higher-education organizations and serves on Leadership in Higher Education Advisory Board, and serves as a peer reviewer and evaluator for SACSCOC On and Offsite Committees. Petty is the author of Petty Principles, and is published in several peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Petty is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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