3 minute read
Dr. Paul broadie
Story By: Zondra Victor
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- Dr. Paul Broadie
Dr. Paul Broadie II is seven months into working in his presidential role at Santa Fe College. He formerly held the role of president at both Housatonic Community College (HCC) and Gateway Community College (GCC), where he learned one of the most essential skills of success: delegation.
“It magnified the importance of being surrounded by a strong team and being visible and out in the community,” said Dr. Broadie. “You learn to learn the different cultures of the campuses and to lean on your team as you implement strategies and initiatives.”
Dr. Paul Broadie’s 28-year career in higher education is as impressive as his motivation to accomplish his goals. He held positions in academic affairs, student services and continuing education before earning his presidential status. Without a doubt, the Bronx, New York-born professional credits his parents with being the reason for his success in education.
“My parents [taught me]. The foundation of being not just successful, but a good human being,” said Dr. Broadie. “It’s very important to put others before yourself. Whatever you do in life, make a difference.”
Dr. Broadie’s affinity for helping people and making them realize their greatest potential has allowed him to be creative in leading several university programs, services, and technological improvement initiatives.
“I had expected to work in corporate America and worked in SGA for the college,” said Dr. Broadie. “When I saw what higher education does for people, I chose to do it for the rest of my life.”
Dr. Broadie puts his students and community first by creating educational opportunities and new degree programs for students. At the same time, the Santa Fe College president has improved the school’s notoriety. Dr. Broadie makes it a priority to address student-related issues in addition to carrying out his usual duties such as managing enrollment, analyzing retention rates, and managing staff and faculty at Santa Fe College.
Dr. Broadie acknowledged that his secret weapon of success in his role as a leader is simply listening.
“Listen,” said Dr. Broadie. “As you listen, you pull from what you’re hearing and then turn it into action.”
Although Dr. Broadie has been at Santa Fe College for a short time, he has already brought the dream of former Santa Fe College president, Dr. Sasser, into fruition. The college has broken ground on the 86,000-square-foot property that will soon become the new financial aid and advising office. Dr. Broadie was thrilled to begin Dr. Sasser’s vision of the Blunt Campus.
“I want there to be a beacon of hope for anyone who passes through those doors,” said Dr. Boadie.
The new building will be the school’s new “seed center,” hosting business, entrepreneurship, and IT programs. Dr. Boadie continues to grow the school’s relationships by forming partnerships with the community and local businesses that are aligned with Santa Fe’s mission.
“I’m very intentional and very deliberate,” said Dr. Broadie. “Clear priorities all over the institution, then have three or four goals. You have to think, ‘What are our priorities and how are we going to meet our goals?’”
Dr. Broadie’s actions set the tone for other personnel on his staff to follow. Although he is required to fulfil his duties as president, he never forgets that he is serving people.
“I know that every day that I sit in this chair, I have the power to change somebody’s life,” Dr. Broadie stated. “There are people that walk into these doors that have bigger problems than I do. It has given me the courage to do it with a smile.”
Dr. Broadie has goals of educating the new generation of students and showing them that it is possible for them to start their own business and be in the middle-class economic status. His time at Santa Fe College has been a rollercoaster dealing with the pandemic, but it hasn’t stopped the college from reaching out to their community as well as their students.
“It’s not important to close equity gaps, but to shatter equity gaps,” Dr. Broadie alerted.
“We have a major goal to put the community back together.”
Dr. Broadie’s values of teamwork, dedication, and community are seen throughout his work as well as the work of his staff and faculty.
“Lead with compassion, lead with integrity and focus, encourage the growth of those around you, said Dr. Boadie. “Never stop listening, learning and leading.”
