The 10 Inspiring Education Leaders, 2024

Ian Brownlee

Building a Bright Future!

Dearreaders,

Inaneradefinedbyrapidtechnologicaladvancements,demographicshifts,andevolving pedagogicalparadigms,theroleofeducationleadershasneverbeenmorevital.As educationalinstitutionsnavigatethroughunprecedentedchallengesandopportunities,the needforvisionaryleadershipcapableofdrivinginnovation,fosteringinclusivity,and promotingstudentsuccesshasbecomeincreasinglypronounced.Againstthisbackdrop, TheEducationMagazineishonoredtopresentaspecialeditiondedicatedtoThe10 InspiringEducationLeaders,2024.

Aseducationalinstitutionsstrivetoadapttothechangingneedsandexpectationsof learnersinthe21stcentury,theimportanceofeffectiveleadershipindrivingpositive changecannotbeoverstated.Bychampioninginnovation,fosteringcollaboration,and promotingequityandinclusion,theseinspiringeducationleadersareshapingthefutureof educationandempoweringindividualstorealizetheirfullpotential.

OurcoverstoryfeaturesDr.MordecaiIanBrownlee,PresidentoftheCommunity CollegeofAurora,whosevisionaryleadershiphastransformedtheinstitutionintoa beaconofeducationalexcellenceandcommunityengagement.Dr.Brownlee's commitmenttostudentsuccess,diversity,andsocialmobilityexemplifiesthe transformativeimpactofeffectiveleadershipinhighereducation.Throughinnovative initiativesandstrategicpartnerships,hehaspropelledtheCommunityCollegeofAurora tonewheights,empoweringstudentstoachievetheiracademicandcareeraspirations.

Theprofilesshowcasedinthiseditionofferadiversearrayofinsightsandperspectives fromleadersattheforefrontofeducationalinnovationandreform.FromJacqueline Leary-Warsaw'sadvocacyfortheartsandhumanitiesatTheBenjaminT.RomeSchoolof Music,Drama,andArttoArvindRaman'sleadershipinengineeringeducationatPurdue University,eachleaderismakingsignificantcontributionstotheirrespectivefields.

Dr.MichealStratton'sdedicationtostudent-centeredlearningatGeorgiaCollege&State University,CamilleDavidson'scommitmenttoexcellenceinlegaleducationatSouthern IllinoisUniversitySchoolofLaw,andDr.MelissaMcCartney’stransformative leadershipatQueensUniversityofCharlottefurtherunderscorethemultifacetedimpact ofeducationalleadershiponstudents,institutions,andcommunities.

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10 DR. MORDECAI IAN BROWNLEE

Cover Story

Mordecai Ian Brownlee

Leading the Transformation of Community College Education

President | Community College of Aurora

DKeypoints:

●Dr.MordecaiIanBrownleeisthesixth presidentoftheCommunityCollegeof Aurora(CCA)inColorado.Healso publishesfrequently,servesasacolumnist forEdSurge,andspeaksasanationaland internationalkeynote.

●Throughouthiscareer,Dr.Brownlee hasplayedcriticalrolesinseveralmultimillion-dollarcapitalconstructionprojects thatsupportacademicinstruction,student supportservices,andcollegiatesports programs,totalingover$215million.

●Dr.Brownleesays,“Theresponsibility ofeducatorstoensurelearners’pathway towardsequitableeconomicmobilityof educatorsservinginthepost-pandemic eraofhighereducationisperhapsthe greatestthathaseverbeeninour lifetime.”

r.MordecaiIanBrownleeisthesixth presidentoftheCommunityCollegeof Aurora(CCA)inColoradoandan inclusiveeducatorwhochampionsstudentsuccess. Underhisimpressiveleadership,hehastransformed CCAbyenhancingstudentadvocacyandsupport services,expandingacademicpathways,and initiatingthefirstcapitalprojectin24years.In addition,heisaprolificwriter,acolumnistfor EdSurge,andaregularspeakeratnationaland internationalevents.

Sincetakingofficetwoyearsago,Dr.Brownleehas achievedremarkableresultsatCCA.Hehasraised record-breakingcapitalandscholarshipfunds,hired thelargestandmostdiversefacultyinthecollege's history,increasedstudentcompletionsbymorethan 20%,achievedthethirdlargestenrollmentincollege history,andmadeCCAthefirstAchievingthe DreaminstitutionintheStateofColorado.

Throughouthiscareer,Dr.Brownleehasplayed criticalrolesinseveralmulti-million-dollarcapital constructionprojectsthatsupportacademic instruction,studentsupportservices,andcollegiate sportsprograms,totalingover$215million.Heisa transformativeleaderwhoembracesinstitutional

Dr. Brownlee with the System Chancellor Joe Garcia, US. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona

advancementbycultivatingrelationships,opportunities, andresourcesforthecollegeandleadingbyexamplein internalandexternalgiving.

Moreover,Dr.Mordecaiservesinvariouslocal,state,and nationalorganizations,suchasJFF,AABHE,WCET,and theAuroraChamberofCommerce.Heisamemberof AlphaPhiAlphaandtheRotaryClub.Hehasreceived manyhonors,suchas40Under40,CommunityLeaderof theYear,andLMIAlumniAward.Hewasalsofeaturedasa “champion”bytheU.S.DepartmentofEducation.

Inthisinterview,Dr.Brownleeshareshisinsightsonthe mostcriticaltrends,challenges,andopportunitiesinthe educationsector,especiallyinthepost-pandemicera.

(ThefollowingQ&Ahasbeeneditedforlengthandclarity.)

TEM:Thankyouforjoiningustoday,Dr.Brownlee.To startwith,couldyoupleasetellusaboutthemost criticaltrendsintheeducationsectorthatareshaping thefutureofhighereducation?

Dr.Brownlee:Thankyouforhavingme.Ithinkthereisa convergenceoffourcriticaltrendsintheUnitedStatesthat ischangingthelandscapeofhighereducationforthe foreseeablefuture.Thosefactorsinclude:

●AdeclineintheU.S.populationmeansfewerstudents enteringthehighereducationsystemandmorecompetition amonginstitutionsforenrollmentandretention.

●Reducedpublictrustinhighereducation,isreflectedin thedecliningpublicfunding,increasedscrutiny,andhigher expectationsforaccountabilityandoutcomes.

●AshrinkingnativeworkforceintheU.S.createsaskills gapandademandformoreeducatedanddiverseworkers intheglobaleconomy.

●Anincreasingrateofyouthlivingwithinthepoverty indexposessignificantbarrierstoaccessandsuccessin highereducationandexacerbatesthesocialandeconomic inequalitiesinoursociety

Thoseareindeedcriticalandinterrelatedissues.Ibelieveit istheresponsibilityofeducatorstoensurelearners' pathwaytowardsequitableeconomicmobilityandsocial justice;servinginthepost-pandemiceraofhigher educationisperhapsthegreatestthathaseverbeeninour lifetime.

TEM:Couldyoupleasewalkusthroughyour educational/professionaljourney?

Dr.Brownlee:Iwasraisedbyasinglemotherwhowasa K-12educator,andIamaproudproductofcommunity college.WhenIstartedcollege,Itestedatdevelopmental levelsinmath,andIneverimaginedthatonedayIwould becomethepresidentofacommunitycollege.

Myjourneytothepresidencybeganasawork-studystudent atLoneStarCollege.Fromthere,Iservedseveral institutionsinvariousteachingandadministrativeroles, includingHoustonChristianUniversity,BlinnCommunity CollegeDistrict,UniversityofCharleston,St.Philip’s College,MorganStateUniversity,LamarUniversity,and nowtheCommunityCollegeofAurora.

TEM:Briefusabouttheestablishmentofthe CommunityCollegeofAurora.Whataretheacademic programs/coursesofferedbytheinstitute?

Dr.Brownlee:Establishedin1983,theCommunityCollege ofAurora(CCA)isapubliccommunitycollegeinAurora, Colorado.ItispartoftheColoradoCommunityCollege System,whichcomprises13institutionsacrossthestate. CCAservesover10,000studentsannuallyatitsCentreTech CampusinAurora,LowryCampusattheformerLowryAir ForceBase,andthroughonlineclasses.

Inaddition,CCAisaccreditedbytheHigherLearning Commissionandhasthedistinctionofbeingafederally designatedHispanicandMinority-ServingInstitution. CCA’smissionistoprovidehigh-qualityinstructionand supportservicestopreparestudentsfortransferand employment.

TEM:Whataretheacademicprogramsandcourses offeredbyCCA?Howdotheyalignwiththecurrentand futureneedsoftheworkforceandsociety?

Dr.Brownlee:CCAoffersmorethan60degreesand certificatesinvariousfieldsofstudy,suchasbehavioral health,business,biology,chemistry,criminaljustice, education,engineering,healthsciences,humanities, mathematics,socialsciences,andmore.

CCA’scoreclassesareguaranteedtotransfertoColorado publiccollegesanduniversities,andstudentscanalso benefitfromtheBridgetoBachelor’sDegreeprogram, whichprovidesaseamlesstransferprocessandscholarship opportunitiestofour-yearinstitutions.CCAalsohas partnershipswithlocalemployersandcommunity organizationstoprovidestudentswithhands-onlearning experiences,internships,andcareerpathways.

“I encourage parents to regularly dialogue extensively with their children on topics like economics, politics, environmental issues, and life experiences.”

Oneoftheareasthatweareparticularlyproudofisourbehavioral healthprogram,whichisdesignedtomeetthegrowingdemandfor qualifiedandcompassionateprofessionalsinthisfield.Theprogram offersamicro-credentialthatcanbecompletedinlessthanayear andpreparesstudentsforentry-levelpositionsinbehavioralhealth settings.Themicro-credentialalsostacksintoanAssociateof AppliedScienceinBehavioralHealth,whichwillbelaunchedin Fall2024.Theprogramissupportedbymorethan$50,000in scholarshipdollarsandisalignedwithindustrystandardsand expectations.

TEM:Whataresomeofthemostcommonobstaclesstudents face,andhowdoesCCAhelpthemovercomethem?

Dr.Brownlee:Oneofthemostcommonandseriousobstaclesmany studentsfaceisfoodinsecurity Accordingtoa2023needs assessment,64.1%ofCCAstudentsidentifyasexperiencingfood insecurity,whichcannegativelyaffecttheirhealth,well-being,and

academicperformance.Toaddressthisissue, CCAhastakenseveraltangiblestepsto providefoodassistanceandresourcestoour students,suchas:

●Creatingfourfreesnackstationsacross campusandamobilesnackunitlaunching thisfall.

●HostingFoxy’sMobileMarket(FMM)biweekly.FMMisafreefoodmarketdesigned tostockastudent’spantryforatleasta week.

●OrganizingafreeFarmersMarketevent, fundedthroughtheFoodPantryAssistance Grant,whichfeaturedColorado-grown produceavailableforthecampuscommunity duringtheWeekofWelcomeinAugust.

●WorkingtobecomeaSNAPPeas registeredsite,whichwillhelpstudents enrollintheSupplementalNutrition AssistanceProgram(SNAP)withthe assistanceoflicensedCCAstaff.

●Receivingahunger-freedesignationfrom theColoradoDepartmentofHigher Education.

Webelievethatnostudentshouldgohungry orworryabouttheirnextmeal.Thatiswhy weareproudtooffertheseservicesand supporttoourstudents,andwearealways lookingfornewwaystoimproveandexpand them.

TEM:Beingatthehelmoftheinstitute, whatareyourprominentrolesand responsibilities?Howdoyouensurean inclusiveandcollaborativeenvironment?

Dr.Brownlee:Asthepresidentofthe CommunityCollegeofAurora,myprimary responsibilityistoensureaninclusiveand collaborativeenvironmentwherethemission ofCCAcanbefulfilleddaily.Our institutionalmissionistoserveourdiverse communitybyprovidinghigh-quality instructionandsupportservicestoprepare studentsfortransferandemployment.

CCA’s Executive Team

CCA’s Executive Team

Additionally,Iamresponsibleforfosteringaculturethatis centeredonthemissionandfocusedonthevision.The visionofCCAistoaspiretobethecollegewhereevery studentsucceeds.Toachievethisvision,weneedto provideastudentexperiencethatisrelevant,inclusive, barrier-free,andtransformative.Itisanhonortoholdthis responsibilityandajoytoworkwithmanydedicated educatorswhoembodythespiritofCCA.

TEM:Communitycollegesplayacrucialrolein providingaccessibleeducation.Howdoyouensurethe CCAremainsaccessibleandinclusivefordiverse learnersfromdifferentsocioeconomicbackgrounds?

Dr.Brownlee:AsIwroteinmy2023article“ThePower ofMicrocredentialsandAmerica'sHigherEducation Dilemma”publishedbyEdSurge,communitycolleges havehistoricallyservedascomprehensiveinstitutionsthat offerassociatedegreeswithtransferagreementstofouryearcolleges.Theyhavealsoservedasworkforcedrivers throughtheireducationalcreditandnon-creditcourses.

However,withtheconvergenceoffourcriticaltrendsthatI mentionedearlierinthearticle,communitycollegesare beingcalledupononceagaintoleadthelatest credentialingrevolution.Theycandothisbystreamlining theK-12topost-secondarycreditpipelineincreasing equitablestudentattainmentandcreatingmorediverse pathwaystoeconomicmobility

CCArecentlylauncheditsfirst-evermulti-language website.TheambitiousprojectstartedinAugusttoliveup toCCA’sreputationasColorado’smostdiversecollege. Unlikeotherschoolsthathaveonlypartsoftheirwebsites availableinEnglishandSpanish,CCA'sleadershipboldly decidedtotranslatetheentirewebsite.Thisway,wecan reachandservemorestudentsfromdifferentlinguisticand culturalbackgrounds.

TEM:Manyparentsfacechallengeslikelimited resourcesorcompetingpriorities.Whatareyourtop threepiecesofadviceforparentstosupporttheir children'seducationaljourney,fromearlytohigher education?

Dr.Brownlee:Myfirstpieceofadviceistoincreasetheir levelofintentionalityinsupportingtheoverall developmentoftheirchildren.Intoday’ssociety,life demandsoftencreatebarrierstoparentalengagement,and thelong-termimpactoffailedengagementcanhave negativeconsequences.

Secondly,Iencourageparentstoregularlydialogue extensivelywiththeirchildrenontopicslikeeconomics, politics,environmentalissues,andlifeexperiences.Doingso widenstheirchildren'sunderstandingandpromotescritical thinking.

Thirdly,Iencourageparentstogranttheirchildrenaccessto witnessingthemprocessthroughfrustrationsand disagreements.Whileitmaybeinournaturetoshieldour childrenfromthosetimes,Ibelieveitisessentialthatour childrenobservethosecrucialmomentswherelistening, reasoning,andemotionalintelligencearemostcriticalfora productivelife.

TEM:Howdoyouensureyourwork-lifebalance?What areyourhobbiesandinterests?

Dr.Brownlee:Ratherthanwork-lifebalance,Icommit myselftolivingalifethathonorswork-lifeintegration. Previously,Ihaveattempted“balance”andhavefailed drastically.Instead,Iplacefamilyaboveallandthenworkto integrateothercriticalelementsofmylife(and responsibilities)thatsupportmyabilitytocareformy family.

Whenspeakingbeforecrowdsorparticipatinginpodcasts,I regularlychallengetheaudiencenevertodomoreorprovide morefortheirinstitutionsororganizationsthantheydofor theirfamilies.Itiscriticaltolivelifeandmakedecisionsin suchamanner

Asforhobbies,IthoroughlyenjoyRVingwithmyfamily, reading,fishing,playinggolf,writingarticles,andhosting variouswebseriespublishedonmywebsite www.ItsDrMordecai.com.

TEM:Isthereanythingelseyouwouldliketosharewith ourreaders,perhapsamessageofinspirationora personalanecdotethatencapsulatesyourleadership philosophy?

Dr.Brownlee:Asacommunityofeducators,workforce partners,governmentalagencies,andlegislators,wehavea greatresponsibilitytoworktogethertodevelopseamless academicandcareerpathwaysformorestudents,asthe futureofAmericadependsonit.

Throughcollaboration,wecancollectivelyenvisionnew partnershipsandsynergiestounlockupwardsocialand economicmobilityforouryouthandworkingadults.Failure isnotanoption,andAmericadependsonustosucceed.

Dr.Melissa McCartney Ed.D.

Championing Accessible Education and Distinction in Lifelong Learning

Dr.MelissaMcCartney,Ed.D. isan

esteemededucationalleaderwhoadvances thetransformativepowerofeducation.As theassociateprovostfordigitallearninganddean oftheGraduateSchoolatQueensUniversityof Charlotte,shehasawealthofexperienceanda visionaryperspective.

McCartneybelievesthatcollegesanduniversities arecatalystsforsocietalprogress.Therefore,she fostersenvironmentswherelearnersacquire knowledgeanddeveloptheskillstothriveinan ever-changingworld.

Shedrawsfromherdiversebackgroundinthe highereducationecosystemandchampions meaningfultransformationwhileempowering studentstobeleadersofinnovationandpositive change.McCartney’s leadershipreflectsher profoundpurposeandherrelentlessdedicationto unlockingthepotentialofeveryindividualand shapingabrighterfuturethrougheducation.

LeadershipinDigitalLearningandEducational Equity

Asanassociateprovostfordigitallearningand deanofQueens’GraduateSchool,McCartney shapestheinstitution’seducationallandscape.She overseesinitiativesthatleveragedigitalplatforms

toenhancelearningexperiences.Herleadershipensures inclusiveaccesstoeducation,especiallyduringthe pandemic,bymigratingcriticalsystemstoaccessible platforms.

McCartneychampionsthecausesofaccessibilityindigital learningresources,ensuringthateachstudentisafforded equitablechancesforachievement.Herunwavering commitmentreflectstheuniversity’scommitmentto inclusivityandequityineducation.

WithMcCartney’sguidance,theGraduateSchoolhas launchedover20stackablegraduatecertificatesadvancing educationatQueensUniversityofCharlotte These initiativesnotonlybroadenthespectrumofeducational prospectsbutalsounderscoreherdedicationtonarrowingthe dividebetweenthedemandsoftheworkforceandacademic readiness.

EvolutionandCommitmenttoExcellence

QueensUniversityofCharlottehasarichhistorydating backto1857.Ithasbecomearenownedinstitutionofhigher educationcommittedtoexcellenceandinclusivity.Founded astheCharlotteFemaleInstitute,itbecameco-educationalin 1987,showingitsdedicationtoprovidingeducationforall. In2002,afternearlyacenturyandahalfofgrowthand change,itbecameQueensUniversityofCharlotte.

Today,QueensUniversityisadistinguishedcenterof comprehensivelearning.Itoffersanextensiveselectionof

Dean Graduate School at | Queens University of Charlotte

invaluablehands-onlearningexperiences,suchas internshipsandstudyabroadopportunities,tocultivate practicalskillsandreal-worldwisdom.

Moreover,theuniversityiscommittedtohelping studentsdevelopfiveattributestopreparestudentstobe engagedandactiveintheircommunities.Queens graduatesare: HonorablyConnected,Intellectually Agile,CivicallyEngaged,ProfessionallyPrepared,and GloballyInformed.

FosteringAccessibilityThroughScholarships,WorkStudy,andCommunityCollaboration

QueensUniversity’sfinancialaiddepartmentworks withstudentsandtheirfamiliestoprovidesupportand createsoundfinancialplans.Theuniversityoffersa varietyofscholarshipsandgrantsthatrecognize excellenceinacademics,athletics,andleadership.

“Pursuing an education is an endlessjourneylled with challenges,but within each challenge lies an opportunityfor growth and transformation.”

QueensUniversityprovideswork-studyprogramsforeligible students.Theseprogramsletstudentsearnincomeandgain valuableworkexperiencewhileaccommodatingtheiracademic schedules.

QueensUniversitycollaborateswithlocalorganizationsand businesses.Thesepartnershipsexpandscholarshipopportunities andsupportunderservedcommunities.Forexample,theCharlotte TalentInitiative,backedbycompanieslikeAllyFinancialand Lowe’sCompanies,Inc.,showstheuniversity’scommitmentto economicmobility.Theseprogramsofferacademicpathways, careerguidance,andsupport.Moreover,theseprogramsempower individualsfromhistoricallyunderservedbackgroundstoaccess educationandpursuetheirdreams.

StrategiesforCreatinganInclusiveCampusEnvironment

McCartneyidentifiesseveralsignificantchallengesincreatingan accessibleandinclusivecampusenvironment.Theseinclude

physicalandtechnologicalbarriers andculturalandsocialinclusion. Shesuggestsretrofittingolder buildingsandensuringdigital platformsareaccessibleto overcomephysicaland technologicalobstacles.However, sheassertsthatcultivatinga campusculturethatprioritizes diversityandbelongingnecessitates commitment,collaboration, education,andadequateresources.

Toaddressthesechallenges, McCartneyadvocatesforeducation leaderstoarticulateaclearvision forinclusivity,engagewiththe community,provideeducationon diversitytopics,allocateresources foraccessibilityupgrades,and createspacesfordialogueand collaboration.Shesaysthese strategiescanleadtoanaccessible andinclusivecampuswhereall membersfeelvaluedand supported.

McCartneyemphasizes collaborationwithstakeholdersand investingintrainingandresources toovercomeaccessibilityand inclusionbarriers.Shealsoadvises educationleaderstocommunicate andbetransparent,listentodiverse communitymembers,and implementpoliciesandpractices thatpromoteequityandbelonging.

GettingStartedEarlyand FosteringAcademicSuccess: AdviceforParents

McCartneyemphasizesactive engagementandcommunication betweenparentsandtheirchild's school.Sheadvisesparentsto attendconferences,events,and activitiestostayinformedabout theirchild’sprogressand challenges.Byfosteringa collaborativerelationshipwith

educators,parentscanprovidetheir childrenwithtailoredsupportwhen needed,ensuringtheiracademicsuccess.

Shealsoencouragesparentstocreatea nurturinglearningenvironmentathome. Thisinvolveshavingaspacewith educationalresourcesandaroutinethat prioritizestimeforacademics.She believesthatpraisingeffortand perseveranceandinstillingagrowth mindsetinachildcanhelpbuild confidenceintheiracademicjourney.

McCartneyvalueslifelonglearningand urgesparentstoemphasizethistotheir children.Encouragingcuriosityand criticalthinkingandexposingchildrento diverselearningopportunitiesareessential fortheireducation.Byexemplifyinga modelofperpetuallearningandselfimprovement,parentscanpreparetheir childrentoexcelnotonlyintheir academicpursuitsbutalsointheir personalandprofessionallives.

Furthermore,McCartneyadvisesparents topreparefinanciallyfortheirchild's collegeeducationbyconsideringdual enrollmentorearlycollegeprogramsand savingearly.Exploringtax-advantaged savingsplansandencouragingearly collegeprogramscanreducecostsand preparefortheirchild’sfuture.

StrikingtheRightBalance

McCartneyknowshowharditistojuggle workandpersonallifeinaworldthat neverstops.That’swhyshefollowssome simplerulestokeepherbalance.Oneof theserulesistosetclearlimitsonher worktimeandavoidcheckingwork emailswhensheisathomewithherson. Thisway,shecanfocusonherfamilyand enjoyqualitytimewiththem.

Anotherrulethatshefollowsistotake careofherselfbydoingthingsthatmake herfeelgoodandrelaxed.Shelikesto walk,meditate,doyoga,orgotonew

placeswithherfamily.Shealso manageshertimewellbymakinglists, planning,andtakingbreaks.

ThelastrulethatMcCartneyfollowsis tobuildstrongconnectionswithher family,friends,andcoworkersoutside ofwork.Shealsohasanetworkof peoplewhosupporther

Inaddition,sheenjoyshobbies,like photography,thatletherseetheworld throughdifferentperspectives.Forher, findingwork-lifebalanceisanongoing journey,sosheexperimentswith differentstrategiestodiscoverwhat worksbestforher

EmpoweringStudentsThrough ResilienceandDetermination

McCartneyinspiresstudentstopursue educationasajourneyofgrowth, encouragingstudentstoembrace obstaclesassteppingstonestotheir dreams.Shealsoemphasizes determinationandapositivemindset aretoolstoovercomeadversity

Sheinstillsconfidenceinstudentsby remindingthemoftheirstrength, resilience,andcourage.Sheurgesthem tobelieveinthemselvesandtheir abilities,recognizingthattheyhavethe powertoconqueranyobstacle.

Furthermore,McCartneyencourages studentstomoveforwardwith perseverance.Sheunderstandsthat setbacksaresetupsforsuccess.By embracingthejourneywithresilience anddetermination,studentscan navigatetheireducationandemerge strongerandempowered.

JACQUELINE LEARY-WARSAW

Inspiring Educational Leaders Worldwide

JacquelineLeary-Warsawholdstheesteemed

positionofDeanatTheBenjaminT.Rome SchoolofMusic,Drama,andArtatThe CatholicUniversityofAmerica.Her illustriousjourneyinhighereducation commencedinthe1980satamodest communitycollegeinSouthernMaryland.Asshepursued herdoctoralstudiesattherenownedPeabodyInstituteof JohnsHopkinsUniversity,aprofoundpassionforcultivating advancedlearninginothersbegantotakeroot.Startingfrom humblebeginnings,shesteadilyadvancedthroughtheranks, eventuallybecominganaccomplishedtenuredprofessor.

Throughouthertransformativejourney,Jacqueline wholeheartedlyembracedadministrativeroles,ultimately assumingthepivotalpositionofChairoftheMusic Departmentataliberalartscollegeinthesouth.Itwasin thiscapacitythatshediscoveredhertruecalling:adeepseatedcommitmenttohighereducationadministration. Presently,asDean,shecontinuestoembodyanunwavering commitmenttoexcellence.Jacquelineinspiresher colleaguestostriveforteachingexcellenceandempowers studentstoreachtheirutmostpotential.Intherealmof highereducation,JacquelineLeary-Warsawshinesasa beaconofinspiration.

MultifacetedResponsibilitiesandVisionaryLeadership

InherroleasthefoundingDeanoftheSchoolofMusic, Drama,andArtatTheCatholicUniversityofAmerica,

Jacquelineassumesapivotalandmultifacetedposition. Sheservesastheschool’schiefexecutiveandacademic officer,overseeingawiderangeofresponsibilities.Her purviewencompassesallaspectsofschooloperations, includingmanagingacademicprograms,student enrollment,budgetaryoversight,fundraisingefforts, facilitiesmanagement,personnelmatters,andcultivating crucialrelationshipswiththeBoardofVisitorsand governmententities.

Jacqueline’srolecarriessignificantresponsibility, reportingdirectlytotheprovostandbearingtheweightof ensuringtheschool’seducational,financial,and administrativeaffairsrunsmoothly.Underhervisionary leadership,shedevelopsstrategicacademicbusiness plansandidentifiesfutureinitiativestoadvancethe school’smissionandgoals.Herdedicationextends beyondgrowth;itencompassesthecreationofapositive workandlearningenvironment.Sheprioritizesthewellbeinganddevelopmentoffaculty,staff,andstudents alike,underscoringhercommitmenttothecomprehensive successofTheBenjaminT.RomeSchoolofMusic, Drama,andArt.

Jacqueline’sVisionofIdealEducationalLeadership

Jacquelinebelievesthattheessenceofanideal educationalleaderliesintheirembodimentofservant leadershipprinciples.Inherview,thisleadership philosophyplacesastrongemphasisonservingthe

The Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art at

communityratherthanassertingauthority.Suchaleader prioritizesthegrowthandwell-beingofotherswithinthe educationalinstitution.

AtthecoreofJacqueline’svisionofidealleadershipis humility Aneducationalleadershouldnotwieldauthority foritsownsakebutshouldapproachtheirrolewith humility,understandingthattheirprimarymissionisto supportandempowerothers.Theyshouldnotseekthe spotlightbutinstead,workdiligentlybehindthescenesto ensurethesuccessoftheentirecommunity.

EffectivecommunicationisakeyqualityinJacqueline’s view.Sheemphasizestheimportanceofestablishingopen andtransparentlinesofcommunicationwithinthe institution.Asuccessfulleaderactivelylistenstothe concernsandideasofothers,fosteringacultureofdialogue andcollaboration.Througheffectivecommunication,they addressmanagementmattersandpersonnelissueswith empathyandunderstanding.

FromInceptiontoInnovation:TheEvolutionofthe RomeSchool

TheBenjaminT.RomeSchoolofMusic,Drama,andArt, establishedinJune2018,representstransformativechange withinTheCatholicUniversityofAmerica’svisualand performingartslandscape.Itscreationmarkedahistoric momentasitmergedthepreviouslydistinctdepartmentsof DramaandArtwiththeSchoolofMusic,usheringinanew eraofcollaborationandunityacrossallaspectsofthearts.

AtthecoreofTheRomeSchool’sofferingsare diversearraysofundergraduateandgraduatedegree programs,complementedbyinterdisciplinary experiencesspanningtheartsspectrum. Undergraduateandgraduatemusicdegreescovera rangeofdisciplines,includingvoice,piano,orchestral instruments,musicaltheatre,sacredmusic,and composition.Anintriguingdualdegreeprogramin musicandbusinesspreparesundergraduatesfora futureinmusicadministration,blendingartistic passionwithpracticalacumen.

IntherealmofDrama,studentscanpursueahighly sought-afterBFAinActingforTheatre,Film,and Television,showcasingtheschool’scommitmentto fosteringtalentacrossvariousperformanceplatforms. Meanwhile,theArtdepartmentoffersaBAinArtand Design,allowingstudentstoselectfromdiverse concentrations,including3DAnimationandCharacter Design,GraphicDesignandIllustration,SacredArt andSocialPractice,andDrawingandPainting.

AdaptingtoChangingStudentNeeds

Intheever-evolvinglandscapeofhighereducation,the admissionsprocesshaswitnessedsignificant transformationsinstudentrequirements.Jacqueline,a forward-thinkingeducationalleader,acknowledges thesechangesandhasrespondedwithstrategic adjustmentstomeettheevolvingneedsofprospective students.

“

Servant leadership is one in which the focus remains on the growth and well-being of others, not on the authority gure

Onenotableshiftisintherealmofinterpersonal communication.Studentsnowseekpersonalizedand meaningfulinteractionswithinstitutions.Theyvalue genuineconnectionsthataddresstheirunique aspirationsandconcerns.Thisdemandfor personalizedengagementplacesapremiumon institutionsthatexcelinbuildingtheserelationships.

Financialconsiderationshavealsotakencenter stage.Scholarshipsandfinancialaidpackageshave becomepivotalfactorsinastudent'sdecisionmakingprocess.Offeringcompetitivescholarship awardscanbeadecisivefactorinattractingand retainingtoptalent.

Inthedigitalage,informationaccessibilityis paramount.Prospectivestudentsexpectreadyaccess tocomprehensiveinformationaboutprograms, faculty,campuslife,andmore.Meetingthis expectationthrougheasilyavailableonlineresources hasbecomeacornerstoneofsuccessfulrecruitment efforts.

Inresponsetotheseshiftingrequirements, Jacquelinehasmadestrategicchangeswithinthe institute.ByredefiningtheroleoftheStudent EngagementSpecialisttofocusonbothrecruiting newstudentsandensuringtheretentionofenrolled studentsthroughouttheiracademicjourney,shehas equippedtheinstitutiontoeffectivelyaddressthe dynamiclandscapeofstudentrecruitment.

ThePowerofFamilyandProfessionalSuccess

Jacqueline’sapproachtomaintainingwork-lifebalance servesasacommendablemodelforpersonalwell-being andprofessionalsuccess.Sheplacessignificantemphasis onthisbalance,recognizingitsparamountimportancefor bothphysicalandmentalhealth.

ForJacqueline,thecornerstoneofherwork-lifebalanceis hercommitmenttofamily.Shetakesonmultiplerolesasa wife,mother,grandmother,sister,daughter,aunt,and friend.Theserelationshipsformthebedrockofherpersonal life,infusingitwithessentialelementssuchasjoy,humor, faith,andunwaveringsupport.Byactivelynurturingand cherishingtheseconnections,shecreatesaharmonious synergybetweenherprofessionalandpersonalspheres.

Byprioritizingherfamilyalongsidehercareer,Jacqueline underscoresthesignificanceofmaintainingaholisticand fulfillinglife.Herabilitytostrikethisbalancenotonly servesasasourceofpersonalhappinessbutalsoenhances hereffectivenessandresilienceinherroleastheDeanof theinstitute.

GuidingPrinciplesforAspiringEducationalLeaders

Jacquelineimpartsinvaluableadvicetoaspiringeducational leaderswhoaimtomakeameaningfulimpactinthefield. Herwisdomcentersaroundseveralfundamentalprinciples.

Firstandforemostistheconceptofservantleadership. Jacquelineunderscorestheimportanceofshiftingthefocus awayfromone’sowninterestsandfirmlyplacingitonthe needsofothers.Thisapproachinvolvesbuildingstrong, cohesiveteamsofprofessionallysatisfiedemployees.It fostersapositiveworkenvironmentandencourageshighquality,efficientcontributionsfromteammembers.

Effectivecommunicationisanothercornerstoneof Jacqueline’sguidance.Newleadersshoulddeveloptheir communicationskills,particularlywhenaddressing challengingpersonnelmatters.Theabilitytohavecandid yetempatheticconversationsisessentialforresolving issuesandnurturingaharmoniousworkenvironment. Jacqueline’semphasisonopendialogueandconstructive feedbackcanpavethewayforsuccessfulleadership.

Byembracingthesequalities,emergingleaderscan navigatethecomplexitiesofeducationalleadershipand createalastingpositiveimpactontheirinstitutionsandthe individualstheylead.

Arvind R aman

Empowering Future Engineers for a Better Tomorrow

Thefieldofeducationiswherethe

journeybeginstodevelopoutstanding individualswhocanshapeabetter future.Andtonurturesuchindividuals, weneedgreatteachers.Werecentlyhad thechancetointerviewonesuchteacher,Arvind Raman,theDeanofPurdueUniversity’sCollegeof Engineering.Heisaremarkableeducatorwitha visionforabrighterfuture.Moreover,heisskilledat bringingpeopletogetherandguidingthemtodotheir best.Whatmotivateshimthemostisthepositive impactleaderscanmake,andheisdedicatedto makingthatimpactathisownalmamatertohelp improvesociety.

Arvind’sCareerTrajectoryfromIndiatotheUSA

Arvind’sjourneyimpresses.HestartedwithaBS degreefromtheIndianInstituteofTechnology (IIT) DelhiandthenpursuedanMSinmechanical engineeringatPurdue.Thisjourneybeganalmost threedecadesago.Furtheringhiseducation,heearned aPh.D.fromtheUniversityofCalifornia.Between 2000and2014,heactivelytaught,conductedresearch, andengagedwithstudentsatPurdue’sCollegeof Engineering.Unexpectedly,Arvind’scareershiftedto leadership.Hetookonrolesinglobalengineering, academicaffairs,andbothundergraduateandgraduate education.Ultimately,onApril1,2023,hebecame dean,arolethatallowedhimtosignificantlybroaden thecollege’simpact.Additionally,Arvindnotes, “I remain the Robert V Adams Professor in Mechanical Engineering and, by courtesy, Professor of Materials Engineering.”

Whenaskedabouthisinspirationandrolemodel, Arvindunquestionablycitesittohismother.Hesays, “My mother has been my greatest and earliest role model. As a chemistry teacher, she sparked my childhood interest in STEM. Her intelligence, confidence, and curiosity remain major influences.”

Foundationof

PurdueUniversity:AnInstituteof Excellence

andInnovation

JohnPurdueestablishedPurdueUniversityin1869in WestLafayette,Indiana,asarenownedpublicresearch institution.Initiallyfoundedasapubliccollegefocusedon science,technology,andagriculture,theuniversityachieved significantexcellence.

TheCollegeofEngineering,datingbackto1874,standsas Purdue’slargestacademicunit.In1874,theuniversity presidentintroducedfour-yearcoursesinciviland mechanicalengineering,startinginthespringof1875. Currently,thecollegeoffersacomprehensiverangeof academicprograms,includingBS,MS,andPh.D.degrees across14disciplines.Thesedisciplinesincludeaeronautics andastronautics,agriculturalandbiologicalengineering, biomedicalengineering,chemicalengineering,civil engineering,constructionengineeringandmanagement, electricalandcomputerengineering,engineeringeducation, environmentalandecologicalengineering,industrial engineering,materialsengineering,mechanical engineering,andnuclearengineering.

Thecollegehostspioneeringprogramssuchas Semiconductors@Purdue,EngineeringHonorsProgram, VerticallyIntegratedProjects(VIP),First-YearEngineering (FYE),EngineeringProjectsinCommunityService (EPICS),SummerUndergraduateResearchFellowship Program(SURF),GlobalEngineeringProgramsand Partnerships(GEPP),MinorityEngineeringProgram (MEP),ProfessionalPractice(co-op)Program,andWomen inEngineering(WiE)Program.

PromotingaFlexibleandInclusiveEducationSystem

WhencomparingPurdueUniversity’sengineeringcollege withothers,itdistinguishesitselfinseveralways.Itholds thedistinctionofbeingthelargestengineeringcollegeever rankedinthetop4ofU.S.News&WorldReport, benefitingfromitssubstantialscale.Withundergraduate

enrollmentexceedingthecombined figuresofthethreetopengineering colleges,itpresentsarespected, affordable,andhighlyrankedoption. Notably,flexibilityisadefining feature.Theconceptof“yearto choose”enablesundergraduatesto exploredifferentpathwaysduring theirfirstyear,preventingthemfrom feelinglockedintoanunsuitable major.Purdue’sengineeringcollegeis nationallyrankedat#7forco-opsand internships,underscoringitsemphasis onpracticalreadiness.

Theinstitution’sapproachto experientiallearningsetsitapart.

Embracingthephilosophyof“Learn byDoing,”Purdueintegrates undergraduateresearch,global experiences,EPICS(aservicelearningdesignprogram),VIP (VerticallyIntegratedProjects),and studentorganizationstofoster practicallearning.Speakingaboutthe institution’sinclusivity,Arvind highlights, “We offer a safe, welcoming, diverse community Regarding research, what’s special about our college is our highly collaborative environment, with great facilities and top-notch faculty, including 37 past and present NAE members and 14 National Academy of Inventors fellows; a dozen $10 million+ research centers; and worldclass alumni.”

LeadershipAnchoredinSupport forExcellinginPracticalSkill Development

Whenaskedabouthiscore responsibilitiesasaDean,Arvind clarified, “The dean of Purdue’s College of Engineering is responsible for envisioning, motivating, removing roadblocks, and enabling the success of others. He focuses on assisting faculty with significant funding opportunities, facilitating experiential

learning for students, promoting student health and well-being, and developing cutting-edge concentrations and minors.”

Furthermore,headdressedthe changingeducationlandscapeand evolvingstudentneeds.Heremarked, “To address the needs of a diverse range of learners, including working professionals, we have established a variety of highly ranked online opportunities that are both affordable and convenient. Our offerings range from degree programs to professional courses and certificates.”

Theinstitutionplacessignificant

“

Anidealeducational leaderbringspeople togetherundera commontentwitha common

vision.

importanceonexperientiallearningto meetthedemandforpracticalskills.

Theinstitutiontooktheleadin introducingthefirstcomprehensive semiconductordegreeprograminthe UnitedStates.Additionally,it spearheadstheScalableAsymmetric LifecycleEngagement(SCALE) workforcedevelopmentprogram, fundedbytheDOD,whichsupports thegrowthofthenation’s microelectronicsindustrytoaddress thecreationof50,000newjobs.

Thecollegeprovidesrobustsupportto students,aligningwiththeirgrowing interestinentrepreneurship.TheJohn MartinsonEntrepreneurialCenterand

theSiliconValleyBusinessInnovation Group(SVBIG)standastwovaluable resources.Arvindhighlighted pioneeringprograms,stating, “Our college is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We initiated the Women in Engineering (WiE) Program and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and we continuously forge new pathways for all to excel.”

Additionally,collaborationssuchas thepartnershipwiththehistorically BlackuniversityMorganState underscoreadedicationtobroader inclusivity.

AddressingIssuesintheEducation System

Arvindpossessesasignificantvision andforecastschallengesthehigher educationsystemwillconfrontinthe nearfuture.Heasserts, “Academia is having to deal with the demographic phenomenon called the ‘enrollment cliff,’meaning the college-age population will shrink beginning in 2025. This is a time when we as a nation need many more engineers, not fewer.”

LivingLifebeyondWork

Maintainingabalancedlifecanbe challenging,especiallywhenholding aprominentcareerrole.Nonetheless, itremainsessentialtonurturespecific hobbiesandtakeregularbreaksto adapttotheevolvingenvironment. Arvindholdsapositionthatinvolves monitoringmultipledemanding factorsthatcanleadtoexhaustion. Yet,heconsistentlydiscovers strategiestoalleviatethisand dedicatestimetorelishingmoments. Whenheseekssolaceawayfromthe bustlingsurroundings,heoptsfor hiking.Additionally,heintegrates jogging,cooking,andgardeninginto hisroutinetoinvigoratehismind.

Dr. Micheal Straon

Nurturing Innovation, Collaboration, and Student Success in Higher Education

Dr.MichealStrattonisanaccomplished academicleaderandthecurrentDeanofthe J.WhitneyBuntingCollegeofBusiness& TechnologyatGeorgiaCollege&State University Withapublicadministrationandpolicy background,Dr.Strattonhasdedicatedhiscareerto fosteringfacultyandstaffdevelopmentandpromoting sharedgovernanceinacademia.

Dr.Stratton’sacademicjourneybeganattheNelsonA. RockefellerCollegeofPublicAffairsattheUniversityat Albany,SUNY,wherehecompletedhisgraduateand Ph.D.studies.Duringthistime,herecognizedthe importanceofserviceandsharedgovernancein academicleadership,emphasizingtheneedforwellresourcedfacultyandstafftosupportstudentsuccess.

Hiscommitmenttoacademicleadershipandfaculty developmentledhimtovariousroles,includingDirector oftheMBAprogramatHoodCollegeandleadership positionsatUNCAsheville.AtUNCAsheville,Dr StrattonservedasChairandAACSBaccreditationunit headandheldmultipletermsasaSenatorandSenate Chair Additionally,hewaspivotalasthePresidentofthe ManagementandOrganizationalBehaviorTeaching Society,guidingtheorganizationthroughthechallenges posedbytheCOVID-19pandemic.

In2020,Dr.StrattonjoinedGCSU,drawntothe institution’sreputationforexcellenceinliberalarts education.AsdeanoftheJ.WhitneyBuntingCollegeof Business&Technology,hebringshisextensive

experienceandexpertiseinacademicleadershipandfaculty developmenttodrivethecollegetonewheights.

QualitiesofanIdealEducationalLeader

AccordingtoDr.Stratton,anidealeducationalleader possessesseveralkeyqualities.Firstandforemost,they demonstrateanentrepreneurialmindset,regardlessofthe sizeormissionoftheunittheylead.Thismindsetinvolves seekingstrategicopportunities,askingdifficultquestions aboutwhathasheldtheteamback,andempoweringan innovativespiritwithintheorganization.Dr.Stratton believesleadersshouldactivelychallengethestatusquo andfosteranenvironmentencouragingcreativeproblemsolvingandforward-thinkingapproaches.

HumilityisanotherimportantqualityhighlightedbyDr. Stratton.Effectiveeducationalleadersunderstandthe importanceoftiminganddiscernmentwhenaskingdifficult questionsorimplementingchanges.Theyrecognizethat humilityplaysaroleinknowingwhenandhowtoaskthose questionsandacknowledgingwhenpatienceisnecessary fortheoptimalmomenttoact.Thishumilityallowsleaders tolistentodiverseperspectives,engageincollaborative decision-making,andbuildstrongrelationshipswith faculty,staff,andstakeholders.

Dr.Strattonstrivestodevelopthesequalitiesbyfostering self-awareness.Heconstantlyexamineshisleadershipstyle andseeksfeedbackfromotherstoidentifyareasfor improvement.Dr.Strattonremainsopentodifferent perspectives,encouragesconstructivedissent,andvalues

diverseideas.Healsofostersacultureofinnovationby creatingopportunitiesforfacultyandstafftoengagein professionaldevelopment,enablingthemtotakerisks,and supportingtheircreativeinitiatives.

EmpoweringFutureLeadersthroughLiberalArts Education

GeorgiaCollege&StateUniversityisadistinguished publicinstitutioninGeorgiathatholdsthedesignationof thestate’sdesignatedpublicliberalartsuniversity.Itisa placewherestudentsacquiretheessentialskillstothrivein afast-pacedandglobalsociety

GCSUisoneofthreeselectiveuniversitiesinthe UniversitySystemofGeorgia.Itsmissionistoequip individualswiththeskillstobecomeleaders,problem solvers,andlifelonglearnersreadyforsuccessfulcareers. Theuniversity’seducationalapproachstronglyemphasizes criticalthinking,ensuringthatstudentsdeveloptheability toanalyzecomplexissuesandmakeinformeddecisions.

GCSUoffersvariousacademicprogramstocatertodiverse interestsandcareergoals.Withundergraduatedegrees availablein40majorsandarobustselectionof34graduate programs,theuniversityprovidesstudentswithample opportunitiesforspecializationandadvancedstudy GCSU’smaster’sprogramsinbusinessadministration, logistics,supplychain,andmanagementinformation systemshavegarnerednationalrecognitionfortheirquality andrelevance.

Throughoutitshistory,GCSUhasremainedcommittedto deliveringahigh-qualityeducationthatpreparesstudents forthechallengesandopportunitiesofthefuture.The university’sdedicationtoacademicexcellence,combined withitsfocusonliberalartseducation,fosterswell-rounded individualswhopossesstheskills,knowledge,and adaptabilitynecessarytothriveinarapidlyevolvingworld.

DrivingStrategicPlanningandImplementation

AstheChiefAcademicOfficerforthecollege,Dr.Stratton holdskeyresponsibilitiesindrivingstrategicplanningand implementation.Hefostersacultureofinterdisciplinary andmultidisciplinarycollaborations,resultinginthe developmentofworkforce-focusedacademicprograms. Resourcemanagementandplanningarecrucialaspectsof hisrole,asheworkscloselywiththeProvostandother Deanstoidentifycurriculuminnovationopportunitiesand redirectresourcesaccordingly

Dr.Strattonspearheadsinitiativessuchas establishingnewdegrees,suchasdatascience, inpartnershipwiththeCollegeofArtsand Sciences.Healsoactivelyseeksexternal partnershipstocreatepathwaysfornon-GCSU studentstojoingraduateprograms.Withthese responsibilities,Dr.Strattonisvitalin advancingGCSU’smission,ensuringits educationalprogramsremainrelevantand alignedwiththejobmarket’sneeds.

MeetingtheChangingNeedsofStudents

AccordingtoDr.Stratton,students’ requirementschangewithtime,reflectinga desireformoreexperiential,flexible,and engagedlearning.Thenewgenerationof learners,bothattheundergraduateand graduatelevels,seekgreaterchoicesin learningmodalitiesandopportunitiesto engagewithexpertsbeyondthetraditional classroomsetting.

Inresponsetotheseevolvingneeds,GCSU, underDr.Stratton’sleadership,hastaken significantstepstomeetstudents’ expectations.TheyhavelaunchedaCenterfor InnovationandEntrepreneurship,allowing studentstocollaboratewithfacultyand industryexpertsinideadevelopmentand consultancies.Thisinitiativefosters experientiallearningandreal-worldproblemsolving.

Toprovidehigh-impactpractices,GCSUhas implementedprogramssuchastheGeorgia LeadershipTourandtheSAPNextGenLab, leveragingemergingtechnologiestoaddress real-worldchallenges.Theseinitiativesallow studentstogainpracticalexperienceand developvaluableskillsininnovativesettings.

Recognizingthevalueofseamlesseducational pathways,GCSUhasinstitutedthe“Double Bobcat”program,enablinghighlysuccessful seniorstoenrollingraduatecoursesthatcount towardtheirundergraduateandgraduate curricula.Thisinitiativeoffersstudentstimesavingopportunities,flexibility,andchoiceas theypursuecareersinbusinessand technology

StrategiesforSuccessin EducationalLeadership

Dr.Strattonwouldadvisebudding leadersaspiringtomakeamarkin theeducationalfieldtolearntheart ofbalancingpatiencewith persistence.Heacknowledgesthat bureaucraticobstaclesareinherentin everyorganization,particularlyin highereducation,whichtendstobe naturallyconservative.Itisessential toapproachthesechallengeswith patienceandpersistence.

Dr.Strattonemphasizesthe importanceofshowcasingthevalues ofanentrepreneurialmindsetand demonstratinghowchangecanhave apositiveimpact.Byexemplifying thebenefitsofsteppingoutof comfortzonesandembracing discomfort,leaderscaninspireothers toembraceinnovativethinkingand challengethestatusquo.

Furthermore,Dr.Strattonbelieves thatleadersshouldfosterashared culturethatquestionscomplacency andrewardsinnovation.

Encouragingamindsetthat challengesmediocrityandseeks continuousimprovementiscrucial fordrivingpositivechangewithinan educationalinstitution.

“

Student success depends on a well resourced faculty and staffs who

feel valued, are part of the governance process, and have time to dive deep into course and curriculum development

GRAPHENE BATTERIES

KeyTakeaways

Graphenebatteriesoffersignificantadvantagesoverconventionalbatteries,includingfastercharging,longer lifespan,andhigherenergydensity.

Theyaresuitableforvariousapplications,suchaselectricvehicles,laptops,andsmartphones.

Themajorchallengesoftheseenergystoragebatteriesarethehighcostofproductionandthelackofstandardization andregulation.

Severalindustriesareactivelyexperimentingwiththesebatteries,includingtheautomotive,consumerelectronics, aerospaceanddefense,andmedicalindustries.

LeadingmanufacturersincludeGrapheneManufacturingGroup,SamsungElectronics,Huawei,andothers.

Whatifyoucouldpoweryourdeviceswitha batterythatlastslonger,chargesfaster,andis moreeco-friendlythanconventionalbatteries? Thisisnotafantasy,butarealitywithgraphenebatteries.

Grapheneisathinlayerofcarbonatomsthathas remarkableproperties,suchashighconductivity,large surfacearea,andmechanicalflexibility Thesebatteriesuse grapheneasacomponentintheelectrodes,whichenhances theperformanceandlifespanofthebattery.

Importantly,theseenergystoragecellsaresuitablefor variousapplications,suchaselectricvehicles,laptops,and smartphones.Notably,thesebatteriesarethenext generationofenergystorage,andtheyarereadytochange theworld.

Inthisblogpost,youwilllearneverythingyouneedto knowaboutgraphenebatteries.Youwilllearnaboutthe industryoverviewofthegraphenebatterymarket,themajor sectorsexperimentingwiththisbatterytechnology,the benefitsandchallengesofusingthesebatteries,andsome well-knowncompaniesthatmanufacturethesebatteries. Let’sstart!

1.IndustryOverviewofTheGrapheneBatteryMarket

Theincreasingdemandforgraphenebatteriesinconsumer electronics,automotive,industrial,andpowersectorsis drivingthegrowthofitsglobalmarket.In2024,the marketwasvaluedatUSD167million,anditis projectedtoreachUSD711.96millionby2030,growing ataCAGRof23%.

Theautomotivesectorisexpectedtodominatethe market,fueledbytherisingadoptionofelectric vehiclesandfavorablegovernmentpolicies.Themajor challengesofthemarketarethehighcostofgraphene productionandthelackofstandardizationandregulation.

2.IndustriesExperimentingwiththeUseofGraphene Battery

Severalindustriesareactivelyexperimentingwiththese energystoragecells,eachwithdistinctmotivationsand applications:

AutomotiveIndustry

Usinggraphene,athinlayerofcarbonatoms,asa componentintheelectrodes,thesebatteriescanstoreand deliverenergymoreefficiently.Graphene’sremarkable propertiesenablethesebatteriestochargefaster,last longer,andreduceenvironmentalimpactcomparedto conventionalbatteries.EVspoweredbygraphenebatteries canbenefitfromfasterchargingtimes,higherenergy density,andlongerlifespan.Thesebatteriescanalsolower theweightandincreasetheefficiencyofelectricvehicles.

ConsumerElectronics

Graphenebatteriesarethenextbigthingintheconsumer electronicssector.Theyoffermanyadvantagessuchas fastercharging,highercapacity,longerlifespan,andlower weight.Grapheneisathinlayerofcarbonatomsthathas amazingproperties,suchashighconductivity,strength, andflexibility

Byusinggrapheneinthebatterycomponents,suchas electrodesandseparators,theperformanceandefficiency ofthebatterycanbeimprovedsignificantly.Many smartphonemanufacturersareexperimentingwiththese batteriestopowertheirdevicesandprovideabetteruser experience.

AerospaceandDefense

Theaerospaceanddefensesectorfacesmanychallengesin electrification.Theseincludehighcosts,safetyissues,and weightlimitations.Graphenebatteriesareapromising solutiontoovercomethesechallenges.Theyarelighter, cheaper,andmoredurablethanconventionalbatteries.

Moreover,theyhavehighenergydensityandfastcharging capabilities.Therefore,thesebatteriescanenhancethe performanceandefficiencyofelectricaircraftandvehicles.

MedicalIndustry

Graphenebatterieshavemanyadvantagesover conventionalmaterials.Thesepropertiesmakesuch batteriessuitableforvariousmedicalapplications,suchas implantabledevices,biosensors,drugdeliverysystems, andwearabledevices.

Thesebatteriescanofferhigherperformance,longer lifespan,andlowertoxicity.Furthermore,integratingthese batterieswithothernanomaterialscanenhancetheir functionalityandversatility

3.AdvantagesofGrapheneBatteries

Nowthatyouknowwhatgraphenebatteriesare,andwhat istheindustryoverviewofitsmarket.Letusproceedtothe advantagesofusingthesebatteries.

Preventsbatteryfires

Graphenebatteriesstopfiresbycoatingthecathodein graphene.Thecathodeisusuallylithiumcobaltoxide, whichreleasesoxygenwhenitbreaksdown.Thiscanlead tocombustioniftheoxygenmixeswithotherflammable materialsinthebattery.

Grapheneisathincarbonlayerthatblocksoxygenand conductselectricity.So,itkeepsoxygeninsidethecathode andlowersthechanceofshortcircuitsandfires.Graphene alsocoolsdownthebattery,whichpreventsoverheating andthermalrunaway.

Canbeusedassupercapacitors

Theseenergystoragebatteriesareatypeofsupercapacitors thatstoreenergyonthesurfaceofgraphenesheets.They havemanyadvantagesoverconventionalbatteries.These batterieshavediverseapplicationsinelectricvehicles, portableelectronics,andrenewableenergysystems.

Despitechallenges,researchersareinnovatingsynthesisand assemblymethods,integratinggraphenewithelectrolytes, electrodes,andseparators.Optimizingthesebatteries’ structureandperformancepresentsapromisingpathfor next-genenergystorage.

Longlifespan

Graphenebatteriesboastanextendedlifespanduetohigh stability.Graphene,adurableandchemicallyinertmaterial, resistscorrosionanddegradation.

Additionally,itssuperiorcapacityretentionoutperforms graphite,enhancingenergydensityandefficiencyovermore charge-dischargecycles,thusextendingthebattery’s lifespan.

Highconductivity

Graphenebatteriesimproveelectrodeconductivitywitha thinlayerofcarbonatoms,enablingfreeelectronmovement withinasinglelayer Weakforcesbetweenlayersoffer flexibilityandstability.

Moreover,grapheneactsasatemplateforuniformmetal oxidenanoparticlesynthesis,preventingaggregationand enhancingelectrodecapacity.Experimentalfindingsshow thatthesebatteriessurpasspuremetaloxideelectrodes, promisingasuperiorenergystoragesolutionwithfewer drawbacksthanlithium-ionbatteries.

4.DisadvantagesofGrapheneBatteries

Eventhoughgraphenebatterieshavemanyadvantagesthey alsohavecertaindisadvantages.Theyareasfollows:

Highcostofproduction

Grapheneisathincarbonlayerthatformsahexagonal pattern.Manufacturersuseittoproducetheseenergy storagebatteries.However,grapheneishardandexpensive toproduce.Thismakestheseenergystoragecellscostly comparedtolithium-ionbatteries.

Lithium-ionbatteriesusematerialslikelithiumcobalt oxide,lithiumironphosphate,andgraphite.Thesematerials arecheaperandeasiertofind.

Limitedscalability

Graphenebatteriesareexpensivebecauseofthehighcost ofgrapheneproduction.GraphenepreparedthroughCVDis themostsuitableforbatteries,butitrequiresexpensive equipmentandmaterials.

Othermethods,suchasmechanicalandchemical exfoliationofgraphite,arecheaperbutproducelowerqualitygraphene.Theseenergystoragecells,comparedto lithium-ionbatteries,currentlylackcommercialviability duetolowerproductioncostsandhigherenergydensityof thelatter.

Integrationchallenges

Graphenebatteriesarenotwidelyavailableyet,because theyarehardtomanufacture.Creatinglargesheetsof graphenerequiressophisticatedequipmentandhigh temperatures.

Scientistsarelookingforwaystomakegraphenemore affordableandaccessible,sothatitcanbeusedinvarious applications,suchaselectricvehicles,smartphones,and laptops.Thesecarbonbatteriesarethenextbig breakthroughinbatterytechnology,andtheycouldchange theworldofenergy.

Environmentalimpact

Theseenergystoragebatteriescouldalsoharmthe environmentinsomeways.Duringproductionordisposal, grapheneparticlescouldbereleasedintotheair,water,or soil.Theseparticlescouldchangetheirstructureand propertiesduetoenvironmentalfactors,suchas temperature,pH,orbacteria.

Thiscouldaffecttheecosystemsandorganismsthatcome incontactwiththem.Tominimizetheirenvironmental impact,itisnecessarytocarefullymonitorandregulate thesebatteries.

5.LeadingCompaniesWhoManufactureGraphene Batteries

Hereare10companiesintheworldthatmanufacturethese batteries:

GrapheneManufacturingGroup:ThisAustralian companyisdevelopinggraphenealuminium-ion batterieswithhighpowerdensityandfastcharging.

SamsungElectronics:TheSouthKoreangianthas patentedamethodtoproducegrapheneballsfor lithium-ionbatteries.

Huawei:ThisChinesetelecomcompanyhas launchedagraphene-assistedlithium-ionbatterythat canwithstandhightemperatures.

Log9Materials:TheIndianstartupiscreating graphene-basedmetal-airbatteriesthatcanpower electricvehicles.

CabotCorporation:ThisUS-basedcompanyis producinggrapheneadditivesforlithium-ionbatteries andsupercapacitors.

Graphenano:TheSpanishcompanyismaking graphenepolymerbatteriesthatcanofferhigher energydensityandlongerlifespan.

NanotechEnergy:ThisUS-basedcompanyis creatinggraphene-basedbatteriesandsupercapacitors thatcanchargefasterandlastlonger.

XGSciences:TheUS-basedcompanysupplies graphenenanoplateletsandsilicon-grapheneanodes forlithium-ionbatteries.

ZENGrapheneSolutions:ThisCanadiancompany isdevelopinggraphene-basedcathodesandanodes forlithium-ionandsodium-ionbatteries.

GrapheneCA:TheUS-basedcompanyproduces grapheneoxideandreducedgrapheneoxidefor variousbatteryapplications.

Conclusion

Inconclusion,thefutureappearspromisingfor graphenebatteries,giventheirpotentialto revolutionizevariousindustries.

Thisblogpresentsanindustryoverview,explores sectorsexperimentingwiththeseenergystorage batteries,outlinestheadvantagesanddisadvantages, andhighlightsthekeyplayersmanufacturingthese batteries.

Davidson Dean and Professor of Law

Southern Illinois University School of Law

Camille

AChampion of Legal Education Nurturing the Next Generation

Anidealeducationalleader mustpossessabalanceof qualities,includinginsight, emotionalintelligence,and collaborationskills.Theymustwork alongsidediversestakeholderssuchas students,faculty,staff,alumni,donors, communityleaders,publicfigures,and corporateexecutives.Leaderswho achievesuccesscomprehendthe significanceofdataandrelationship building.Intoday’sworld,crisis managementskillsarealso indispensableforleadership.Camille Davidson,DeanandProfessorof LawatSouthernIllinoisUniversity SchoolofLaw,isaprimeexampleof suchanexceptionalleader.Her inspiringjourneyhaspositively impactedthelivesofnumerous students.

PursuitofAcademicExcellenceand CareerPathExploration

Influencedbyherparents’strong backgroundineducation,withher fatherasarespectedsuperintendent anduniversityprofessorandher motherasadedicatedhighschool teacher,Camilleinitiallypursueda careerinlaw.However,herpathtook anunexpectedturnwhenshe gravitatedtowardsworkingwithyoung peopleduringherlawschoolyearsand legalpractice.

Whileinlawschool,sheengagedwith thepre-collegeprogramDCWorks, whichpreparedhighschoolstudents forcollege.Shealsomentoredfoster

childrenwhowereagingoutofthe system.Camille’spassionfor educationtrulyignitedthrough teachinghighschoolstudentsaspartof alawschoolcoursecalledStreetLaw, whichallowedhertoteachaclassat DunbarHighSchoolinWashington, DC.Theseexperienceslaidthe foundationforherremarkable transitionfromlawtoacademia. Camille’sfirstcollege-levelteaching experiencecameasanadjunct professoratDavidsonCollege,where shesharedherexpertiseinIntroduction toPoliticalSciencewithundergraduate students.Whileconcurrentlypracticing law,Camillecontinuedtomakean impactbyteachinglegalwritingto first-yearlawstudents.In2007,sheleft thefull-timepracticeoflawtoteach full-time.

Camillewasappointedasassociate deanatapriorinstitutionin2012.In thisrole,shespearheadedABAaccreditedprogramsinLithuaniaand Italythatbroadenedstudents’ educationalhorizons.Moreover, Camilleintroducedcomplianceand paralegalprogramstocomplementthe JDprogram,leavingalastingimpact onthelegalprofession.Her responsibilitiesencompassed organizationalmanagement,student development,programandtalent development,andcommunity engagement.

Drivenbyherdedicationandfueledby thedesiretotakeherimpacttonew heights,Camillesethersightsona

deanship.Asawifeandmother,she patientlyawaitedtheopportunityto assumesuchademandingrole.In 2019,whenheryoungestchild enteredhersenioryearofhigh school,Camillebegansearchingfora deanship.Herjourneyledhertoher currentposition,whichsheassumed inJuly2020.

Camillewasdeterminedtomakea lastingimpactwhenshejoinedSIU Law.Sheprioritizedadmissionsand recruiting,barpreparation,diversity, equity,andinclusion,expandingthe school’sfootprint,brandawareness, andalumnire-engagement.Guided bydataandfueledbyapassionate teamoffaculty,staff,andstudent input,Camillehasmadesignificant stridestowardsachievingthesegoals, aligningtheSchoolofLawwiththe broadervisionoftheUniversityand SIUSystem.Shefurtherstates, “Had you asked me 30 years ago if I would be a higher education leader, I would have said NO. But, I have found my niche. I LOVE preparing the next generation of students.”

Inherquestforexcellence,Camille findsinspirationinherparentsand grandparents,whohavebeen remarkablerolemodels.Despite experiencingsegregationandlimited opportunities,herparentssucceeded intheircareers.Theirresilienceand achievementsinspireCamille, remindingherthatwith determinationandperseverance,she, too,canovercomebarriers.

ConcurrentDegreePrograms: ExpandingHorizonsand Possibilities

TheestablishmentoftheSouthern IllinoisUniversitySchoolofLaw datesbackto1973,drivenbya steadfastcommitmenttothe publicgood.Withaproud50-year legacy,SIULawoffersaspiring legalprofessionalsa comprehensiverangeofacademic programs.

TheinstitutegrantsaJurisDoctor degreewhilepresentingstudents withtheopportunitytopursue concurrentdegrees.Atthe SouthernIllinoisUniversity Carbondalecampus,individuals cancombinetheirJDwithdegrees suchasMD,DoctorofPolitical Science,MasterofAccountancy, MBA,MasterofElectricaland ComputerEngineering,Masterof PublicAdministration,Masterof ScienceinEducation,andMaster ofSocialWork.Furthermore,the SouthernIllinoisUniversity Edwardsvillecampusoffersa JD/MPAprogram.

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Agood leader uses data to inform decisions but also understands the importance of building and nurturing relationships.

SIULawhascollaboratedwith esteemedinstitutionslikeGovernor’s StateUniversity,TougalooCollege, StillmanCollege,andSIUCarbondale. SIULawfacilitatesanacceleratedpath forhigh-achievingstudents.These exceptionalscholarscanearn bachelor’sandlawdegreeswithinsix years,propellingtheircareersforward. SIULawprovidesampleopportunities forexperientialeducation, encompassingclinics,externships,and probonoactivities,enablingstudents toacquirepracticalskillsand invaluablereal-worldexposure.Last year,SIULawopenedasatellite locationinBelleville,Illinois,atthe SouthwesternIllinoisJusticeand WorkforceCampus.SIULawhouses theMetroEastCriminalJusticeClinic atthissite.

WhatsetsSIULawapartextends beyonditsacademicofferings—itis thecollaborativeandclose-knit communityitfosters.Theinstitute equipsstudentswithessential resourcesandguidancetothriveby creatinganenvironmentofsupportand camaraderie.Asatestamenttothis commitment,SIULawhostsapre-law summerprogram,introducingstudents totheregion,providingcomprehensive insightsintotheapplicationprocess, impartingsuccessstrategies,and offeringinvaluableinformationon financinglawschool.

FosteringDiversityandAcademic Excellence

AsdeanoftheSIUSchoolofLaw, Camilleassumesapivotalrolein drivingtheinstitution’ssuccess. RepresentingtheLawSchooland Universitytoexternalconstituents,she setsprioritiesandallocatesresources whileforgingpartnershipswithother campusunitsandinstitutions.Under herleadership,thefacultyhas undertakensignificantinitiativessuch

ascurriculummapping,adoptinganti-racismand inclusivitystatements,anddevelopingastrategicplan. Technologicalandfacilityupgradeshaveprovidedstudents withanenhancedlearningenvironment.

Camille’scommitmenttodiversityisevidentinrecruitinga diversefacultyandtheincreaseddiversityofthestudent body.Shesupportsfacultyresearchandscholarshipthrough grantsandstipends,contributingtotheacademiclandscape throughteachingandpublications.BeyondtheSchoolof Law,CamilleholdsajointappointmentintheSchoolof Medicine,fosteringcollaborationsandinnovativeprograms suchastheJD/MDprofessionalismday,theRyan BioethicistinResidence, andtheannualHealthPolicy Institute.

CamilleisamemberoftheAmericanAssociationofState CollegesandUniversityMillenniumLeadershipInitiative’s 2023-24cohort.Thisprogramaimstodiversifyandenrich theAmericancollegepresidency,reflectingCamille’s dedicationtoprofessionaldevelopmentandadvancing highereducationleadership.AsCamilleentersherfourth yearasdean,theSchoolofLawhaswitnessedasurgein applications,reachingthehighestnumberssince2013. Additionally,thepost-graduationemploymentratesare approximately95percent.

EmpoweringEducationforAll:Camille’s TransformativeInitiatives

CamillewasbornandraisedinMississippiandunderstands theimportanceofeducationandequalopportunities.Witha wealthofexperienceasaprofessor,academicdean,and dean,sherecognizesstudents’challenges,particularlythose fromunderrepresentedbackgroundsandfirst-generation learners.Drivenbyacommitmenttotheirsuccess,Camille providesthenecessarysupporttoensuretheirtriumphs.

Camillehasexpandedherreachbeyondherinstitutionby takingonleadershiprolesinwell-respectedprofessional organizations.Someofhernotablepositionsinclude:

● AmericanBarAssociationAccreditationSite Evaluator

● IllinoisSupremeCourte-BusinessPolicyAdvisory Board

● BoardMember,CenterforComputer-Assisted LegalInstruction(CALI)

● LawSchoolAdmissionsCouncil(LSAC) AssessmentsCommittee

● AmericanLawInstitute

● UniformBarExaminationEstatePlanningand AdministrationSubcommittee,NorthCarolina StateBar(2017)

● Vice-chair,BioethicsCommittee,ABASection ofRealProperty,TrustandEstateLaw(2013-16)

Camilleisacutelyawareofthesignificanceofmental healthinthelearningenvironment.Sheunderstands studentscan’tfocusonacademicswhentheylackbasic needslikefoodandshelter,soshestartedprogramsto helpeasethoseburdens.InherfirstyearatSIULaw, Camillepartneredwithabarvendortoensurethatlaw studentshadaccesstoessentialresourcesforpostgraduationbarpreparationbeforecommencingtheirlegal education.Shealsorepurposedspaceforameditation roomandurgedparentstousethelibrary’skid-friendly studyroom.

Tofosteracohesivesupportnetwork,Camilleinvited disabilityservicesandotheruniversityresourcesto addressfacultymeetings.Thisendeavorensuresthat facultymembersremaininformedabouttheavailable resourcestoassisttheirstudentsbetter.

PrioritizingBalanceandNurturingWellness

CamillevaluesGod,family,andworkashertop priorities.Sheinvitesotherstojoinheronenergizing wellnesswalksatSouthernIllinoisUniversity,which promotesphysicalactivityandahealthydietforoverall well-being.Camilleupcyclest-shirtstocreatemeaningful objectsinherfreetimeandenjoysquilting.Sheserveson variouscommunityboardsandisanassociateandlife memberofJackandJillofAmerica,Inc.andalife memberofAlphaKappaAlphaSorority,Inc.

WiseAdvice

Asahighereducationleader,CamillefollowsMartin LutherKing,Jr.’sstatement, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Advicethatsheshareswithothersisasfollows:

● It'sessentialtofindacommunityofpeoplewho supportyou.

● Authenticityisimportant.Showupasyouare andbefabulous!