Shaped by the Journey

 This past weekend marked my last meeting on the Board of Regents at my alma mater, Luther College. As I reflect on the past twelve years, and the challenges facing higher education, I’m grateful for the deep expertise on the board, the rich discussions and debate, the partnership in working through short and long-term strategic challenges, and the joy in celebrating the accomplishments of the amazing students we serve making an impact both on campus and around the world. 

This won’t be a surprise to anyone who’s worked with me that in my time on the board I often felt frustrated by the pace of change in higher education compared to the corporate environment. 

In critical moments we would hear a call to “discern” when most of us in business are more accustomed to the word “decide”.  I recall a powerful description of the journey a student undertakes at Luther….that students leave “shaped by the journey”.

Although many years ago, upon reflection on my four years as a student, I know am a better person from having graduated from Luther College.

The relationships made and maintained with faculty, the friendships, and the experiences gained, including a January term in the United Kingdom, all made a lasting impact on how I saw the world and fostered my curiosity and confidence.

And after serving on the strategic planning task force, on the president’s advisory council, and as a regent including roles as vice chair and chair….I know I am a better leader from having served on the Board of Regents. The relationships made, the powerful discussions, and the experiences shared shaped my approach to leadership with curiosity, collaboration, connection and community.

I am grateful for the selfless service of those I worked alongside, whose passion for place drove our work for the near term and the long term. And I am grateful for the friendships formed and the way we could tackle the most difficult of topics and equally embrace the moments of joy and laughter.

I will always be a proud Norse and bleed Luther blue!