Biography: Dr. XXXXXX
Dr. XXXXXX is the acting Associate Dean of XXXXXX College’s Teacher Education
Pathway in XXXXXX County Florida. Dr. XXXXXX was born in Cali, Columbia and
emigrated to the United States with family when he was 13 years old. He originally held
aspirations of becoming a medical doctor, however once embarking on his medical educational
journey, he realized that he enjoyed the interactions between the students and professors more
than the course material; it was then that he decided he would rather be an educator. Regardless
of this fact, he completed his undergraduate degree in Life Sciences and Biology from Florida
Internation University (FIU) and elected to become a middle school biology teacher. He
remained in this position for 6 years while pursuing his graduate degree in Environmental
Sciences from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). It is at this time that Dr. XXXXXX
transitioned from the K-12 science setting to the higher education field. He was hired as an
Assistant Professor with XXXXXX College and began studying for his doctoral degree from
Liberty University in Higher Education Administration with a specialization in Educational
Leadership. Dr. XXXXXX then transitioned into the Associate Dean position for the Teacher
Education Pathway. He oversees the program, assigns duties and responsibilities to faculty and
professional technical staff, and handles student issues and discipline.
Overall Experience
Being that I am the Coordinator for Student Teaching and Placement and an Adjunct Professor
for the Exceptional Student Education Undergraduate Program within the Teacher Education Pathway, I
have a very close working relationship with Dr. XXXXXX. I have known Dr. XXXXXX for about 8 years,
seeing how I was a student in some of his classes before hired at my alma mater, making the transition
from the K-12 Public Education sector to the higher education field less rocky than what I anticipated.
Dr. XXXXXX has been very open to taking time out of his busy day to assist and lend advice on how to
move forward with certain situations regarding students and peers which has been an invaluable
support to me in settling into this new world. Dr. XXXXXX was also the person who encouraged me to
apply for this program and has been very open to lending a hand wherever and whenever possible. It is
why he was immediately willing to let me ask him some background knowledge questions and to let me
shadow his day-to-day routine. While working in such close proximity (both professional and physical as
his office is directly next to mine) has allowed me to see and hear the sheer volume and variety of issues
that go through his desk; however, seeing these issues, and navigating them is are two very different
experiences.
Overview of Topics Discussed
Dr. XXXXXX tends to start his day bright and early, showing up 15-20 minutes before
the rest of the office, and as a result, I was there early as well. Dr. XXXXXX stated that it is a
part of his daily routine and that it helps him get himself mentally and emotionally prepared for
the day. In this time, he will meditate, make himself coffee, read from his leadership skills book
and will reflect on the day before. He states that it helps him feel a little more in control of his
day and that it gives him the illusion of beginning the day with his consent. It became
immediately apparent that a strong organizational structure and routine was imperative to his
success. He had a large notepad to write down notes and would set electronic reminders to keep
himself focused and on task throughout the day; as tasks and meetings are completed, he would
then cross them out. Additionally, he would review notes from the prior day as reminders of
what happened, and he would review his notes at the end of the day as well. In watching and
participating in Dr.
XXXXXX’s daily workday, it became apparent that his knowledge of the both the program and
college’s expectations and directions was very strong. He stated that staying up to date with the
changes in policy is imperative and that it required collaboration and networking both within the
college and with other higher education institutions in Florida.
Insights Learned
The insights I learned during my day with Dr. XXXXXX were multi-faceted and multi-
dimensional. I learned that one must be mentally and emotionally prepared for the toll that
leadership and administration takes, but that daily routines and boundaries help lesson that toll
and ensure longevity in the role. Additionally, I learned that the little things done right have far
reaching positive impacts. For example, by following up via email after a meeting with a student
or faculty member, it leaves a written summary that can be referred to for further information
and context should the need arise. I also learned about the importance to maintaining a strong
working relationship with members of all levels within the college and community. By nurturing
and maintaining a relationship of mutual respect, the challenges and duties that come with
administration can be lessened by having responsible and trustworthy people who can step in
when necessary.
Similarities to the Course Materials
The issues faced by Dr. XXXXXX and the rest of XXXXXX College’s administration
does have some historical precedent, especially when considering the fact that this is a higher
education institution with a large focus on inclusive practices for the low-income local
population. I found many of the problems faced from by the program stem from a lack of
equitable access to education and that the majority of the students with struggles were due to a
lack of access to resources such as technology or transportation.
