Inspiring education leaders exemplify a commitment to transformative practices that enhance learning experiences and outcomes for students. They harness visionary thinking to create inclusive environments, leveraging their expertise to foster innovation and collaboration within their institutions. Recognizing that education is a robust field, these leaders continuously adapt to meet the advancing requirements of students and society.
Accessibility, inclusivity and equity are top priorities for these leaders, who understand that diverse perspectives enrich the educational sector. They cultivate a culture of accountability and support, ensuring that every learner can succeed.
Dr. Santarvis Brown, the Department Chair, Graduate Business Programs at Excelsior University stands out as a leader who builds strong partnerships among faculty, students and the community, understanding that collective efforts lead to significant impacts. His approach includes data-driven decision-making to optimize programs and initiatives, thereby enhancing student engagement and success. He embraces innovative teaching practices that integrate technology and experiential learning.
Dr. Brown implements targeted mentorship and training programs for faculty and staff, actively engaging with local communities to align educational offerings with the needs of diverse populations. He also incorporates global education trends into local contexts, ensuring that education remains relevant and effective.
With a visionary perception, Dr. Brown envisions a future where education is accessible and tailored to individual learner requirements, driving social impact initiatives that transform society. His goal is to inspire and empower the next generation of learners and leaders, contributing to a more equitable and just educational sector.
Celebrating Diversity in Educational Leadership
Dr. Brown has had the privilege of serving in a variety of educational roles over a career spanning 20 years. His journey began with leadership positions at institutions such as Miami Dade College, where he managed significant grant programs in STEM and health-related education fields.
He assumed more senior roles, becoming the first African American Director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida Department of Education. In this capacity, he oversaw a $43 million budget and supported over 2,500 students.
Dr. Brown’s career trajectory continued with leadership roles in higher education, including serving as Chief Academic Officer at Miami Regional University and Director of Academic Affairs at Saylor Academy. Currently, as Chair of the Graduate Business Department at Excelsior University, he focuses on developing programmatic growth and academic excellence.
Building a Collaborative Culture in Educational Settings
Dr. Brown’s educational philosophy revolves around accessibility, inclusivity and continuous improvement. He believes that education should be accessible to all learners, regardless of their backgrounds or challenges.
This conviction drives his leadership, as demonstrated by his work in launching online learning initiatives at Saylor Academy, which increased access to education for over 1.7 million students globally.
Dr. Brown emphasizes fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration among faculty and staff. He is committed to ensuring that institutions are constantly evolving to meet student requirements and respond to societal changes.
Transforming Online Learning
To ensure student-centered learning, Dr. Brown focuses on leveraging data and feedback to optimize program delivery and outcomes. During his tenure at Excelsior University and Saylor Academy, he spearheaded innovations in online learning, providing flexibility and a diverse array of resources that cater to individual student requirements.
Dr. Brown is committed to ensuring that faculty are equipped with the tools necessary to engage students effectively, while also emphasizing the importance of continuous improvements based on student outcomes and feedback.
For example, he played a pivotal role in maintaining a dynamic learning ecosystem and robust digital record-keeping at Saylor Academy, significantly enhancing students’ learning experiences.
The Importance of Collaboration in Education
Collaboration between parents and educators is important, especially when working with diverse student populations. As Director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida Department of Education, Dr. Brown implemented strategic communication and engagement plans that actively involved parents in the educational process. This approach ensured alignment in expectations and fostered a supportive learning environment.
Through regular meetings, workshops and data-sharing practices, Dr. Brown and his team created pathways for parents to be active participants in their children’s academic journeys.
Creating Workshops for Academic Excellence
Continuous professional development is central to maintaining academic excellence. Dr. Brown ensures that faculty and staff have access to professional growth opportunities through targeted mentorship programs, workshops and seminars.
For instance, at eCornell, he directed professional development initiatives for facilitators, ensuring that educators possessed the tools and skills necessary to provide top-tier educational experiences.
At Excelsior University, he continues to mentor faculty, equipping them with the resources needed for growth and alignment with institutional missions.
Empowering Marginalized Voices in Education
Equity and access are foundational principles of Dr. Brown’s leadership approach. He has worked to expand educational access for underserved communities, as exemplified by his initiatives at Saylor Academy and his involvement in the Cornell on the Inside Prison Pilot Program. These programs aim to break down barriers to education and create opportunities for individuals who have historically been marginalized.
Dr. Brown’s commitment to equity also extends to faculty recruitment and retention, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented and valued within the institution.
Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities
Incorporating global education trends into local contexts requires adaptability and forward-thinking. As an educator and leader in both national and international settings, Dr. Brown has consistently prioritized staying informed about global trends, including online learning and experiential education. At Saylor Academy, for example, he implemented online learning solutions that have positively impacted over 1.7 million students worldwide.
He has led initiatives that promote global citizenship, such as the prison education program at Cornell, which introduces innovative educational models to underserved populations.
Strengthening Education through Local Partnerships
Community outreach is a critical component of Dr. Brown’s educational strategy. Throughout his career, he has emphasized building strong relationships with local communities, which enriches the educational experience.
His work with the Seminole Tribe of Florida serves as a prime example, where he strategically engaged with the community to ensure that educational programs aligned with their requirements.
At Miami Regional University, he also focused on building partnerships with local organizations to increase student opportunities and enhance community engagement.
Strategies for Inclusive Education Models
Dr. Brown’s aspirations for the future of education involve further expanding access to quality education through technology and inclusive models. He envisions a future where education is not only accessible but also adaptable to the needs of each learner.
He plans to continue leveraging his experience in online education, program development and strategic leadership to drive these changes. He aims to expand social impact initiatives that reach underserved populations, ensuring that education becomes a tool for societal transformation.
Collaboration to Enhance Educational Outcomes
Dr. Brown advises young professionals to remain adaptable, commit to continuous learning and lead with empathy. He recognizes that the educational sector is growing and those who embrace change and seek innovative solutions will thrive.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding the power of collaboration and acknowledges that educational leadership requires not only academic expertise but also the ability to build meaningful relationships with students, colleagues and communities.
