EduCurious Interview with Dr. Andy Oguntola: Born to Lead

Dr. Andy Oguntola, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment at Florida Polytechnic University, radiated positivity and passion throughout his interview, sharing his inspiring journey and deep commitment to expanding educational opportunities. He enthusiastically described his leadership role at Florida Poly, proudly highlighting its unique position as Florida's only public STEM university, celebrated for its affordability, innovative campus, striking architecture, and exciting growth, including the upcoming addition of athletics programs.Oguntola's path into his 17-year career in education was refreshingly non-linear. Initially a pre-law student, this first-generation college graduate discovered his true calling unexpectedly after taking a role as an admissions counselor following his graduation from Weber International University. His own humble beginnings—famously arriving on campus with just "one suitcase and one black trash bag full of clothes”— inspire his work today. This lived experience fuels his dedication to connecting with students, particularly those navigating the college process for the first time, and championing accessible pathways through scholarships and support. He emphasized the importance of campus visits and encouraged students to engage directly with current university attendees to find their best fit.Beyond his official duties, Oguntola embodies community engagement. He praised the leadership at Florida Poly for growing community ties and shared examples of actively connecting the university with local stakeholders, like bringing Polk County principals to campus. His personal drive to be a "fixer" spurred him to co-found a successful Little League program and establish the highly impactful Lake Wales College Fair, demonstrably increasing college awareness and access in his community.Despite receiving accolades such as the Polk County Emerging Leader award, Oguntola remains remarkably grounded. He considers being a husband and father his greatest achievement, prioritizing presence and support for his four children above all else—a value deeply rooted in his own childhood experiences. He advises emerging leaders to maintain transparency and integrity, always prioritize family, learn to delegate effectively by understanding team strengths, and commit to continuous learning through resources like Inside Higher Ed and insightful books such as How Full Is Your Bucket?With a long-term aspiration to serve as a college president, Oguntola’s focus remains steadfastly on making a difference. His interview showcased a dedicated, community-minded leader relentlessly focused on leveraging his journey to create meaningful opportunities and empower the next generation through the transformative power of education.Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other. Subscribe so you’ll see the episodes when they drop! https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts?sub_confirmation=1
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