Suzan and Audra interview Dr. Mary Beth Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs at Millersville University. Dr. Williams narrates her unique journey as a first-generation college student, emphasizing how her struggles and experiences significantly influence her current role in higher education. As VP for Student Affairs, Dr. Williams has a deep focus on mental health, student engagement, inclusion, and equity. She affirms the importance of seeking and valuing student input when developing initiatives, ensuring they are responsive to the changing behavior, preferences, and needs of today's students.
She raises critical points on the shifting landscape of student engagement in the era post-COVID-19, noting the decline of Greek Life and the evolving patterns of student interactions. Dr. Williams discusses strategies that the university is employing to foster a sense of belonging among students, tailored to their unique needs and experiences. The conversation also explores the challenges faced by faculty and administrators amidst the rising mental health crisis on campuses, offering insights on how to mitigate these issues. Lastly, Dr. Williams speaks of her commitment to personal self-care, highlighting its centrality in her leadership style as a demonstration of resilience and adaptability in the demanding field of higher education.
Dr. Mary Beth Williams
Dr. Mary Beth Williams is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education, specializing in student affairs. As Vice President for Student Affairs, she oversees a diverse portfolio including student welfare, campus life, student leadership & organizations and various campus task forces. Dr. Williams is recognized for her strategic planning, crisis management, and commitment to student-centered leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and has spearheaded initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her expertise in emotional intelligence and academic success has shaped her approach to student development. Dr. Williams fosters collaboration between faculty, staff, and students, ensuring a supportive and empowering environment for all.
Millersville University website.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-williams-027349b7/
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education
About Viv Higher Education
Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.