1. Leadership & the Art of Making a Difficult Decision
Presented by:
Dr. Vicky Owles, Stephens College
Dr. Suzanne Onorato, Emory University
Dr. Michael D. Anthony, Rochester Community and Technical College
Dr. Terry Mena, Lemar University

2. Ed.D Higher Education Administration, Florida International University (2009)
MEd Counseling and Development, Higher Education, George Mason University (1993)
BS Psychology, Longwood University (1989)
Vice President for Student Development – Stephens College ( Current)
Dean of Students – Miami Dade College ( )
Associate Director for Orientation and Campus Life – Florida International University (2006 – 2011)
Assistant Director for Campus Life and SGA Advisor – Florida International University (2001 – 2006)
Dean of Students – Miami Country Day School (K-12) ( )
Area Coordinator – Georgetown University (1996 – 1999)
Residence Director – Trenton State College (1993 – 1996)
Graduate Hall Coordinator (1991 – 1993)
Dr. Vicky Owles

3. Ph.D Educational Leadership and Organizational Development, University of Louisville (2010)
M.A. Higher Education Administration, University of Louisville (2005)
B.S. Business Management – concentration in Marketing, NC State University (2003)
Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management – Rochester Community and Technical College (2016 – current)
Chief Diversity Officer and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs – Oakton Community College (2013 – 2016)
Director – Cultural Center – University of Louisville (2008 – 2012)
Coordinator – Office of Civic Engagement, Leadership, and Service – University of Louisville (2005 – 2008)
Resident Director – University of Louisville (2003 – 2005)
Dr. Michael D. Anthony

4. Ed.D Higher Education Administration, Florida International University (2010)
MEd Higher Education Administration, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1995)
BFA, Fine Art, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1993)
Assistant Vice President of Community, Emory University (2015 – present)
Associate Dean of Students, Agnes Scott College (2011 – 2015)
Director, Women’s Center, Florida International University (2007 – 2011)
Associate Director, Women’s Center, Florida International University (2004 – 2007)
Coordinator, Residence Life, Florida International University (2000 – 2004)
Residence Life Coordinator, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (1997 – 2000)
Hall Director, Eastern Washington University (1995 – 1997)
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1993 – 1995)
Dr. Suzanne Onorato

5. Ph.D in Education, Specialization in Higher Education Leadership, Florida Atlantic University (2015)
MA in Student Personnel Administration, Teacher’s College, Columbia University (1997)
BS in Criminal Justices and Minor in Latino/a, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies, Northeastern University (1996)
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students – Lamar University ( Current)
Associate Dean of Students – Florida Atlantic University ( )
Interim Associate Vice President and Dean of Students - Florida Atlantic University ( )
Associate Director for Student Affairs - Florida Atlantic University (2002–2007)
Coordinator (Apartment Manager) for Housing and Resident Life – Florida Atlantic University (2000–2002)
Assistant Director for Latino/a Student Cultural Center – Northeastern University (1998–2000)
Resident Director - Northeastern University (1997)
Program Coordinator for Upward Bound Program - Hofstra University (1997)
Graduate Assistant for College Activities – Barnard College, Columbia University (1996 – 1997)
Dr. Terry C. Mena

6. What is a decision?

7. How many decisions do we make in a day?
35,000
86,400 seconds in a day
24,400 secs or 6.8 hours sleeping a day
1.8 conscious/awake decision a second
(not verified but a really good estimate)
Exhausted Yet?

8. All in a days work (and some nights)….
Legal issues
Personnel Issues
Conduct Issues
Facilities Issues
Student Issues
Administrative Issues (Budgets, Personnel Management)
Campus Emergency Issues
Issues that have issues
Where is the easy button? And who is in charge here?

9. What do you mean I am in charge?!?!
In the absence of orders, take charge
Do not avoid difficult conversations
Do not put off decisions…never gets easier with time
Know that most problems are never as bad as they initially seem
Make a decision to be positive, no matter what
You are not alone

10. How do we execute difficult decisions?
Speak to others
Use external experts outside your department
Utilize the right tools

11. Some things to consider…
What are the facts?
Who is immediately effected?
Is this a health and safety issue?
Has a crime been committed?
Is there a procedure/policy in place?
Who needs to be notified?
How will you communicate your actions?
What are your initial and follow up steps?

12. Brief Case Studies….let’s discuss a few

13. Things to Remember You will make mistakes
Surround yourself with trusted advisors (including your legal council)
Make decisions with information you have available
Own it…take responsibility for the outcomes

14. Time for questions….

15. Thank you for joining us today!
Please remember to complete your customized online evaluation following the conference.