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College of Charleston President Leo I. Higdon, Jr.and his wife served in the Peace Corps in Malawi
College of Charleston President Leo I. Higdon, Jr.and his wife served in the Peace Corps in Malawi
CEO PROFILE
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name: Leo I. Higdon, Jr.
Title: President, College of Charleston
Education: BA degree in history in 1968 from George- town University; MBA degree in 1972 from the University of Chicago.
Little known fact: My wife and I served together in the Peace Corps in Malawi, Africa, for two years.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Essential business philosophy: The key is to focus on the execution. Many people think that once their overall strategy is written, most of the work is done. Nothing could be further from the truth. Therefore, it is vital when we develop our overall strategies that we also develop an operating plan that will serve as a concrete checklist of responsibilities.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Have a sound strategy, good people, and execute flawlessly.
Yardstick of success: In higher education, it's the quality of the students' learning and development.
Goal yet to be achieved: Completion of The Fourth Century Initiative, an academic enhancement program designed to make the College of Charleston a nationally preeminent liberal arts and sciences institution. It's a four-year program, so we're already half-way through.
JUDGMENT CALLS
Best decision: Marrying my wife, Ann.
Worst decision: Trying to find the College of Charleston Equestrian Center on my own. As my wife would say, I don't have the best sense of direction.
Toughest decision: Taking the job in Charleston while my youngest son was in his senior year in high school in Belmont, Massachusetts. My wife stayed so he could graduate with his classmates, then she joined me in Charleston.
Mentor: My father, Leo I. Higdon, Sr.
TRUE CONFESSIONS
Word that best describes you: Optimistic.
Like best about your job: The wide variety of people I meet and work with every day, especially my contact with the students.
Like least about your job: The long hours. It's definitely 2-4/7.
Most important lesson learned: That you never stop learning.
Most respected competitor: "Competitor" is not the right word, because education is always a team effort.
But if you ask about my most respected colleague, it would be the former president of Georgetown University, Father Leo J. O'Donovan. As President of Georgetown University for 12 years, he worked tirelessly to promote community pluralism and diversity, and to improve the overall student experience. He was renowned for his scholarship, his ethics, his commitment to service and his total dedication to the university and the well-being of its students.
First choice for a new career: I'm happy with the career in academia that I have now.
ETC.
Award/honor most proud of: The Georgetown University Lambert H. Spronck Medal, because it's awarded by your peers for leadership, academic excellence, and extracurricular achievements.
Major influential book: Founding Brothers, by Joseph Ellis.
Favorite movie: "The Patriot."
Favorite restaurant: The Cape Sea Grille in Harwichport, Massachusetts
Favorite vacation spot: Italy, especially Florence and the ruins of Pompei.
Favorite way to spend free time: Golfing.
Automobile: Whatever's reliable!
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