Modern Day Heroes: Leading with Pride-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar introduced CASE Vice President Rob Henry as part of the “Modern Day Heroes Leading with Pride” series. Moderator Matt Windsor opened with Pride Month remarks, housekeeping notes, and an emphasis on the importance of DEI in higher education and advancement.<br /><br />Henry shared his personal journey, including losing his mother at a young age, being separated from his sister, and learning to read environments for safety and belonging. He described how his background in student affairs shaped his leadership style through deep listening, vulnerability, and commitment to inclusive systems. He also discussed moving from student affairs into advancement and initially feeling out of place.<br /><br />A major theme was that representation in leadership matters because culture does not change without diverse people at decision-making tables. Henry stressed that leaders should be sponsors, not just mentors, and should open doors, remove barriers, and create pathways for others. He warned against performative DEI efforts, including superficial pronoun use or land acknowledgements without real institutional action.<br /><br />Henry also reflected on the challenges of sustaining DEI work amid political backlash and legal threats, but said he stays grounded by focusing on students, emerging leaders, and the belief that change is inevitable. He ended by saying that younger generations give him hope because they will demand more authentic inclusion.

Keywords

DEI

higher education

inclusive leadership

representation

student affairs

mentorship

Pride Month