From Bowties to Neckties to Pearls. Reflections on Leadership as a First Woman President. Mary Karsten Surridge

At her presidential inauguration in 2018, North Park University president Mary Karsten Surridge referenced the nine men who served in the role before her noting that leadership at the institution had moved from bowties to neckties to pearls. As the first woman president of this urban faith-based university on Chicago's north side, Surridge's appointment is both historic and deeply personal. During our conversation, we hear about her leadership journey which includes a stint as a D1 women's basketball player and coach and an extraordinary track record as a college fundraiser. Surridge is laser-focused on helping the institution live fully into its unique Christian, city-centered, intercultural mission and the results are telling. Enrollment and fundraising results are setting new records, new programs are being launched and existing assets are being redeployed in innovative ways. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chelip/message