Intro by King Musa
"Yo, you know what it is! It’s your man, King Musa, and welcome to The Cheat Sheet, where we decode success with creators, professionals, and leaders shaping their fields.
Today, we’re diving into education and leadership with Dr. Judy A. Abbott, the Dean of the James I. Perkins College of Education at Stephen F. Austin State University. With decades of experience and a passion for fostering growth, Dr. Abbott is here to share insights on leadership, student engagement, and the evolving world of education. Let’s get started!"
Getting to Know Dr. Judy Abbott
King Musa: "Welcome, Dr. Abbott! Can you share your educational background and what inspired your role as Dean of the College of Education?"
Dr. Judy Abbott: "Thank you for having me! I’m in my 14th year as Dean here at SFA, and I’ve been in education my entire adult life. I started with a bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Oklahoma and earned my PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from UT Austin. Before coming to SFA, I was at West Virginia University as an Assistant Dean for Teacher Education and a faculty member. My journey has been shaped by a love for learning and a deep respect for the transformative power of education."
Leadership Philosophy and Challenges
KM: "What core principles shape your leadership style?"
JA: "I embrace servant leadership. I’ve done the work I ask others to do, and I focus on supporting faculty and staff toward success. Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re opportunities to learn and grow. My role is to provide the right support at the right time, helping others build confidence and find their own paths to success."
KM: "How do you handle challenges within your team and keep everyone aligned with the mission?"
JA: "It’s about fostering a culture of compassion and constructive feedback. When mistakes happen, we regroup, learn from them, and move forward together. The key is to focus on the intent—making the best decisions with the information we have—and not to dwell on the setbacks."
Understanding the College of Education
KM: "Can you explain what’s included in the College of Education? I feel like there are some misconceptions about its scope."
JA: "Absolutely. While we do focus on preparing public school educators, only about 50% of our programs are related to educator preparation. The other half are professional studies, including kinesiology, human services, educational leadership, and even aviation and construction management. We aim to provide diverse opportunities for students to explore their passions and prepare for meaningful careers."
Engaging Students and Supporting Growth
KM: "How do you encourage students to take initiative and engage beyond the classroom?"
JA: "It starts with finding your joy—identifying what excites you about your field and building on that. We offer student organizations, leadership opportunities, and hands-on experiences that help students connect with their peers and develop their unique strengths. It’s about creating a balance between academic rigor and real-world application."
KM: "What advice do you have for students hesitant to advocate for themselves or explore new opportunities?"
JA: "Confidence is key, and it grows with practice. Start small by asking questions, joining a club, or seeking feedback from your professors. Surround yourself with people who support your growth, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—it’s where the most growth happens."
Looking Ahead: The Future of Education
KM: "With advancements in technology like AI, how do you see education evolving?"
JA: "AI is already reshaping how we teach and learn. At SFA, we’re encouraging faculty and students to explore its potential and integrate it into their work. It’s about staying ahead, learning continuously, and using these tools to enhance the educational experience. The future of education lies in our ability to adapt and innovate."
Outro by King Musa
"Dr. Abbott, thank you for sharing your insights and wisdom with us today.
To all our listeners, education is about growth, connection, and embracing opportunities. Let’s take Dr. Abbott’s advice to heart—find your joy, engage meaningfully, and never stop learning. Subscribe to The Cheat Sheet for more inspiring conversations, and stay connected with us on social media. Until next time, stay inspired and stay successful!"
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