Intro by King Musa
"Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It's your man, King Musa! Welcome to The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I'm your host, King Musa, and today we’re exploring strategies and insights to elevate your game and set you on the path to success.
We have a very special guest who truly embodies success: Dr. Lorenzo Smith, Provost and Executive Vice President at Stephen F. Austin State University. Let’s dive in!"
Getting to Know Dr. Smith
King Musa: "Dr. Smith, could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at SFA?"
Dr. Smith: "Thanks for having me. I’m Lorenzo Smith, the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at SFA. My role involves overseeing the academic enterprise, which includes teaching, research, service, and creative activity. It’s a short list, but with big responsibilities."
Personal Background and Path to Leadership
KM: "Where did you grow up, and how did your early experiences shape your path as an academic leader?"
Dr. Smith: "I grew up in rural Illinois. My father set high expectations, teaching me to tackle projects on my own. By age 10, I was fixing tractors, feeding chickens, and repairing fences. These responsibilities shaped the discipline and work ethic I have today."
Personal Passions and Professional Journey
KM: "What are some of your personal and professional passions, and how have they influenced your career?"
Dr. Smith: "I love sports—basketball, baseball, and tennis. I was a gym rat in basketball back in the day. Now, I enjoy walking nature trails with my wife and spending time with my sons.
Professionally, my journey started with a dream to teach engineering. I earned my bachelor's in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, worked for Ford, got my master's at Wayne State, and then took a leap of faith to pursue a Ph.D. at Michigan State. From there, I worked in industry and later became an assistant professor. That path led me to administrative roles, including Dean of Engineering at California State University Sacramento and now Provost at SFA."
Leadership and Overcoming Challenges
KM: "Every career has challenges. Can you share an instance of adversity and how you overcame it?"
Dr. Smith: "For me, managing relationships has always been a challenge. Technical problems are easier to solve than interpersonal ones. Success often hinges on humility and self-reflection—admitting faults and working to improve."
KM: "What’s your leadership style?"
Dr. Smith: "I focus on setting a vision and surrounding myself with capable people. At SFA, I ensure my team has the resources they need, collaborate on the mission, and then step back to let them shine."
The Evolving Landscape of Higher Education
KM: "What changes in higher education should students and faculty be aware of?"
Dr. Smith:
- Technology: "Artificial intelligence is transforming how we teach and learn. Both students and faculty must adapt."
- Demographics: "Enrollment in East Texas is declining, so we must work harder to attract and retain students."
- Accessibility: "Online learning is more in demand, and we need to strike a balance between traditional and virtual formats."
- Industry Alignment: "Curriculum must evolve to meet changing industry needs while staying true to academic values."
Advice and Key Lessons
KM: "How important is it for students to see themselves in their professors?"
Dr. Smith: "It’s essential. Representation matters. At SFA, we have excellent faculty who serve as role models for our diverse student body."
KM: "What’s one key lesson you’ve learned in your career?"
Dr. Smith:
- Moral Compass: "Have a moral compass to guide you through life’s challenges. For me, it’s my Christian faith."
- Do Your Best: "It’s simple but powerful. Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about effort and growth."
KM: "What advice would you give to aspiring academics or professionals?"
Dr. Smith: "Take care of yourself—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Be patient, open to learning, and willing to fail. Growth comes from persistence and resilience."
Outro by King Musa
"Dr. Smith, thank you for your insights and wisdom. Your journey and leadership are truly inspiring.
To our listeners, remember: Success is a journey, not a destination. Stay tuned for more episodes of The CheatSheet, where we decode success and help you elevate your game. It’s your man, King Musa, signing off. Stay blessed and keep grinding!"
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