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 diving into the world of organizational effectiveness and leadership.
Our guest today is a powerhouse in strategic planning and university operations: Gina Oglesbee, Senior Vice President for Organizational Effectiveness at Stephen F. Austin State University. With extensive experience in finance, compliance, and leadership, Gina has played a pivotal role in shaping SFA’s future. Let’s get into it!"
Getting to Know Gina Oglesbee
King Musa: "Miss Gina, can you introduce yourself and tell us what you do at SFA?"
Gina Oglesbee: "Of course! I’m Gina Oglesbee, and I’ve been at SFA for 21 years. I’ve held roles ranging from Chief Audit Executive to Interim President, and now I serve as the Senior Vice President for Organizational Effectiveness. My job focuses on ensuring efficient and effective operations across the university to support our students, faculty, and staff."
Personal Background and Path to Leadership
KM: "Where did you grow up, and how did your journey in university leadership begin?"
GO: "I’m from San Augustine, Texas—a small East Texas town. My parents didn’t go to college, so I was a first-generation student. I earned my first degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, inspired by my father, who worked his way up to become a bank president. My sisters and I followed his example, and all three of us became CPAs."
KM: "What do you enjoy outside of work?"
GO: "My family is my joy. My husband and I love spending time with our two children and our grandchildren. Watching my four-year-old grandson play soccer is a highlight. We’re also active in our church and support local events and organizations in Nacogdoches."
The Role of Organizational Effectiveness
KM: "What does your role as Senior VP of Organizational Effectiveness entail?"
GO: "My division handles university operations—everything from payroll and campus police to IT and compliance. We support the students and faculty behind the scenes, ensuring the campus runs smoothly. For example, transportation services, physical plant maintenance, and Title IX compliance all fall under our umbrella. It’s about keeping the university running efficiently so that everyone else can focus on learning and teaching."
Career Journey and Challenges
KM: "How did you get to this point in your career?"
GO: "After earning my accounting degree, I worked in public accounting and later as a CFO and county auditor. I joined SFA 21 years ago in the budget department and later became Chief Audit Executive. I earned my Master of Public Administration from SFA, which broadened my understanding of organizational leadership. My journey has been about continuously growing and taking on new challenges."
KM: "What challenges do you face in your role?"
GO: "The past few years have been focused on SFA’s transition to the University of Texas system. Integrating thousands of employees and students into a new system has been complex—managing benefits, updating policies, and rebranding. It’s been a challenge, but also an exciting opportunity to position SFA for long-term success."
Leadership Style and Strategic Vision
KM: "What’s your leadership style, and how do you handle such a broad role?"
GO: "Empowering leaders across the university is key. Everyone needs the tools and autonomy to succeed in their roles, whether it’s managing payroll or maintaining campus facilities. Communication is critical, as is embracing feedback—positive or constructive—to make improvements that benefit our students and staff."
Advice and Future Vision
KM: "What advice or exciting news can you share with us?"
GO: "The university is working on a new master plan to guide what SFA will look like in 10 to 20 years. This is a time of growth and transformation, and students will have a chance to be involved in shaping that future. My advice? Embrace change, stay curious, and always think strategically about the future."
Outro by King Musa
"Miss Gina, thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences. Your leadership and vision are truly inspiring.
To our listeners, remember: Success in any organization starts with strategic thinking, collaboration, and a passion for continuous improvement. Don’t forget to subscribe to The CheatSheet and follow us on social media. This is King Musa signing off, encouraging you to keep striving, innovating, and breaking boundaries. Stay blessed!"
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