In this sixth episode of the Caring, Character, and Community podcast, and the second of our higher-education series, Hardin Coleman interviews Kenneth Elmore, Boston University’s Associate Provost and Dean of Students. Kenn discusses being guided by compassion, along with attention to detail and a willingness to actively navigate the tension between upholding community values while holding space for disagreement and thoughtful discourse. When it comes to caring for one’s many community members in the higher education space, it is important to highlight opportunities to see and harness “unity of feeling,” where groups with different goals can find common ground in their core values.
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BU Wheelock College of Education and Human Development
Center for Character and Social Responsibility
“Caring, Character, and Community” Podcast Series
To prepare the next generation to become caring and effectively engaged citizens requires a multi-faceted approach. It includes a focus on personal development, professional development, program development and implementation, and on systems change. As part of the CCSR’s focus on personal and professional development of educators, parents, and community leaders, we are pleased to announce our upcoming podcast, “Caring, Character, and Community.”
Season One of this series will focus on how leaders integrate the ethic of caring, their own and others’ character development, and a commitment to serving the needs of others to guide and inform their leadership in times of crisis. Part One will focus on PK-12 leaders, Part Two will focus on Higher Education Leaders, and Part Three will focus on leaders of youth-serving, community-based leaders. Each part will include 4 podcasts and an interactive webinar, during which listeners can participate in a Q&A with the leaders who have shared their stories in the podcasts.
Part Two, Episode Two: Kenneth Elmore
As Associate Provost and Dean of Students, Kenneth Elmore coordinates University efforts to provide a safe environment, where students can find their way within a vibrant academic community. He additionally works with the President and Provost to raise philanthropic support for undergraduate student scholarships, and shares leadership and management of projects associated with student-focused facilities, physical infrastructure, and capital projects.
Kenn’s duties as Dean of Students include advising student organizations, planning ways to acclimate students to the University, setting and regulating standards, offering academic support, helping students navigate career goals, making certain the University experience is accessible, and creating a vibrant and welcoming living-learning environment. The offices reporting to Kenn—the Community Service Center, Disability Services, Howard Thurman Center, Judicial Affairs, Orientation, Residence Life, Student Activities—respond to student concerns, help students solve their problems, and help students build communities.
Appointed in 2003, Kenn has more than 25 years of administrative experience in higher education. Prior to his appointment, he managed orientation programs, campus activities, and residence operations at Boston University. He has also practiced law within the Boston area. Kenn earned his AB in Psychology from Brown University; a Master of Education in Policy, Planning & Administration from Boston University; and, a JD from New England Law.
In this conversation, Kenn discusses being guided by compassion, along with attention to detail and a willingness to actively navigate the tension between upholding community values and also holding space for disagreement and thoughtful discourse. When it comes to caring for one’s many community members in the higher education space, it is important to highlight opportunities to see and harness “unity of feeling,” where groups with different goals can find common ground in their core values.
Welcome to Semester One of “Caring, Character, and Community,” a podcast from the BU Wheelock College of Education and Human Development Center for Character and Social Responsibility. In this season, we will focus on learning from leaders about how they integrate the ethic of caring, a focus on their own and others’ character development, and a commitment to serving the needs of their community, in order to guide and inform their leadership in times of crisis.
Part One: PK-12
September 7, 2021 CCC Season One, Part One, Episode One: Karen Bohlin, Principal of Practical Wisdom Group, discusses the importance of developing a caring and compassionate framework, a compass, for guiding a leader’s and community’s response to crisis.
September 14, 2021 CCC Season One, Part One, Episode Two: Brenda Cassellius, Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools shares with us how centering on the needs of children, with commitment to caring, helps organize the efforts of adults in the community to help children flourish-- even, and especially, in times of crisis.
September 21, 2021 CCC Season One, Part One, Episode Three: Julie Lawton, Chief Academic Officer of YueCheng Education in Beijing PRC shares the a story of how creating a school that is centered on caring and compassion facilitates positive outcomes in times of crisis
September 28, 2021 CCC Season One, Part One, Episode Four: Dana Weeks, Head of Germantown Friends School, discusses the importance of integrity and trust in building and sustaining a caring school community that helps children to flourish.
Part Two: Higher Education
October 14, 2021 CCC Season One, Part Two, Episode One: Nicholas Covino shares with us the importance of showing up — being present and available to one’s community — as foundational to effective leadership in crisis. He discusses the challenges this commitment can pose to one’s sense of well being, and how gratifying this level of commitment can be.
October 21, 2021 CCC Season One, Part Two, Episode Two: Kenneth Elmore discusses being guided by compassion, along with attention to detail and a willingness to actively navigate the tension between upholding community values and also holding space for disagreement and thoughtful discourse. When it comes to caring for one’s many community members in the higher education space, it is important to highlight opportunities to see and harness “unity of feeling,” where groups with different goals can find common ground in their core values.
Thanks to Lizzie Barcay for the editorial and production work.
Music:
Bluesy Vibes by Doug Maxwell/Media Right Productions
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Caring, Character, & Community