In the recent episode of the ThinkND series titled Powerful Conversations, the gathered audience had the privilege of witnessing an insightful and thought-provoking discussion with the esteemed Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, the president of Tennessee State University (TSU). This episode was the first in a series of conversations focusing on race, gender, and faith, led by Dr. Angela Logan, an associate teaching professor of Management & Organization at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and the St. Andre Bessette Academic Director of the Master of Nonprofit Administration.
Dr. Glover, a trailblazing figure in the field of education, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation. As a certified public accountant, attorney, and holder of a Ph.D., CPA, and J.D., Dr. Glover has achieved remarkable success during her tenure as president of TSU. She has spearheaded enrollment growth, increased fundraising efforts, and expanded academic offerings at the university. Furthermore, her leadership in the corporate sector and on corporate boards has solidified her reputation as a transformative and influential change agent.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Glover shared personal anecdotes and insights that shed light on her journey and the challenges she has faced. Growing up as the daughter of a civil rights leader, she witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by marginalized communities. One particular incident that deeply impacted her was when she witnessed a friend’s house burning down due to the lack of fire protection assistance in their neighborhood. This experience ignited a strong desire within Dr. Glover to serve and help those in need, particularly in the realm of education.
Her upbringing, grounded in faith and prayer, played a crucial role in shaping her worldview and approach to leadership. Coming from a family with twelve ministers practicing different denominations, Dr. Glover developed a deep appreciation for the Scriptures and the strength and guidance they provide. She emphasized the power of faith and prayer, highlighting their inseparable connection.
The conversation also delved into Dr. Glover’s experiences as a woman in leadership and the challenges she has faced along the way. She recounted the difficulties of finding support while studying for the CPA exam, sharing the heartbreaking incident when her baby was found with a pillow on their head while under her husband’s care. These personal stories served as a reminder that not all journeys are smooth, and overcoming obstacles requires resilience and a strong support system.
In addition to her personal experiences, Dr. Glover discussed the challenges faced by historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the importance of Black philanthropy in supporting these institutions. She commended initiatives such as HBCU for Life, which seeks to raise awareness and funds for HBCUs. Dr. Glover proposed a fundraising campaign where the Divine Nine organizations successfully raised a million dollars in one day for HBCUs through endowments. This campaign, which raised a total of $6 million over four years, aimed to ensure the sustainability and continued impact of HBCUs.
The event was introduced by Martijn Cremers, who welcomed the audience to Powerful Conversations. This event held great significance as it preceded Notre Dame’s historic football game against Tennessee State University, marking the first time Notre Dame’s football team faced a historically black college university. Dr. Loga, served as the facilitator of the conversation.
The Powerful Conversation featuring Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover was a compelling exploration of leadership, faith, and the future of education. Dr. Glover’s remarkable accomplishments and insights inspired listeners to stand up for what is right, accept criticism as a means of growth, and embrace their identities and demographics with pride. By sharing her personal experiences and highlighting the challenges faced by HBCUs, Dr. Glover ignited a call to action for Black philanthropy and dedicated advocacy for these institutions. This episode served as a powerful reminder of the importance of powerful conversations in shaping our future.