Overcoming Adversity to Lead: Dr. Mautra Jones' Inspiring Journey | Degrees of Success™ Episode 1

0:00 Hello and welcome to the Degrees of Success podcast. 0:14 I'm your host, Frieda Richards. And today we have with us a special guest, Doctor Macha Jones. Meet Dr. Mautra Jones 0:22 She is currently the president of Oklahoma City Community College. She has her MBA from University of Phoenix and continued her 0:30 education, getting a doctorate from Vanderbilt University. Doctor Jones accolades include Forbes magazine recognizing Doctor 0:37 Jones is one of the top ten black education CEOs to watch in 2023. 0:43 Doctor Jones was awarded the 2021 National Mothers of the year and 2021 Oklahoma Mother of the Year by American Mothers Incorporated, 0:52 she was honored as an Achiever Under 40 by The Journal and Oklahoma magazine. 0:57 Please welcome with me, Doctor Jones. Thrilled to be here. Thank you so much for the invitation. 1:14 Well, I grew up, from very humble beginnings, and it's something that I'm not shy about. 1:22 I, Had a very tumultuous childhood. 1:28 It was. It was tough. Things are rough. The things that I experienced. I don't think any child, should. 1:34 However, know my grandmother, who I am blessed to still have with me to this very day, really stepped in and took charge. 1:40 My. My parents were young parents. they had so many different challenges. And so, I often tell people, if you look at, 1:49 you know, kind of statistics from people who come from underserved communities and, 1:54 you know, really from poverty, I could check off about a dozen boxes or so of just kind of some of those statistics and characteristics of people who do, 2:03 unfortunately, have to experience things that, again, children should not have to. That said, my grandmother stepped in and, you know, really took the, 2:11 you know, the reins to say, okay, enough is enough. And I want to make sure that my, my grandchildren have what they need 2:18 to be successful in life. And so I'm the recipient of that. My grandmother raised me, you know, in a very small town and, 2:26 you know, she really poured the principles of hard work, you know, the prioritizing 2:32 faith, family and freedom and certainly, love for community and for humanity. 2:37 And so those, those principles, you know, I'm very grounded in my faith, really helped me not only succeed, 2:44 but just saw in everything that that I really embarked upon doing. So I grew up in a very small town, you know, graduated from Ardmore 2:51 High School, attended the University of Oklahoma, and education. And for me was always just the great equalizer. 2:58 It opened up the doors to so many possibilities, so many opportunities, and really just exposed me to so, so much. 3:05 And so, I was able to, move to California right after I graduated, from undergraduate and pursued my, 3:13 my, my MBA from University of Phoenix and did an incredible job. just really learning and embracing every single thing I was supposed 3:22 to learn. very thankful, in hindsight, for my upbringing, for the 3:28 the challenges, for everything just described, for the journey, because it really, built that intestinal fortitude and taught me to, just have gratitude 3:36 and appreciation and not take things for granted, really for every walk of life. 3:50 Well, well. And and my mom, despite, you know, the challenges, I mean, oh, my goodness, I love my mother dearly. 3:56 All I mean, God rest her soul, you know, my parents, I mean, we're, you know, we're your children. So of course, you you look up to your parents despite whatever it is they're going through. 4:04 And, at the time, you don't quite understand it. But as you get older, you start to say, wait a minute. 4:09 You know, some of these things, probably should not have occurred or happened, but, I really looked up to a lot of the Becoming a Trailblazer in Education 4:15 we had, like, a lot of just strong community members. So obviously my parents, my, my grandmother, even my relatives, 4:21 because they just have this strength that is that's just unreal. they have such a strong work ethic. 4:27 And when I say they, I'm talking about my grandmother and her sisters and, and, you know, they grew up on a farm, and in the country. 4:34 And so I was exposed to, people who had such pride in everything they did. 4:39 But but certainly in their work and in their service to others. I was exposed to these things. 4:44 And so it really inspired me to be able to, to take whatever I was going through 4:50 and look at the brighter side and look at how I could be of service or how I could, you know, see the brighter side of things, knowing that people are people. 4:56 People mess up, people make mistakes. But it was important to me just to I've always been full of hope 5:02 and I've always been an eternal optimist. And so really, I looked up to my family members, my relatives, my grandmother, I would say the ladies, in our community, 5:12 I was informed I was, you know, very involved with church. So I had a lot of activities to keep me really grounded and focused on, 5:20 the future and not so much, you know, just certain situations and things that were really out of my control. 5:41 You know, I think just being a leader, I mean, one of the hardest things about leading is people management. 5:47 And some folks might say that, but but I believe because, you know, people bring their primary, you know, socialization as well as, 5:55 you know, to the office, they bring their primary and secondary, socialization, you know, to their work. 6:01 And so it's things that are really outside of anyone's control, certainly mine as a leader to, to be able to manage. 6:08 But people have all sorts of, you know, challenges, people, you know, as they walk through life, things change. 6:16 We're in an ever evolving, society. So it's people are juggling so much. And so I think when you operate from a level of grace and really gratitude 6:24 and give people the resources they need to be successful, you know, create a safe, 6:29 you know, nurturing, healthy environment and allow it to thrive. And that's really what I've worked hard to do in any organization. 6:37 Excuse me, that I've been blessed and fortunate to work with is, you know, create a very, healthy, safe, nurturing environment where people can be 6:45 who they are and they have the resources and support they need. You remove the barriers that you can, and then you allow people 6:52 to carry out the work, and you provide strong guidance and leadership. And and really, I think that 7:00 that's something that that people kind of shy away from. I don't have a problem extending grace because I've been given grace 7:07 my entire life. People have helped me, through my journey. I'm not successful in the sport that I'm in 7:13 because I got here by myself, or that it was happenstance. It was because people believed in me and they gave me opportunities 7:19 and they took chances on me and they, you know, rewarded my hard work or my diligence or whatever. 7:26 But I think that, I stand on the shoulders of so many, so many giants and people who have come before me 7:32 and maybe didn't get the opportunities that I have. So I don't take it for granted. And because I've been on the other side of things and not having, 7:40 you know, not just wishing and desiring, oh my goodness, wouldn't it be nice if I could do this, or wouldn't it be nice of my childhood 7:46 or just my life was normal and look like my friends that I went to school with them? You know, their mom and moms and dads would be doing certain things. 7:52 And I just said, oh my gosh, wouldn't that be so neat if I could do that? So it taught me to not take things for granted, 7:57 because as quickly as you have it, it can be taken away. But to appreciate things and to make sure that, the same grace that's 8:04 been given to you throughout your life to to grant that same grace to others. 8:44 Pertaining to. Okay. 8:50 Okay. Yes. 8:57 Well, the very, very first story that pops up in my mind is, you know, I. 9:04 I really saw myself in a different career path, and I did not set out to, 9:11 to be a college president. You know, I, had an agent. So. 9:17 So here's something that a lot of people don't know, but it's kind of cool. So here we go. it's debuting 9:24 as I set out. So I had an agent, in college and, you know, post college. 9:32 so I belong to a modeling and talent agency. And so 9:37 I believed in my heart of hearts that I would, you know, do a lot of commercial and print. 9:43 And because that's the kind of work that I do. I was a student at the University of Oklahoma, so I did like a lot of different ads and commercials, and it was so much fun. 9:51 and I thought that that's what my career path, you know, where my career path would take me. 9:57 And, and I kind of chuckle about it because, so all of the skills that I learned, at the University of Oklahoma and the broadcasting and the journalism 10:06 school, Gaylord, School of Journalism and Communications, I really thought that. Okay, so if the modeling thing here is like, 10:12 you gotta have a backup plan, you can have a backup plan. If the modeling thing doesn't work, I won't go in and be an anchor. 10:17 You know, I will be a reporter. I will, you know, kind of take that side, because I've always loved to learn, 10:22 and I've always been the person who will just go down a trail to get the facts, like, I believe in uncovering facts. So I'm a researcher through and through love, love, love it. 10:29 But, I moved to California in pursuit of that and everything that I've done. 10:35 you know, they're everything that I got had the opportunity there was pushing me more along the side line, you know, sides of business. 10:42 And so the, the work that I was able to do there. So I did get to do a few jobs and some things here and there, but it was 10:49 I was really thriving in my career. as a, as a young marketing, you know, marketing director at the time there it's so that I 10:57 everything was taking off until I enrolled in the University of Phoenix MBA program because having this kind of, 11:03 you know, liberal arts background, having this journalism degree and, and being promoted and elevated into a position where I have to, 11:09 you know, think about ROI and I have to think about, you know, going and building this practice that I worked for. I was like, what are we talking about here? 11:16 And some of those principles, I had to learn more. And so that's what prompted me to get my MBA. 11:21 I moved to California in pursuit of, you know, this, this modeling, you know, acting career more so really just modeling, modeling career. 11:29 And, ended up picking up an MBA and just, you know, doing really well, you know, in my career in terms of that side of things, 11:38 not necessarily the side of going and doing all this, you know? So it's like I moved to California, like I've arrived. 11:44 I'm here, everyone. But when you look around and I would be at these casting calls and there's like ten women that, you know, 20 people that look just like you. 11:52 So it was I just I chuckle at that because I never really thought that I would, be on this side of things, but everything works out 12:00 exactly like it's supposed to, you know, that's destined and ordained for our lives. And so I'm so thrilled, in hindsight, that I am able 12:09 to use my talents and gifts to, you know, help others. with similar backgrounds, even not similar backgrounds, 12:16 and positions in life, that I have. So this is the funny I laugh because I really, you know, we're young, 12:23 don't know what you know. You're thinking that, oh, I can just conquer the world. Because one of the things that I would say is I was so fearless, 12:28 you know, coming out of college. And I actually went until my grandmother, I was going to drop out of school and move to California. 12:34 She goes, well, I won't support you in anything if you do that. So she's like, you better get that bachelor's degree. Leadership Lessons for Success 12:42 So two days, two days after I graduate from University of Oklahoma, I set out to move to California. 12:47 And I did that. It aired here. 13:11 I did. So I actually attended 13:17 the Kearny Mesa campus, and I'm very particular. You know, whenever I let people know, they're like, oh, you went to Europe. 13:23 It's like, no, but I actually went to a campus like, it, because that's important to me that I was able to interface. 13:30 and the model up models has just been tremendous. So I was able to attend classes at night 13:39 and walk out, you know, my career had to practice, this private practice that I worked for as their director of marketing, 13:47 but I was able to apply principles, excuse me immediately to, to the work that I was doing. 13:54 And so I remember a friend telling me about, I said, you know what? I really I am a lifelong learner. 14:00 And if I could go back and pick up 2 or 2 more degrees, I totally would. But I realized that, you know, okay, 14:07 we've got quite a bit of degree, so let, let's let's stay focused, you know, on the work and the students that were, were, 14:13 you know, elevating so that they can achieve their dreams. But my time at UAP, I had a friend say, hey, 14:20 you really need to check out University of Phoenix. They have a very flexible schedule because I knew what I couldn't do, 14:25 and this was one of the programs. I'd reached out to several other schools there in San Diego and LA. 14:31 but but at the time that I attended, you know, you really had to be in class 14:36 or you had to commit to going full time and being there on site. And I knew, I, I knew I didn't have that kind of time, meaning 14:44 my career was going really well in the company that I worked for. I kept being promoted and I said, okay, I really want to set myself up for success 14:51 to to better understand and really be able to serve this, this entity to the best of my ability. 14:56 So let me go and get this education and learn more. And so you all piece structure was absolutely perfect for where I was in 15:02 life. I was single, you know, I was I gosh, I didn't have anything else to do but work and study and, and you know, so 15:11 it worked out perfectly where I could, you know, go to work, work my 8 to 5, you know, and then, of course, after hours drive over to, the Kearny Mesa campus 15:23 and engage, with students and professors. And the one of the things that I always say that I really appreciated most is 15:30 University of Phoenix has a way of bringing just these amazing, you know, seasoned professionals in who they have experience in the field. 15:40 Everything is not theoretical, where in theory it should look like this. They're they're teaching you, you know, practical. 15:45 they're teaching you the application. Here's how you apply. Here's how you will apply. Here's how I've applied it. In my, career, I had a gentleman who was a financial planner. 15:53 I'll never forget it. That taught my accounting. and so he he worked for MassMutual. Then I had another gentleman who was retired, from. 16:01 And he was a statistician. I think he worked for the Iowa Basic. 16:07 he worked for the Iowa Basic skills for test or or that entire unit. 16:13 But he was a retired statistician. And so I remember some of my, my. And there was an attorney. I mean, the list goes on and on. 16:18 But I remember these people, they had such a such an impact because they talked about here is what you were going to face in the workplace. 16:27 Here is why this information matters. And this is why you need to understand and grasp these concepts. 16:32 And then they broke us out in certain groups. So we would be able to have group activities, group project 16:37 so that for those of us maybe who, you know, statistics wasn't necessarily your thing or you didn't have a whole lot of experience, 16:43 you were paired with people that you could work through projects together and gain that that better understanding. 16:48 And so I really appreciated just the various, you know, methods of delivery and approach that you took because I was able 16:57 to just take classes, really enjoy it, meet some pretty phenomenal people. 17:02 You know, that was the other thing my cohort was made up of professionals in all walks from various backgrounds. 17:07 There were CEOs in my cohort. There were people who were insular. Well, there were people who'd been in their careers 20 or 30 years. 17:14 It was really special. And and then I always like to say, so I started learning Mesa, and then life continued to life. 17:22 I love when the when the youngsters say that, you know, life is life and it's, you know, it's hilarious. 17:28 But, I got married and moved to Columbus, Ohio, because my husband practiced law 17:34 there and got a, you know, went to work for a large law firm there. So guess what? I finished everything in Columbus, Ohio, at a campus there. 17:43 And then, I had to travel or something was going on. And, we were coming back to Oklahoma City. 17:50 So I graduated in Oklahoma City, and I think 17:56 I know, and I just, I think it's pretty special because I've done the bulk of my coursework at the Kearny Mesa campus. 18:03 Moot got married, moved to Ohio, and finished maybe just a class or two there, 18:09 and then graduated in Oklahoma City with with a big, beautiful commencement there. 18:14 So it was just fabulous. I mean, when I tell you that it really that University of Phoenix had, 18:19 you know, at a back at that time had really thought through every single scenario that could happen 18:24 that allows you to stay on track and to get your degree. And I still complete my degree in two years. So it was pretty awesome. 18:31 you know, so anyway, I, I often look back on that time with just thoughts. just joy. 18:36 And I know I probably gave you a little bit more than you wanted, but that's how, how much my UAP education means to me. 18:44 Because it was at a at a time in my life where I was really just discovering so much, you know, about myself. 18:49 And I was in a in a new state, in a new town, in a new city, you know, I mean, I was a young professional, so I had to figure out a lot of things. 18:56 But university of Phoenix was right there alongside me, helping me figure life out 19:05 absolutely. I mean, I was alone in San Diego, you know, in a major city, you know, this young woman who just graduated from college. 19:12 And so I had my my buddies that I went to school with, to lean on. 19:17 I had professors that I could call and say, I really did understand this. Can we can we meet to talk more about this? And so, yes, maybe 30 minutes before class or, you know, we can do office hours 19:26 here, whatever it was. But I felt very supported. Plus, at the campus, I could go and, you know, if I needed to go into the labs 19:34 they had set up and, you know, take time there or meet for, for group projects. But it was really it was really a very, impressionable time 19:44 that that I just won't forget because I remember thinking, how on earth am I going to get this degree and still, you know, advance in my work? 19:52 And I was able to do that without missing a beat with with University of Phoenix. 20:15 You know, you have to really be fearless in your pursuit. I would tell anyone. 20:20 Don't be afraid to. You know, go after what it is you want to go after. 20:26 We often make up so many excuses. Oh, if I had this time, you know, if this if so much time has passed 20:33 or if I had you know, this many, you know, I mean, we we make up so many excuses, excuses to not go for what it is we want. 20:42 And I would just encourage people there's never going to be an ideal or or proper time to pursue what it is you want to pursue. 20:48 I've always wanted the opinion. You know what? I'm just going to just I'm just going to make it happen and we'll see what happens. And it's always worked out 20:54 and it's it's not to say that you don't think about things. You have to be you have to think things through. But I would say you also have to have be be fearless 21:04 enough to go ahead and be a self-starter to pursue what it is you want to pursue, because you'll look up, you know, and I think about it in this way 21:13 what's the worst that can happen? But also, what if I'm successful? 21:19 What what if what if I'm able to, you know, accomplish what it is I set out to? 21:24 And so that's really what guides me. I don't think about the negativity. Awards and Recognitions 21:29 I really look at things from a positive standpoint. And I would say at every juncture in life. 21:38 I've had to just make it happen. And I also would advise people to to find some mentors. 21:45 You have to have mentors in this journey. So my grandmother is one of mine, but I also have other mentors for various aspects of my life. 21:52 You know, as a wife, as a mother, as a as a college president, 21:57 you know, as a, as a community, you know, volunteer, you know, certainly in my civic life, I mean, I have there's a handful of people 22:06 that I really lean on and they pour into me and I pour into them. It's not a one way street, but I. 22:13 I find people who are going places. And I would say, actually, it's really happened quite organically, 22:20 but but I appreciate people's stories and experiences and perspectives who've been where I'm trying to go. 22:28 And so one of the things that I pride myself on is and I'm fortunate to have my grandmother with me, but I, I was I really listen 22:36 and I don't suffer in silence. If I'm going through something, I'm going to make sure that the people who are trusted, 22:45 that I can share certain things with, can help me process and walk through things so that I can stay on the path that I need to stay on. 22:52 And so I would tell people, find your, find your folks, find your people who are with you that you can bounce ideas off of who 22:59 you know, and then find those mentors who have been where you want to go, 23:04 who can certainly invest and pour and share their experiences, because you'll find that it's really not that scary 23:10 that everybody goes through things, but that that chances are you'll be able to accomplish what it is 23:17 that you want it to, and all the things that maybe you thought would happen don't even occur. Usually it's I hate to say this. 23:23 It's in your mind, you know, when people start to doubt or think about, oh, I can or this could happen or this could not happen. 23:29 but I would just say, be fearless. Find your find, you know, mentors, 23:34 I would also say something that has really guided me is the sense of gratitude. You have to show people appreciation. 23:41 And you do it when they're here, when they're alive, you show people gratitude, because a lot of, 23:47 you know, my grandmother taught me people don't owe you anything. They don't owe you a hello. And I was like, geez, for as a young girl, I kind of thought that was harsh. 23:55 But her point was, if you want something, you go get it for yourself. You don't rely on other people to do it for you. 24:00 You go and get it yourself. You put in the work, and that you can achieve whatever it is you want to. But but don't rely on other people to to do what it is you want to do in life. 24:08 You have to make it happen. And you, you know, we're all blessed with gifts and talents. And it's not just in some of us. It's in everyone. 24:15 And so it's like, you know, use those gifts and talents to walk out the work it is that you have to do. If you haven't found what you're passionate about, keep living. 24:23 You will. You know you'll fall into. And it's things that you that you can't that that really make you feel fulfilled or that you have a sense of purpose. 24:31 So those are just some of the some of the pearls of wisdom that I would share with those who are in a similar plight. 24:36 And I would also say that I have a victor, not a victim mentality, because I've been able to overcome so much. 24:44 But I will say this, the things that I've gone through, they made me stronger. 24:49 I survived, and I'm now able to take the things that I went through and hopefully inspire others to say, listen, 24:57 if I could, if I could, you know, make it, you can make it. If I can overcome all the challenges that I've gone through, then you can do the same. 25:05 But you have to believe it starts in your mind. You have to believe that you can do it. 25:26 I'm so sorry to hear that. 25:55 So? So let me let me tell you. And this is. I don't speak a whole lot. 26:00 In fact, I've not spoken about this. But it's something that she says to me. that really helps me not only stay grounded, 26:07 but on my days where I'm like, this topic is so hard. I think about her and everything that she went through. 26:16 You know, she my grandmother's about to be 91, okay? Life was very different for her. 26:21 I mean, she told me the other day that, you know, when we were in our log cabin, I said, you lived in a log cabin. 26:27 I mean, I chuckled about it, and she was like, yes. And I'm thinking, 26:32 I can't I can't fathom living in a log cabin, you know? But she grew up on a farm, and she was so and she, 26:38 she helped take care of her siblings. And, you know, she's just she she's been that conduit, I would say, 26:44 for so many of my family members to be able to achieve what they, you know, want to go and achieve. And so what I would say is this she would say, you know, 26:52 there are a lot of opportunities that I didn't have that you have. 26:58 And it is a disservice to your ancestors to not take advantage of the things that they prayed for 27:05 or wish that they had access to that you have access to. So there's no excuse for you not to go and achieve 27:12 because too many people died. didn't, you know, didn't make it to be able to realize their dreams 27:21 and didn't have access to opportunity. So I would say that that's the advice she would give to anyone. 27:28 If you can do it, you should. There's no reason. But not doing so, is a disservice to our ancestors. 27:35 And when you talk about the profound, just nature of that alone, 27:40 I think to myself, okay, if I have a little bit of a headache or if I'm not, I'm like, let me let me get it together. 27:46 Get out, get out the, you know, get out of the door and get to the campus and make some magic happen for these students. 28:05 You know, I take it one day at a time. I am very blessed and fortunate that, you know, you 28:12 you have to make sure that, what I would say is that the people that are around you, you know, that they that they're supportive. 28:20 And so I ensure that, you know, of course, my husband cannot divide and conquer. 28:26 And so I'm so fortunate that he is supportive and understanding. And, you know, as the wind beneath my wings, it's like, okay, let's do this. 28:33 I mean, we divide and conquer every single day, with the three children that we have. And so, it's just important that not only do 28:40 we have people around us that support us, but that support our children. And so we definitely, you know, lean on our, our, our, 28:48 family and those really close friends and, and we help each other through this journey. 28:53 And I also think, too, on the business side of things, certainly at the college is making sure 29:01 that, you know, I have an incredible supportive board of Regents. The board is very supportive because they understand that 29:07 I do have a very young family. And so, they're just tremendous, tremendously supportive. 29:14 And then I also believe in just making sure that the team members, you know, that that we that that we bring on board, at the college 29:21 and the people who are that, that we just really institute in them that, you know, you've got to be able to take care of yourself first and be be healthy and whole. 29:29 And then you also have to take care of your family. You know, that family is first. And that is important because if if you're not healthy 29:36 and certainly if your family you know isn't, then you're not going to be able to focus on on the work that we have to do for students and, 29:42 be a blessing to so many others. If there are challenges there. So we have a great deal of resources at sea that we put into place for, 29:51 you know, our families, for our employees to ensure that we are, supportive, supportive from a health and wellness standpoint. 30:04 I have three amazing children. They are, very strong willed. 30:09 I have a 15 year old son who's a sophomore in high school, an 11 year old daughter who, just started middle school. She's in sixth grade. 30:16 And then I have, a baby boy who is nine, and he's in the fourth grade, and they are. 30:21 They're such a joy. Thee, I tell you, they keep us young, and they keep my husband and I young, because the things that they come home with and share and, you know, 30:31 we're we're busy with soccer. We're very active family. So they're in soccer and choir and robotics and, 30:37 and so we have so many different activities going on, whether it be at the college or at their various schools, or certainly, 30:44 with my husband and the work that he does, we we are very busy, but we enjoy it. And I think what, what matters is that, that we're supportive to one another 30:53 and that I want my children to know that they can accomplish anything they want to accomplish in life. You know, I try to explain to them, you know, mom didn't have all these opportunities. 31:02 Growing up in my life looked very different. And so I try to expose them, to just various, 31:07 really experiences and things so that they have perspective and certainly, the same, caring spirit that dad and I have. 31:15 But they do we we've got incredible children. 31:45 Well, I think that's very kind. And I appreciate the various accolades. 31:50 For me, I just hope that they inspire. I hope that people look at my story. People are often surprised when I say, you know, 31:56 my background was very tumultuous, and I grew up poor. I grew up from humble beginnings, like it's nothing that I'm ashamed of. 32:03 As a child, I didn't understand a whole lot. But I understand that as I've, you know, through the years and as you live and and get a little bit 32:09 more wisdom and just know that, you know, everybody has a story, everybody has things that, that they've experienced. Mentorship and Community Impact 32:16 That, you know, they've gone through. And what matters is just perspective. What matters is, staying focused on what matters is treating people, 32:23 with the same dignity and respect that you would want to be treated with. But I think that the accolades, they're they're incredible. 32:30 You know, they're incredible. I appreciate people taking the time in organizations, taking the time to recognize my work. 32:36 But again, I didn't get here alone. I have people who are walking it out with me that help me be great. 32:42 I'm certainly, you know, have a lot of passion for the work that I do. And again, I just hope that those accolades just serve to inspire. 33:35 That. That entire process. It was. It was. It was amazing. I mean, I was literally. You're going to laugh. 33:40 I was on my way to a soccer game with the kiddos, I believe, and we were all in the car, and we were actually having the conference 33:49 virtually because of everything going on with the pandemic. And when they announced, 33:54 the, the accolade, I was literally in the car, like on the way somewhere and, and I and I saw I was so I had my phone going 34:00 and I had my little beautiful scarf and, you know, my American mother's scarf. And we were I've been on the soccer field all day going back and forth to games. 34:07 So I had my I wanted to participate in this conference. And so I'm, I'm cheering and muting the camera. But but making sure that I'm tuning into, you know, what we're talking about. 34:14 But they made the announcement I was in the car with the entire family. The kids were cheering. I was literally watching. 34:20 I had the mother of the year, the National Mother of the year. And so I see a little prompt that says the host is asking you 34:27 to unmute your, your, your, you know, it's asking you to unmute. And I was like, well, I wonder why they're doing that. 34:36 Why are they asking me to unmute? And then they announced I was like, what? What? So I told the kids, the kids are up this year. Yay! 34:43 Warm up. It was it was the most special moment because I'm literally with have my phone, I'm in the car driving or my husband was driving 34:52 and I had the phone on and the kids were in the back. And so you just see this, this whole car just cheer as mom is named, 34:58 National Mother of the year. But what I will say is, you know, I wouldn't be in this space 35:07 and place in time and have the successes that I have, if not just for, not only the people, but just a just a very positive, 35:16 disposition and just about I have hope. I will always have hope. 35:21 And so I think that there's not a secret secret to it. You have to have a respect for for humanity, 35:30 you know, have a, have a respect for, for people and a love for people. 35:35 I think that, you know, authenticity will get it. And my grandmother always would tell me, you know, 35:41 if real doesn't get it, you know, really, nothing else will. Those are her exact words. And so she just, you know, be yourself. 35:47 Be who God made you to be. And then you go out there and you walk out the work every single day. 35:52 You know, you make it happen. And so, I think just a just being genuine, being authentic, 35:58 you know, really walking in your purpose. I mean, when you do that, things are going to line up like they need to, 36:09 that's that's what I would would, would share with people. There is no secret to success. I think you have to, you know, work incredibly hard. 36:16 I think you have to be steadfast and diligent in your efforts. And I think you have to make sure that, 36:23 you keep things in their proper perspective. And that's that's just in general. 36:28 But I think if you if you do those things that, you know, you'll, you'll have success. 37:03 You know, Oklahoma City community college. I love the work. And people say, what do you love most? 37:08 You know about the seat you sit in? And I said, you know that no two days are the same. No two days are the same. 37:14 And I love that because, the the work that I, that I'm doing right now, it is impacting lives. 37:22 It is impacting countless, you know, people and, and generations to come. 37:28 And it is so meaningful. And it's not it is hard work, but it's hard work. 37:34 And I love the fact that I have an opportunity to impact lives. So many lives, you know, see, you know, we're the fourth largest institution 37:42 of higher learning in the state of Oklahoma. And so we serve over 18,000 students on the credit speaking side, 37:48 and another 5 to 7000 every single year on the noncredit seeking side. And so I always say there's something for everyone to see. 37:54 We have early college students who are 13, you know, who are freshman and sophomore sophomores in high school. 38:01 We have students who are in their 70s. We have, you know, seasoned career professionals who come back and say, 38:06 you know, I want to learn more about this particular area or I want to upskill. And that is very special. 38:12 You know, triple C is being recognized globally for the work that we're doing. And so it makes me very proud that our, 38:19 great Frederickson digital Cinema program is one of the top 30 in the nation, by Movie Maker magazine for three consecutive years. 38:26 And we've been named that, Forbes advisor named. Our psychology degree is one of the top ten in the country. 38:34 We are a national center of academic excellence and cyber defense. So our our work in that space is just excelling and advancing. 38:42 And we're one of the top nursing programs regionally. We are an emerging Hispanic serving institution. 38:49 The list goes on and on with all the things that we're able to do. We're the state's largest provider of micro-credentials. 38:54 We've provided over 14,000 Micro-credentials in the last year. Alone, just to different professionals who want to, you know, 39:02 upskill, you know, their talents and, you know, possibly, you know, make advancements in their career paths. 39:09 And so it's just tremendous to be a part of an institution that cares so much about people, that provides resources, 39:17 that ensures that whoever walks through our doors will have what they need to be able to achieve, the successes that they, that they want to achieve. 39:26 That's what matters to me. That's what gets me up every single day. Just super excited about 39:31 all the different things that we can do and the resources we can provide. And really just being a small, stop, in so many people's 39:39 journeys, it's very special to, to be able to, to change lives through education 39:44 and to really set an example that doesn't matter where you've been, it doesn't matter what you've been through, doesn't matter your demographic. 39:51 Because I always tell people, demographics do not define destiny. They just don't. And so it's it's we are doing tremendous work at triple C. 40:00 And so I would just say to continue to be on the lookout for the work that we're doing and the lives that we're impacting here in Oklahoma, Final Thoughts on Leadership and Legacy 40:06 in our, in our nation's, you know, you know, I always like to say, you know, in the Plains or, you know, the heartland, you know, but 40:12 we are doing great work, and I'm so proud to be a part of it. 40:20 Sure. 40:35 Yeah. 40:46 First woman and first person of color. And I will also. This is one of the things that I'm very proud of. 40:52 The first African American female to lead any institution of higher education that's not an HBCU. 40:57 We only have one HBCU in the state, which is a historically black college university. We just have the one. But outside of that, to to be a first 41:04 in all of those regards or respects, I consider is just value added. It's just a, it's a blessing. 41:11 It's tremendous. And it's just again, I hope it inspires others to say you know what? It doesn't matter. 41:17 Your plight, you can be whatever it is you want to be in this life. 41:32 Okay, let's do it. Let's do it. 41:48 Only t no coffee? No coffee. Do not. I've never been able to drink coffee. 41:58 Green tea. Green at times. 42:04 Green and chai. 42:13 Milk. I do milk, I do milk and honey. I do milk and honey in my tea. 42:22 It is. It is absolutely delicious. You have to try. Like I drink milk and honey, and. 42:27 And I have tea every day. Pretty much every day. 42:34 I do. Any any tea I drink has milk and honey. 42:44 Cashews. And avocado I love avocado, love avocado. 42:58 Yes you do. Yes you do. I have lots of it. Whenever I was there in March. 43:10 I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston. And. 43:17 And of course, September. 43:23 There you go. 43:48 Thank you, I appreciate it. I'll just say this one last thing. I really and truly appreciate, not only being at the helm at our triple 43:55 C, but our Board of Regents, our faculty, our staff, our leadership, our students. 44:01 It's all about our students, and those who walk alongside us every single day to do the work that we do. 44:06 So I really appreciate this opportunity to share. 44:16 Thank you. Thank you. Absolutely. You too. 44:22 Thank you for joining us on the Degrees of Success podcast. See you next time.