Dr. Kent Ingle is revolutionizing higher education at Southeastern University (SEU). The story of SEU under his leadership has been one of remarkable transformation, overcoming significant obstacles to achieve incredible growth and overwhelming success.
When Dr. Ingle first took over as president of the university, the institution was reeling from two years without a president, a massive decline in enrollment, and a general sense of hopelessness. While he had a master’s degree in theological studies and a Doctor of Ministry, his unique background as a sports broadcaster gave Dr. Ingle a fresh perspective when it came to higher learning. It was that confident approach to doing what he knew was right for his students that made him quickly realize he could unlock the potential of the people already at SEU.
“Inside, I knew I was designed for something more,” said Dr. Ingle. “So, when I laid my broadcast career down to follow God’s calling, I found out who I really was meant to be.”
An Unlikely President Making Great Changes
Kent Ingle’s unorthodox background and the road to his presidency at Southeastern University both played heavily into this approach to education. He was able to view the landscape of higher education from a fresh perspective, constructing an approach that is both unique and successful. This specialized outlook allowed him to see the problems that many face when choosing the right school for their individual needs. He then took steps to correct that. It is a major reason for the achievements that the students at SEU have accomplished and the ones that are still on the horizon.
Through a listening exercise that lasted a year and a half, Dr. Ingle recognized the frustration of the higher education model and the significant opportunities that Southeastern University could offer, such as nursing and football. Over the next 12 years, Southeastern University experienced its longest and largest period of growth in history, with a 240% increase in enrollment.
Dr. Ingle’s principles are simple but profound. He believes the best ideas already exist within the organization, and sometimes you need to break tradition and the mold to achieve significant change. Under his leadership, Southeastern University has become a shining example of what can be achieved when leaders prioritize listening, growth, and innovation.
Commitment To Listening
Tomorrow’s leaders are already among us. They are being educated today and their willingness to grow is being fostered by the professors tasked with showing them the way. That’s why it’s so important to listen to their needs and understand their motivations. It’s a cornerstone of Dr. Ingle’s take on higher learning. It’s also a major reason for the university’s success.
“It’s all about listening,” Dr. Ingle explains with pride. “You can’t know the potential of the organization until you know the potential of the people.”
For that reason, the students at SEU don’t feel like numbers or statistics. They feel like individuals, respected, and heard by their educators. It makes a huge change in their focus, future, and desire to achieve greatness.
Southeastern University is proud to have Dr. Kent Ingle as its respected leader and is excited to see what new heights the institution will reach under his continued leadership. Given what he’s accomplished since he began, there seem to be major accomplishments still on the horizon. Not only are the days ahead bright for SEU, but also for the men and women who will one day point to it as their training ground before changing the world.
About Dr. Kent Ingle
Dr. Kent Ingle is the president of Southeastern University, a public speaker and recognized thought leader. Ingle is passionate about transforming higher education and helping leaders create lasting change in their organizations. He is the author of The Modern Guide to College and Framework Leadership, and host of the popular Framework Leadership podcast. For more information about Dr. Kent Ingle, please visit www.kentingle.com
