RTDM: Linda Bennett
Linda Bennett
President Emerita of University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN
We want to get to know you! Briefly tell us about yourself: Where you came from, where you've been and how you're living your dream?
I am a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. First in my family to attend college, I received three degrees in political science from the University of Cincinnati. Going to college was my first dream, and that of my father. I met my husband on UC’s campus (also a political scientist) and we have enjoyed working together on many publications. Once I completed my Ph.D. I was fortunate to get a teaching position at Wittenberg University. What a wonderful experience! From there I moved to Northern Kentucky University as a department chair...on to Appalachian State University as a dean and finally landed at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) as Vice President for academic affairs and provost. When I arrived at USI, the president asked what my goal was. My answer? ‘To be a college president.” I fell in love with the place and people of USI and my dream to be president there came true in 2009. I enjoyed 9 years in the seat and have just retired in 2018.
How do you define success?
It changes over time, but it always involves giving your best to have impact on those around you. When you see that you have made a difference for the better in other lives...then you are truly successful.
What did it take to make your dream happen and when did you know you had arrived?
I feel as if I had several dreams and help along the way in realizing those dreams or in realizing that there were other dreams Grit helps.. I remember as a 15 year old new high school junior and finding out on the first day of school that all college preparatory classes had been eliminated. They gave me a large block of class time to learn “executive secretary” skills instead. I went to the school office, called my mother and said, I’m transferring to another school”...and I did. Don’t accept limits others try to impose...and don’t impose them on yourself. There are worse things than failure.
What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!
I loved teaching and I am still in touch with my students from the 1980s. I’m very proud of that. And I loved the political part of the job as university president...going to legislative hearings...meeting with governors. I was an effective presenter and that mattered for my university.
What was your biggest obstacle/fear and what was your turning point?
I came to the presidency immediately after the economic crash of 2008. Everything was changing and I wondered if I had the skills to help my university navigate choppy waters. What I found was that it’s okay to reach out and ask for help from your family, team, faculty, and students. Their involvement in creating solutions gave them a sense of ownership and that is a key element in getting through tough times.
What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?
Stop worrying so much and enjoy the journey more,
How do you stay motivated and purposeful when you feel overwhelmed?
I slow down. Believe it or not, you don’t have to cover everything, you don’t have to be perfect, and it’s okay to ask for help. I always tried to remember why I wanted to take on a new role...and I let myself laugh at some of my foibles. Life can be absurd and you just have to keep a sense of perspective.
Tell us a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise or served you in a surprising way.
When you’re in charge of units, personnel issues are the toughest. I had one that turned into a real controversy and it was a very tough time. I persevered, held my ground...but felt battered at the end of the process. Later, I realized I had learned a great deal through that process. I knew what I would do again...and what I would not. That’s valuable information. It made me a better leader.
What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them!
Hmmmm, well, I’m a chocoholic...that’s for sure. And I love the Hallmark Channel even though I know it’s formulaic and schmaltzy. That’s about as strange as I get.
What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?
Retirement savings. When you’re younger you sometimes think you can’t afford it...but no matter how little you tuck away, it will make a difference.
What’s MOST important to you right now?
Quality of time with my wonderful husband. We’re enjoying traveling and time together. Family and friends are precious.
Share 1-2 books you've given as gifts:
I just gave Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow to a friend. Beautifully written book.
What have you learned to say no to?
Uh.... I’m working on it!
What's something most people would never guess about you?
Those who really know me know about my sense of humor...but it seems to surprise folks sometimes. And you’ll see below that my fav picture is of my bobble head given to me by USI students.
What Risk Taker Dream Maker has inspired you?
Lynn Miller, Director of Leadership Evansville is an amazing woman. Direct, sassy, kind, and stronger than she knows.
Follow Linda:
@DrLLMB_USI
