Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XVIII, Issue I - Spring 2024 | Page 23

Management of University Operations
Chihuahua , a small city in north-central Mexico . We spent three wonderful years in Mexico , where I sharpened my Spanish skills with help from my mother-in-law , Lydia Amelia Estrada Chavez , a teacher of Spanish literature . This thrilling , transformative linguistic experience , coupled with Nayeli ’ s mastery of English and U . S . citizenship , prepared us to raise our children in a bilingual , bicultural environment . Both our daughter , Andrea , now 26 , and son , Josué ( Joshua ), 23 , speak Spanish well and value their dual heritage .
Describe your graduate and professional education and the topic of your dissertation .
In May 2022 , I earned an Ed . D . degree in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University . I had been a university vice president since 2015 , so I was already experienced in seniorlevel leadership . Challenging my thinking and writing ability , this doctoral program expanded my theoretical knowledge , research skills and practitioner preparation . Spending two hours in recorded conversations with each , I interviewed six presidents of public regional universities in their first jobs as college presidents , exploring how they felt about the fundraising expectations of their positions . This research became the basis of my dissertation , Fundraising Challenges and Expectations Facing University Presidents : A Qualitative Multiple Case Study Analysis of Public University Presidents . I enjoyed researching fundraising and the presidency , and time permitting , I would like to continue this research .
What motivated you to apply for the PHSC Presidency ? What challenges are inherent the position ?
The more I learned about PHSC , the more interested I became . PHSC has an unusual degree of staff and leadership stability , with only four presidents in its first 50 years . Many staff and faculty have served for decades . The College is deeply embedded in the communities it serves , has an impressive distribution of six locations in two counties and has an intriguing array of programs from job-related certificates through baccalaureate degrees .
Despite the daily hard work ( and , indeed , because of it ), I enjoyed a happy childhood , supported by abundant family love and Christian values . Church was a cornerstone of our weekly routines , and my pastors provided guidance that anchors me still .
For the institution , the greatest challenge will be building on the accomplishments of its first 50 years in ways that best meet the needs of changing college communities . For me , as president , one immediate challenge is learning about the
Florida College System , Florida-specific educational policies and practices and state funding measures . Any new president chosen externally has to create trust-based relationships with the people who support and compose the College — elected officials , business leaders , trustees , faculty , staff and students . I plan to spend a lot of time listening and learning . I expect civic involvement to play a central role in my presidency .
Tell us about your family .
Nayeli is an exceptional wife , mother and person . A gifted artist who studied fashion design at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara , she made her own wedding dress . She has designed and created beautiful pottery and home décor pieces . Her creativity extends to culinary arts ; she can outperform nearly anyone in the kitchen . Over the years , we have

Management of University Operations

Note : In addition to managing large teams and multimillion dollar operations in the following positions , Dr . Pisors taught customer service and safety training courses for managers across the nation .
• General Manager of University Dining Services , Sodexo , University of Missouri-Kansas City ( UMKC ), 2006-2010
• General Manager of University Dining Services , Sodexo , University of Texas Rio Grande Valley , 2004-2006
• General Manager of University Dining Services , Sodexo , Oklahoma City University , 2001-2004
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