S7E15: Navigating Shifting Terrains with Dr. Avis Proctor

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Avis Proctor, President of Harper College. Dr. Proctor shares her journey from a mathematics educator to a college president, emphasizing need for intentionality in leadership, self-advocacy, and the power of community support in achieving success. She reflects on her career journey and the pivotal choices that shaped her path. She also provides insights on the challenges of navigating shifting terrains in education and the significance of co-creating strategies with her team to weather the current climate. Dr. Proctor also shares her strategies for maintaining focus and integrity amidst constant change, and her take on the importance of self-care and wellness in sustaining leadership energy. About Dr. Proctor Dr. Avis Proctor became the sixth president of William Rainey Harper College in July 2019. With over 30 years of experience working in multicultural environments as an innovative mathematics educator and administrator, she is committed to transforming lives through the power of education using research-based instructional strategies, strategic community engagement and future-focused economic development which all lead to strengthened educational opportunities that impact generations. Dr. Proctor also provides leadership on several boards from local to national levels including the Northwest Educational Council for Student Success (NECSS), the Community Colleges for International Development (CCID), the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, and the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents (ICCCP). During her tenure at the College, Harper has been recognized as an Achieving the Dream (ATD) Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2023, and as a 2023 Aspen Top 25 institution and as a 2025 Aspen Top 20 institution, and is a lead member institution of The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub established by the CHIPS and Science Act in 2023. Dr. Proctor earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics at Florida Atlantic University, and her Doctorate in Higher Education at Florida International University. Dr. Proctor and her husband are the proud parents of one son. Connect with Dr. Proctor at Harper College Harper College on Facebook Harper College on LinkedIn Harper College on Instagram Harper College on X BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: [e-mail] Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Follow BWL on LinkedIn Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights Graphics: Téa Campbell Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay