8:45 AM - 9:45 AM | February 8, 2024

Leading Unapologetically

Description

Guests will gain invaluable insights on steering their organizations with unwavering intentionality. They’ll discover the nuanced balance of making decisions with foresight, acknowledging that not every choice will elicit unanimous enthusiasm. This session is your guide to navigating the intricacies of leadership, exploring what lies ahead, identifying necessary adjustments, and embracing the enduring journey of leadership with resilience and purpose. The marathon continues, and this presentation equips you with the wisdom to stride confidently.

Learning Objectives

  1. Exercise strategic patience and preparedness at all times.
  2. Recognize the collaborative nature of success; cultivate and enhance both your professional network and personal brand.
  3. Embrace the power of attentive listening and welcome feedback as a catalyst for continuous advancement.

About the Speakers

Dr. Bobbie Knight, President, Miles College

Birmingham native Bobbie Knight made history in August 2019 when she was named interim president of Miles College, becoming the first woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1898. On March 5, 2020 Knight was elected permanent president, becoming the fifteenth president of the historic institution. Knight quickly made her mark by securing the largest single donation in the school’s history. With Knight at the helm the college has received more than $101 million in external funding. Since her arrival in 2019 the college has experienced an increase in gifts and grants from federal, state, local and non-profit sources of more than 2000%. During her tenure Knight led the college through its 10-year reaffirmation process with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The process concluded with the college receiving reaffirmation with zero findings for the next decade. The college also received certification from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), Alabama State Department of Education, Council on Social Work Education, and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Knight has been relentless in securing partnerships with corporate, governmental and philanthropic agencies to provide her students with meaningful internships and job placements, and valuable networking and experiential learning opportunities. During Knight’s tenure the college launched its state-of-the-art E-gaming Center, a Black Male Teacher Initiative, a state-of-the-art Apple-powered communications Lab, and a state-of-the-art Apple powered music production lab. Currently, Bobbie serves on the boards of Miles College, the Miles Foundation, the Miles College CDC, the Birmingham Airport Authority, the UAB Health System Foundation, Southern Research, the Birmingham Times, Bronze Valley (a non-profit, early stage venture investment platform that supports innovation and technology), the Birmingham Business Alliance, and the Business Council of Alabama. Bobbie is a member of the Birmingham Rotary Club and the International Women’s Forum of Alabama. In the Summer of 2023 Knight was elected to the Alabama Power Board of Directors. Knight is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa and the Birmingham School of Law. She is also a graduate of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management Executive Leadership Program. In May of 2022 Knight was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the Miles College Board of Trustees.Knight retired in 2016 after a very successful career with Alabama Power Company(APC), which spanned nearly thirty-eight years. Throughout her career, she held various executive and leadership positions, including Vice President of the Birmingham Division (Alabama Power's largest division), Vice President of Public Relations, and General Manager of Supply Chain. Bobbie is a woman of immense influence and is passionate about giving back and mentoring young men and women to become leaders in their communities. She is married to Gary Burley, retired NFL player, local philanthropist, and founder of ProStart Academy and ProStart Scholarship Fund.