Hues of Leadership Podcast

DéRecco Lynch has led teams at regional campuses, large publics, HBCU’s and Ivies. He helped position Brown as the #1 pre-college program in the world, led companywide campaigns at Salesforce, and has his own startup. Today, he’s scaling the mission through strategic engagement as UC becomes the 2nd largest public university in Ohio.

As a first-generation college graduate, he is motivated by the transformational impact a higher education can have not only for an individual, but for an entire family. Our guest has been the treasurer as well as in the presidential cycle for PACAC, has been a Dean of Admission at Franklin and Marshall College, and is currently serving as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Drexel University. Join us for a powerful conversation with Hillen Grason, Jr. about building leadership like Legos, intentionally architecting the future, and leading with authenticity.

Our next guest is a leader, teacher, and voice of hope from Peoria, Illinois. Since 1997, he’s been the Lead Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, guiding people to live and love like Jesus in real, everyday ways. He has also mentored future leaders as an adjunct professor at Lincoln Christian University, served on community boards, and founded the Deveraux Hubbard II Foundation in memory of his son. Join us for a conversation about letting go to build up, maturity in purpose aligning with growth in vision, and creating beyond one’s initial calling. 

Our next guest is Anthony Murdock a purpose-driven, action-oriented, servant-leader and proud product of Indianapolis, Indiana. He's a lawyer by trade, professor by occupation and business coach by passion. He serves as a board member for Butler University's Hub for Black Affairs & Community Engagement and The Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis. He's also a member of Eastern Star Church and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Ultimately, he's in the business of becoming the greatest powerpreneur the world has ever seen. Join us for a conversation about discipline, time management, and Black political thought.

Our next guest has spent 25 years at a special private liberal arts college in the mountains of western NC as a coach (cross country/track and field), assistant athletic director and Vice President of Athletics and Club Sports. Blessed with many other opportunities in sports, he also interned as an undergrad with Charlotte Knights Triple A baseball team of Cleveland Indians at the time and interned with the Orlando Magic during the Shaq & Penny era. Join us for a conversation about leading with heart, leading without a manual, and rising from the ashes.

Our next guest is the CEO of College Track, one of the most comprehensive college completion programs in the country. She holds the title of President Emerita atIthaca College, where she previously served as the institution’s ninth president—and its first president of color. She has held leadership roles at Rutgers University-Newark, Middlebury, and The Posse Foundation. She is a board member of ACT, Excelencia in Education, Kids First Chicago, StarRez , and Vanderbilt University, and is a founding member of Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. Join us for a conversation about who gets on the bus, why real leaders join organizations, and cultivating a sense of belonging.

Our next guest serves as the Associate Director of Admissions for Diversity and Inclusion at Purdue University-West Lafayette. He oversees Early Outreach and Transfer Admissions, as well as diverse prospective recruitment strategies. He served as the Indiana ACAC Chairs for the Professional Development Committee, Inclusion Access and Success Committee and served as INACAC President from 2019-2021. Most recently he was included in the Greater Lafayette top 10 under 40 selection. Join us for a conversation about acknowledging your worth, evolving excellence, and leaders making lifers. 

Our next guest draws from his upbringing, education, and professional experience to fulfill his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. D'Angelo Taylor currently serves as the inaugural Vice President for Hope, Unity & Belonging at Belmont University. In this role, he serves as the architect of the newly created division. As part of this work, he leads the university’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives in support of its strategic emphasis on embracing hope and inclusive excellence to reweave the social fabric. Join us for a conversation about active listening, perseverance, and patience. 

Our next guest serves as the Executive Director for the Colleges That Change Lives organization. Prior to representing the organization and championing the liberal arts from a student-centered college search and admission process lens, she was the College Bound Advisor at the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School in Dallas. She has served on multiple counselor advisory boards for a variety of colleges and universities, the Common Application Board of Directors, and the Johns Hopkins University Access Advisory Board. Join us for a conversation about seeing others, recognizing the backbone of the organization, and generational wisdom.