Megan Ellis is the Executive Director of the OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan University’s signature experience. As a strategic leader, she is responsible for the unification and growth of this transformational program, which is integrated into the OWU curriculum. Ellis works closely with students, faculty and staff, alumni, community members, and corporate partners to create opportunities for personal and professional development for OWU students. She oversees multiple teams that provide high-impact practices and student opportunities that connect curriculum to out-of-classroom experiences. She is a doctorate student at the University of Pennsylvania, researching strategy and change leadership in higher education. Ellis earned a Master’s of Education in Higher Education from Pennsylvania State University with a Certificate of Institutional Research. She has a BA in Economics Management from Ohio Wesleyan University. Ellis is the mom to twin daughters and a loving parent to her stepson. Beyond all professional titles, being a mom is most important to her.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Higher Education Digest, Megan shared her professional trajectory, insights on gender equality and inclusion in higher education, the secret mantra behind her success, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Megan. What are some of the most significant changes or trends you’ve observed in higher education during your career, and how have you adapted your leadership approach to address these shifts?
One of the most significant changes I’ve witnessed is a shift in mindset from the onus predominantly residing on the student to seek out resources to the university or college taking ownership to meet students where they are and how they want to engage. I think this shift represents the reality that students have so many options regarding where to go to school. I recently read R. Geiger’s 2023 work outlining the ten generations of American Higher Education. I firmly believe we’re witnessing the new generation. I predict this new generation will be identified as one of refocusing and contraction. Refocusing on the core values of student success, access, and success post-graduation and a contraction of the number of higher education institutions. One of the ways I’ve adjusted my leadership is to try to maintain a big-picture view of the overall landscape of higher education and use that perspective as a guide when exploring new initiatives and investments. I am constantly asking, does this add substance to student success? Will this latest effort help us further define why a student should enroll with us and why our education is second to none? If the answer is no, we must be honest and make the appropriate adjustments.
What do you love the most about your current role?
I love creating and building paths toward a strategic direction. In my role, I get to do that daily! I have the opportunity to lean into OWU’s strengths and elevate them by developing a unified vision forward, empowering team members, engaging and learning from students, and striving to underscore the unique value proposition of an OWU education. It may sound hokey, but I believe our work shapes the next generation of future world leaders. That’s pretty incredible!
What role do you see technology playing in enhancing teaching, learning, and research in higher education, and how have you encouraged innovation in these areas?
I’ve witnessed two approaches: 1. Technology will take over—we should run!!! and 2. This is a tool we can use; let’s learn more. I fall in the second group. It would be silly to ignore technology’s role in higher education and advancing teaching, learning, and research at all levels of education. I think one area of friction is that as students matriculate, they will likely have more fluidity in technology, being native to the technological age. In comparison, instructors, professors, administrators, and staff members may not be as comfortable, which creates the potential for resistance. I believe technology is a tool; it is not the solution or the final iteration of any concept/program, but if used to elevate experiences, access, and learning, then it is very positive.
Recognizing that I am not an expert, I often ask students (and sometimes my twin 11-year-old daughters!!) for help. I ask what trends are relevant, what they have used that has been helpful, or what new way they share information. I’ve encouraged my team to rethink how we conduct our work – from the very simple example of eliminating printouts and utilizing QR codes, to using new tools for collaboration among the team, to utilizing generative ai tools when appropriate.
What are your thoughts on gender equality and inclusion? Do you think there is a gender bias in your industry?
I find that inequality is found in daily life – beyond gender inequalities and far beyond the education industry. As a white, cis-gendered woman, I recognize I speak from a position of privilege, and I’m sure there are privileges I take for granted. This is part of my motivation to shine a light on inequalities and increase access and success throughout education – from students to those who work in the field. Specifically, thinking about gender, I believe biases within the education field impact all genders and all definitions of gender. In my experience, women who speak up or challenge an idea can be seen as too pushy. When a woman has an outgoing personality, they can be viewed as ditzy or “too bubbly.” I’m sure I would not be alone in sharing that I have worked with men who have been intimidated by strong women. In my experience, some women have been pushed out or aside in these situations, and at other times, they’ve had to work much harder to have their voices heard. Power dynamics impact genders differently, and I’m grateful for the women who have been creating the pathway toward more leadership opportunities within Education. Conversely, I would not be surprised if men experience pressure to lead or engage in specific ways that point to inequality and unjustified expectations. I want to emphasize that my experience is limited to my life as a cis-gendered woman; I am striving to learn more from others who share different experiences so I can be an active ally for all.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
Yes! Dr. Alice Simon, my undergraduate academic advisor. Alice was more than an academic advisor; she was a trusted listening ear, a role model, a voice of reason, and a strong female presence. I vividly remember having an emotional conversation with her as a senior. I was weighing my options on a tough decision and told her I felt that if I made one choice, I was selfish. She put her head on her hands and said – “sometimes selfish is not a bad word; you’re allowed to do what’s best for you.” That was such a simple sentence, but its power has never dissipated. I have repeated this line to several students, most of them women; I hope my impact on them is even a fraction of what Alice’s wise words still mean to me. After graduation, Alice and I stayed in touch, and when a brand new position opened at my alma mater, she was the first to give me the nudge to throw my hat in the ring. When I started rumbling about potentially going back to school to pursue my doctorate, she was my first call. She doesn’t sugarcoat things and affirmed how much work it will take, but quickly affirmed how ready I was to take on that hard work. I credit her with my career at OWU and, in many ways, in higher education!
You were recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Columbus for 2024. Our readers would love to know the secret sauce behind your success.
I have a screenshot saved on my phone that reads:
The secret is there is no secret.
Consistency over intensity.
Progress over perfection.
Fundamentals over fads.
Over and over again.
I love this because it speaks to my perspective – there isn’t a special secret sauce. I believe strongly in never thinking you’re above doing the work. That is something I learned early on in my career – the best leaders are the ones who get down in it – carrying water to the table, cleaning up the room, spending the extra time to make sure your team knows you’re supporting them and with them. Along with that, so much of my style comes down to being authentic and honest – own it if you mess up, always give others credit when something goes well, and bear the fault when it doesn’t. I’m far from perfect, and I lean into that and try to demonstrate to my team that we’re always learning and supporting each other. I keep something my mom always said in mind, “You never do wrong by doing right.” To me, this means taking time to write a note saying “Hey – I saw what you did, and it was great!” Or taking time to meet with someone who is upset. It is easy to get tunnel vision and think you don’t have time for this or that; a little gesture like that can go such a long way.
The meaning of leadership can change from one era to another, how would you define the meaning of leadership today?
This is such a great question! Leadership is so individualized. I believe every person can be and is a leader in one way or another. Perhaps that’s the new(ish) way of defining leadership! Leadership does not automatically come or develop with a new title or from someone in a high-ranking position. Leadership is a way of functioning, interacting with others, having the humility to let others shine, and the confidence to make difficult decisions. One piece of advice I share with my team is that strong leadership does not necessarily show up in being the first person to speak in a meeting; there is significant value in letting others arrive at a solution or work out a problem and being able to listen before speaking.
What is your favorite non-academic book and why?
As a doctorate student, I’m reading so many academic books and articles that I’m excited to answer this question! I love mysteries and biographies. The first book that comes to mind when answering this is Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing. It has been out for a bit, but when I read it, I couldn’t put it down. Delia paints a vivid story and creates immense emotions. At times, the book is difficult to read because you know that many children live in such tumultuous environments; Delia’s writing style helps you feel each emotion – fear, anger, sadness, etc. It also highlights grit and the power behind learning and education – in nontraditional ways. I didn’t realize it until now, but there is a strong undercurrent of the value of education and access, equality, and humanity throughout this book… perhaps it isn’t non-academic after all.
What is your biggest stress reliever?
I love working out and being active! I go to a gym where they keep the temperature HOT, the lights almost entirely off, and the music loud. Sometimes, I go to a class and zone out so much that my mind can quiet a bit; sometimes, I use the class to process or express emotions! It’s such a relief. On the not-so-intense side, I love going on walks and runs with my daughters – we end up walking and talking more than running, but that is a bonus for me!
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In five years, I will (fingers crossed) have successfully defended my dissertation and graduated with my Doctorate in higher education management. I will utilize the skills developed through my education and career to contribute to the change efforts within higher education, including improving access and choice and using my role to advance innovation and change leadership, contributing to the next generation of higher education.
I strive to serve as a University President and use that responsibility to strengthen the sustainability, unique value proposition, and return on investment of higher education, and liberal arts education in particular.
Do you have any advice for women working in the higher education landscape?
Continue to show up for each other. Be one of those women who pull up other women instead of seeing female colleagues as competition or threatening. Have confidence; you deserve to be at the table and in the space. Remember that you are a role model to others, even if you don’t know it yet. Students, colleagues, community members, alumni are watching – be the example that you either had or wish you had had.