EP152: A Remarkable Journey in Community College Leadership, with Dr. Walter G. Bumphus
Release Date: 05/08/2025
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info_outlineIn this inspiring episode we engage with Dr. Walter G. Bumphus, the outgoing president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), as he prepares to conclude his transformative 15-year tenure at the end of 2025.
This candid conversation highlights his remarkable journey in higher education, from his early days at Murray State University alongside future community college leaders Dr. Ken Atwater and Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton, to becoming one of the most influential voices in community college leadership.
Bumphus shares pivotal moments from his career, including his first community college position at East Arkansas Community College, his leadership during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Louisiana, and his visionary work with the 21st Century Commission on the Future of Community Colleges. He also reflects on the challenges of securing equitable funding for community colleges during COVID-19 and his commitment to cultivating diverse leadership in higher education despite today's political climate. His parting wisdom for emerging leaders emphasizes self-awareness, humility, and dedication to helping others grow.
Join Diverse host Ralph Newell for this compelling conversation with one of higher education's most respected voices.
* On June 5, the print edition of Diverse will feature an in-depth profile of Dr. Bumphus and other distinguished presidents retiring this year. Subscribe to receive a copy.
KEY POINTS:
-Bumphus's early career connections with fellow community college leaders Dr. Ken Atwater and Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton at Murray State University
- His decision to pursue community college leadership due to greater opportunities for leaders of color
- Leadership experiences during crises, including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and applying those lessons amid COVID-19
- Development of the influential 21st Century Commission on the Future of Community Colleges
- Successful advocacy for equitable funding for community colleges during the pandemic
- Perspectives on cultivating diverse leadership in today's challenging political climate
- Post-retirement plans, including writing a book with Dr. Angel Royal
- Advice for emerging higher education leaders on self-awareness and helping others grow
- Reflections on his 15-year legacy at AACC and the future of community colleges
QUOTES:
“I wanted to learn from the best. And so, I tried to read about what great leaders were doing. I actually would go and visit some presidents who were at least reputationally very successful at what they did.” – Dr. Walter Bumphus
“Know who you are as a leader. Understand yourself before you can start to help others grow. And don't be too full of yourself. Learn how to laugh at yourself. Take your work seriously, but not yourself; and try to be helpful as you can to others.” – Dr. Walter Bumphus
“The DEI piece has never been something where you gave a leader of color anything, but you just gave them the opportunity to earn — earn opportunities, earn the right to be promoted, earn the right to excel, and earn the right to show people what they could do.” – Dr. Walter Bumphus
RESOURCES:
Bumphus Takes Center Stage at AACC Conference | Diverse: Issues In Higher Education
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In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).