Richard Thurmond | A Story of Discovery - Ep. 100
On Life and Meaning
Richard Thurmond is a community and economic development executive for a place-making organization. In this episode we explore basketball, editing and publishing a city magazine, staying and leaving, and the values of curiosity and humility.
info_outline
Claude Alexander, Jr.| The Park Church - Ep. 99
On Life and Meaning
Claude Alexander, Jr. is bishop and senior pastor of a Baptist church. In this episode we explore the mission of the church, racism, misogyny and homophobia, segregation on Sunday mornings, the death of a brother, a crisis of faith, living with mystery, and the love of God.
info_outline
Jess George | Hope and Optimism - Ep. 98
On Life and Meaning
Jess George is a government and community affairs manager for a fiber optic company. In this episode we explore the digital divide, confronting bullies, being an ally to immigrants, and dropping keys to beautiful rowdy prisoners.
info_outline
Sonya Pfeiffer | A Life in Full - Ep. 97
On Life and Meaning
Sonya Pfeiffer is an art gallery owner and criminal defense attorney. In this episode we explore story-telling, standing up to the power of the state, unconventional paths, the Owl theory, the practice of Ahimsa, and the one chance we have in this life.
info_outline
Beatriz Friedmann | Conscious Evolution - Ep. 96
On Life and Meaning
Beatriz Friedmann is a school counselor and information technology consultant. In this episode we explore emigrating from Brazil to North America, a corporate career, a summer of loss and pain, finding new purpose, and becoming present one step at a time.
info_outline
Ken Lambla | Interdisciplinary Design - Ep. 95
On Life and Meaning
Ken Lambla is founding dean of a college of arts + architecture. In this episode we explore returning from Patagonia, merging fields of study, interdisciplinary design, stewardship, community, and how arts inform a life
info_outline
Clarence Armbrister | A Nurturing Place - Ep. 94
On Life and Meaning
Clarence ‘Clay’ Armbrister is president of a historically black college and university. In this episode we explore strategic goals, the benefits and challenges of HBCUs, a family story of defiance, the power of education, public service, and the value of relationships.
info_outline
Liz Clasen-Kelly | The Sacredness of Human Life - Ep. 93
On Life and Meaning
Liz Clasen-Kelly leads an agency serving men experiencing homelessness. In this episode we explore helping people needing shelter, working to end homelessness, abundant love, and encountering Christ in the in-between.
info_outline
Natalie Frazier Allen | Art Empowered - Ep. 92
On Life and Meaning
Natalie Frazier Allen leads an organization that connects youth to the arts. In this episode we explore adverse childhood experiences, the power of the arts to heal trauma, telling the truth, Spelman College, and reflections on career, family and faith.
info_outline
Tom Warshauer | Neighborhood Development - Ep. 91
On Life and Meaning
Tom Warshauer leads a municipal community engagement team. In this episode we explore neighborhood development, Wilmington and New Orleans, home restoration, planting ideas, and enjoying diverse and authentic lives.
info_outlineClarence ‘Clay’ Armbrister is president of Johnson C. Smith University, a historically black university in Charlotte, North Carolina. He assumed the role in January 2018. President Armbrister has over 35 years experience in the private and public sectors, including time in senior administrative and leadership positions at Temple University, Johns Hopkins University, the School District of Philadelphia and Girard College. In addition to his background in education, Armbrister has held executive positions in law, government and finance. His volunteer and public service recognition is extensive and varied. He earned a B.A. in political science and economics from the University of Pennsylvania, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan School of Law.
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in historically black colleges and universities, public service, and the value of relationships.
IN THIS EPISODE
- Clarence describes Johnson C. Smith University and the population of students it serves.
- He notes the strengths of the university and what it could do better.
- He discusses what is it that he wants to ‘radicalize’ on campus and his areas of strategic focus as president of the university.
- He addresses the financial health of the university and an unexpected challenge that came up on campus.
- Clarence answers why it would be a good investment to contribute to the university.
- He makes a case for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) ‘having a place’ in the 21st century.
- He addresses the graduation rates of HBCUs and whether the preparedness of students is different than in previous generations.
- He identifies what is top of mind for his students.
- Clarence notes what he would spend money on if he had a blank check but was limited to addressing one concern at the university.
- He reflects on his childhood growing up in Opa-locka in Miami in the 1960s.
- He tells a story about his grandfather who was a Baptist minister and disciple of Marcus Garvey who was beaten in 1921.
- He explains why the story of his grandfather was meaningful to him and contributed to him having a certain race consciousness.
- Clarence talks about his time as a student at the University of Pennsylvania and why he chose to later study law.
- He answers what drew him to leadership roles in city governance and education.
- He shares what brings him the most joy and what he values most.
plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Blue Ocean Shift
To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning