VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Council, Austin"

Browsing by Author "Council, Austin"

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Exploring Collegiate Co-Teaching in Leadership Education for Faculty Development and Student Success
McCain, Kate; Sunderman, Hannah M.; Council, Austin; Kaufman, Eric K.; Walz, Jerald H.; Friedel, Curtis R. (2024-07-15)
Models and practices of co-teaching have been extensively studied in K-12 and teacher education contexts; however, the application and impact at the university level remains limited. Collegiate co-teaching transcends traditional instructional paradigms. Aligned with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), co-teaching becomes a vital facet of faculty development, (Cordie et al., 2020) and student outcomes (Beck & Heck, 2007; Lock et al., 2018). This panel delves into the overlooked realm of co-teaching within higher education, specifically leadership courses, showcasing different approaches and examining the associated benefits for both students and faculty. To our knowledge, there is no literature on co-teaching specifically within leadership education. Panelists will shed light on innovative co-teaching strategies employed in leadership courses for pedagogical and professional mentoring purposes. The panel will also provide valuable insights into this powerful tool for faculty development and student engagement in leadership education. Specifically, participants will (1) learn about different examples of collegiate co-teaching in leadership education, (2) understand the benefits of co-teaching from a student and instructor perspective, and (3) engage in an interactive discussion to explore implementing co-teaching practices into their courses.
Exploring Students’ Definitions of Leadership: Implications for Leadership Education
Olowoyo, Olamide; Council, Austin; Kaufman, Eric K. (2024-07-14)
Leadership has gained prominence over time as a subject of scholarly inquiry. Its evolving nature and dynamism, coupled with different perspectives and views of individuals, call for continuous research. Understanding how individuals perceive leadership particularly students who are future leaders is germane for leadership education in our ever-changing world. This study explores students’ perspectives and definitions of leadership and the implications of these for leadership development. Such insights can help shape leadership education programs to better align with students’ needs and aspirations. The study analyzed 709 responses from undergraduate students who applied to an interdisciplinary leadership minor at Virginia Tech between 2015 and 2022. Employing a qualitative approach, this research explores the diverse definitions and conceptualization of leadership provided by the students. Through a thematic analysis of students' definitions of leadership, the findings reveal support for the four waves of leadership: heroic, relational, pluralistic, and leadership-as-practice. This study highlights the importance of engaging students’ perspectives when developing leadership programs, introducing a class activity for leadership educators to apply the research findings. By aligning leadership development programs with students’ perspectives, leadership educators and educational institutions can promote efficient and relevant leadership experiences that will empower students to be effective future leaders.
The First Follower Role in Diffusion of Innovations: Implications for Followership Development
Olowoyo, Olamide; Kaufman, Eric K.; Council, Austin (2023-03-24)
The follower’s role is vital in the leadership process because one cannot exist without the other (Alegbeleye & Kaufman, 2019; Chaleff, 2008). The role followers play can be related to causal agents because they influence leaders’ attitudes, behaviors, and organizational outcomes (Ete et al., 2007). The “first follower” concept originated from the TED2010 talk by Derek Sivers on “how to start a movement” (Sivers, 2010). The video of a dancing guy used for the presentation depicted a movement, and other followers joined the movement because of the first follower’s action. According to Sivers (2010), a first follower is brave and plays a crucial role in the movement. The first follower can be linked with the innovator in the Rogers (2003) adopter categories. As gatekeepers, the innovators are willing to express new ideas, they are venturesome, and they bring innovations from outside the system (Sahin, 2006). The first follower attribute of trying things first and having a unique idea makes others emulate followers and shows other followers how to follow (Sivers, 2010). Thus, the process of social influence the first follower has on other followers goes along with the attributes and influence of a leader. If adopted by organization leaders, leadership educators, and consultants, the principle of the first follower will help to increase efficiencies and improve productivity through the first follower teaching others.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 10: Social Change: Listen Twice Before You Speak with Dr. C.L. Bohannon
Council, Austin; Bohannon, C. L. (Spreaker, 2020-08-26)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. In this episode I do a deep dive on what social change is with my friend and colleague Dr. C.L. Bohannon. Dr. Bohannon serves as an Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, is the newly appointed Associate Director of the School of Architecture and Design, and serves as the Faculty Principal of the Leadership and Social Change Residential College here at Virginia Tech.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 11: Utilizing Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Sky Georges
Council, Austin; Georges, Sky (Spreaker, 2020-08-26)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. In this episode I untangle the concept of emotional intelligence and what it means for leadership with my good friend and colleague Dr. Sky Georges, who works as an assistant professor and leadership specialist at Tennessee State University!
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 12: Navigating Academic Resources with Dr. Gabby McCollum
Council, Austin; McCollum, Gabby (Spreaker, 2020-08-26)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. In this episode I talk with my colleague Dr. Gabby McCollum, who is the Assistant Director of Operations and Risk Management for Recreational Sports at Virginia Tech. We discuss a variety of topics related to peer leadership including the importance of understanding what campus resources are and how students can utilize them, as well as the importance of personal wellness during the current pandemic.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 13: A Conversation on Diversity and Inclusion with Lauren Oliver
Council, Austin; Oliver, Lauren (Spreaker, 2020-08-26)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. In this episode I discuss diversity, inclusion and what it means for leadership and social change with one of my closest friends and colleagues, Lauren Oliver, who is an Assistant Director for Resident Life and Residential Colleges at Virginia Tech
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 14: The Art of Facilitation with Jon Dain
Council, Austin; Dain, Jon (Spreaker, 2020-09-07)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. The man...the myth...the legend...Jon Dain! In this episode I untangle facilitation and leadership with one of my all-time favorite professors. We discuss what effective facilitation looks like (in-person and virtually), barriers to success, and the different hats a facilitator wears!
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 15: The Willingness to Interrogate with Dr. Jennifer Lawrence
Council, Austin; Lawrence, Jennifer (Spreaker, 2020-11-08)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. In this episode I explore one of the group values of the Social Change Model, controversy with civility, with Dr. Jennifer Lawrence. Dr. Lawrence is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Politics & Policy in the Department of Political Science at Virginia Tech. She provides some fascinating insights into what "controversy" actually means, how civility can sometimes be dangerous, and how we can use our willingness to interrogate to have difficult conversations.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 16: Active Citizenship with Meghan Kuhn
Council, Austin; Kuhn, Meghan (Spreaker, 2020-11-20)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. In this episode I dive into what being an active citizen means with my friend and colleague Meghan Kuhn! Meghan is the Director of VT Engage: The Center for Leadership and Service at Virginia Tech.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 1: Crucial Conversations with Dr. Megan Seibel
Council, Austin; Seibel, Megan M. (Spreaker, 2020-08-25)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. This episode is centered around how to engage in difficult, "Crucial Conversations" with special guest Dr. Megan Seibel, who is a certified Crucial Conversations facilitator and Director of VALOR (Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results) at Virginia Tech.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 2: Values in Action with Dr. Doug Paxton
Council, Austin; Paxton, Doug (Spreaker, 2020-08-25)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. In this episode I discuss the importance of values in leadership and how it connects to congruence within the social change model with Dr. Doug Paxton, who is a professor and the Co-Director of the Leadership Center at St. Mary's College of California.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 3: Why Ethical Leadership? with Dr. Rob McManus
Council, Austin; McManus, Robert (Spreaker, 2020-07-22)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. This episode is focused on ethical leadership with Dr. Robert McManus, Professor of Leadership and Communication at the McDonough Center of Leadership and Communication Studies at Marietta College. Rob is an ethical genius. I love the conversation we had about why it is important to develop an ethical framework for leadership in the everyday world.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 4: Oreos, Baseball, and Leadership Education with Dr. Eric Kaufman
Council, Austin; Kaufman, Eric K. (Spreaker, 2020-08-09)
This podcast was designed as a supplement to Virginia Tech's LDRS 1015 class: Exploring Citizen Leadership. We discuss what leadership education is, how it intersects with professional activities, and why this is an important discipline for students to study.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 5: Everyone Should Be A Mentor with Rex Waters
Council, Austin; Waters, Rexford (Spreaker, 2020-07-29)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. In this episode I discuss the power of mentoring with Rex Waters, Virginia Tech's Associate Director for Undergraduate Programs and First Year Experiences.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 6: The Power of Proper Perspective (Humility!) with Dr. Matt Sowcik
Council, Austin; Sowcik, Matthew (Spreaker, 2020-07-29)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. In this episode I chat with my former PhD advisor, mentor, and friend Dr. Matthew Sowcik who is an Assistant Professor of Leadership Development at my alma mater, the University of Florida. We discuss how--despite its misconceptions--humility is a powerful force in leadership and influences how we can be a catalyst for change for ourselves, our relationships, and the communities we live.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 7: Fix Systems Not Symptoms with Drs. Bertrhude Albert & Priscilla Zelaya
Council, Austin; Albert, Bertrhude; Zelaya, Priscilla (Spreaker, 2020-08-05)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life.In this episode I interview my dear friends and colleagues Drs. Bertrhude Albert and Priscilla Zelaya, co-founders of P4H Global, a non-profit organization dedicated to redefining aid.
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 8: Understanding Your Problem Solving Style with Dr. Curt Friedel
Council, Austin; Friedel, Curtis R. (Spreaker, 2020-08-25)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. In this episode I interview Dr. Curt Friedel, Associate Professor in the Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education Department and Director of the Center for Cooperative Problem Solving at Virginia Tech about the KAI, otherwise known as Kirton Adaption-Innovation Theory. We discuss how the KAI Inventory can help us better understand our problem solving style and how that can have a profound effect on leadership!
Leadership Untangled Podcast Episode 9: Systems Thinking and Wicked Problems with Dr. Caitlin Bletscher
Council, Austin; Bletscher, Caitlin (Spreaker, 2020-08-25)
Leadership Untangled is a podcast series established by Dr. Austin Council for the classes he teaches at Virginia Tech. The podcast series explores different topics related to leadership, social change as they intersect with college student life. In this episode we untangle two "buzz words" in leadership today: systems thinking and wicked problems. I am joined by my friend and colleague Dr. Caitlin Bletscher who is a Scholarly Assistant Professor at Washington State University. Caitlin and I discuss a variety of issues including racism, COVID-19 and the many other systems we live in, how they are intertwined with one another, and what we as change agents (leaders!) can do to fix and dismantle them.
The Möbius Strip: A Twist in Thinking about Leader-Follower Relationships
Kaufman, Eric K.; Council, Austin; Alegbeleye, Ibukun Dami; Martin, Perry (James Madison University, 2021-02-18)
The Möbius strip is one of the most curious shapes, and there is value in using it as a metaphor for the leader-follower relationship. The creation and exploration of a Möbius strip promotes a sensemaking process for understanding the dual leader-follower identity necessary for effectiveness in both leader and follower roles. Furthermore, the Möbius strip can help guide thinking about healthy mentoring relationships and the ideal flow between what may seem to be contrasting priorities or styles. This paper explores practical insights from research on middle managers, experience with student programming, and historical analysis of community cultures. The exploration highlights the importance of humility in leadership and surfaces a variety of questions for further consideration.