Favorite Parts Of Being An Assistant Provost Institutional Equity At Willamette University
Emilio finds the greatest satisfaction in the challenging, strategic aspects of their new role as Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity at Willamette University, "taking a really complex problem and trying to figure out...solutions," while also focusing on supporting individuals to "be their best self" within the university community. This aligns with a career trajectory emphasizing growth and working directly with people, a shift from previous ground-level work to a strategic planning focus.
Problem-Solving, Strategic Planning, Data Analysis, Communication, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Emilio Solano
Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity
Willamette University
Willamette University, 2009
Loyola Marymount University, Master of Arts, Urban Education: Policy & Administration and Lewis & Clark College, Doctorate of Education, Education Leadership
History, Art History
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. The role presents new challenges and a steep learning curve, which the interviewee finds both challenging and exciting.
2. The position involves strategic planning to solve complex problems through data collection and conversations, leading to a sense of accomplishment and progress.
3. The work is people-centered, focused on supporting individuals to thrive by creating inclusive systems and policies, which the interviewee finds fulfilling and motivating.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I think for me, it's a bit of a cop-out, but the challenge is number one. It's a new challenge for me.
One of the reasons I left my last role was because I was ready to grow and take on something new. I was ready to continue my own growth and learning, and there's a steep learning curve here.
I've done a lot of this work on the ground level, but not in the strategic planning space. That's been both challenging and exciting. At the same time, there's something really exciting about taking a complex problem and figuring out the solutions, which are often small.
I love collecting data, both qualitative and quantitative. I love the conversations to try to figure things out. I love the excitement that comes after a good meeting. You feel energized, like you've made a step forward.
Lastly, in any DEI space, it's about the people. You're not just solving complex problems; you're trying to support people to be their best selves.
You want them to feel authentically themselves, realized and recognized in a community. We're creating systems, policies, and an environment in which all can thrive. I think that's a huge undertaking, but it's exciting.
Just like when I was teaching, everything was rooted in students. This job, everything is rooted in people, whether it's students, faculty, or staff. We have to think about how everyone feels included in this work.