The Right Place moved its Candid Conversation series to Davenport University’s W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus for a leadership chat with Davenport University President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. The event explored the topic: unlocking talent through mentorship-driven leadership.

Pappas is set to retire from Davenport on June 30 after 17 years at the helm and an impressive 50-year career in higher education.

TaRita Johnson, senior vice president of Talent & Diversity at The Right Place, opened the conversation by asking Pappas what or who shaped him as a leader. “My parents were a major influence on me and my career, but a few of the university presidents I worked for were especially impactful,” said Pappas. “They taught me valuable skills and what to do as a leader, but they also taught me what not to do as a leader, and those lessons have stuck with me to this day.”

President Richard J. Pappas and TaRita Johnson

Pappas explained that being a good leader doesn’t always mean being front and center. “Being a good leader is about mentoring others so they can one day take on a top leadership role,” said Pappas. “It’s been really fun to watch leaders at Davenport flourish. One recent example is that Anthony Anderson, our CFO, has been named interim president upon my retirement, and he’s ready for that role.”

Pappas said balancing the power of his position while empowering his people has been of utmost importance. “When it comes to making important decisions, I listen to the experts on my team and take their opinions into consideration, because I don’t know everything. I may try to influence a direction to help drive the university forward, but I try not to decide the direction without consulting those experts.” He went on to say that he doesn’t want “yes” people on his team. “I want strong people who respectfully, but strongly, share their opinions and ideas, and I’ve had that at Davenport,” he said.

He also offered advice for leaders looking to take the next step in their careers. “If you want to get to a higher level, find out what is required to get to that point. You have to continuously improve and be persistent. And when you accept a new job, make sure you are able to do the job the employer hired you to do. And make sure the job excites you,” he said.