University President Discusses Education With Baltimore Students
In 1892, Dr. S. Irving Strayer founded Strayer's Business College of Baltimore to educate working adults due to the rapidly changing business climate of the times; and 120 years later, this school is now a university with 96 campuses in 13 states.
Strayer University is now led by President Michael Plater, Ph.D. who joined Strayer in 2010 as provost and chief academic officer and was named president in May 2012. Dr. Plater continues Strayer's legacy, which is to focus on adult learners who now must often compete in today's global economy.
Dr. Plater was raised by a single parent in Washington D. C. and secured a scholarship to Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire at age 14. Plater went on to earn a B.A. in economics, an M.B.A. and a Ph.D. in American studies. Dr. Plater has also served as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University, and as associate dean of the Graduate School at Brown University.
What inspired you to enter your current field?
"All my life, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of education. Having this extraordinary journey of my own, my goal has been to 'Pay it Forward' by making the dream of higher education a possibility for more people, especially working adults."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"I set the agenda for delivering a rigorous, innovative and quality education that helps adult learners compete while balancing work and family demands. The insights I learned in the classroom and workplace taught me how to move a strategic vision – one that I am passionate about – forward to action and results."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"I gained valuable critical thinking, strategic planning and analytic skills as a student; and my degrees provided me with credentials and connections needed for success in my profession. As an inner-city youth, I also learned the importance of setting goals, having a strong support system, and repaying my successes by motivating and helping others."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into your field?
"Understand that education never ends, and use that mentality in your daily activities. To succeed in higher education, you must be passionate about academics because your enthusiasm will inspire others to see its benefit."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Her current interests, in which she has several certifications, are metaphysics and the healing arts. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times.