Dr. Kent Ingle, President of Southeastern University, makes an impression. Immediately. His clean-cut appearance, friendly face, and calm demeanor are the basis of an extraordinary presence backed up by the former broadcaster’s piercing intelligence and commercial sensibility.
Indeed, his combination of charisma, smarts, and strategic insight has led dozens of organizations to seek his advice on long-term business planning and corporate structure.
A natural storyteller, Ingle’s career began with a bang. Securing a spot as an intern for a national TV network at 18 years old, Ingle’s communicative abilities and confidence marked him as a talent to watch, and he was swiftly placed in front of the camera as a sports broadcaster.
Well-liked by his colleagues, viewers, and the athletes he interviewed and commentated on — who valued his considered opinions and thoughtful questions — he was a popular host. He even had the opportunity to interview sporting legends like Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and Carl Lewis, to name a few.
The Right Path
Despite his success in an industry that people spend their whole lives trying to get into, the still-young Ingle felt unfulfilled by his broadcasting career. He began searching for a new vocation, one that would be more nutritious to the soul. At a crossroads in his life, Ingle recalled the influence of his family, his father in particular.
His father, a regional retail manager, respected for his ability to rejuvenate flagging outlets back into profit, raised a religious and socially minded family. These lessons instilled in his son the importance of being a responsible American, the values of community, and the necessity for spiritual development.
“Inside, I knew I was designed for something more. So when I laid my broadcast career down to follow God’s calling, I found out who I really was meant to be,” said Ingle.
After transitioning from broadcasting, Ingle had the opportunity to lead turnaround change in a variety of contexts, ultimately leading to the opportunity to become president at Southeastern University. SEU was exactly the kind of institution where he knew he could make an impact and help the next generation make their way through life.
And what an impact it has been. Under Dr. Ingle’s stewardship, Southeastern University has become a thriving establishment, with enrollment increasing by 243% between 2010 and 2020 – a feat that led the school to be cited by the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the most successful independent universities in the country.
Radical Operator
Along with boosting enrollment, Dr. Ingle has spearheaded initiatives to reflect more modern philosophies for learning, taking education beyond the physical campus and taking scholarship to the streets. Now, nearly one-third of the student body attends classes at extension sites or partnership locations around the world. There are currently 2,239 traditional undergraduates, 940 graduate students, 264 doctorate students, 3,401 extension site and partnership students, 660 online and 2,540 dual enrollment students, which make up the SEU student body.
The university president feels that the financial obligation for students is another aspect of education that needs a radical rework. Well-educated, critical thinkers are an essential asset for any modern nation, but student debt can cripple American graduates’ potential before they even begin working.
Dr. Ingle knows the conventional way of financing education is not fit for purpose. He wants to release the pressure on new students and graduates, enabling them to join society and the workforce unburdened by enormous debt.
“At SEU, we are working to create communicational impact and begin new conversations about what higher education can and should be — including affordability and accessibility,” said Ingle.
Open and available
The cliche of the dusty old dean, locked away in their office, hidden from bothersome students, is another trope Dr. Ingle has discarded. Instead, he insists on being transparent and available to his young charges. Moreover, the former broadcaster often walks around the school, speaking to students and discovering new ways to improve the Southeastern University experience.
“Ultimately, that’s what university presidents should do; we are here to help them become what they are destined to become. That’s what drives me,” said Ingle.
About Dr. Kent Ingle
Dr. Kent Ingle is the President of Southeastern University, public speaker and recognized thought leader. Ingle is passionate about creating lasting change in higher education and setting up organizations for success. He is the author of The Modern Guide to College and host of the popular Framework Leadership podcast. For more information about Dr. Kent Ingle, please visit www.kentingle.com