Virginia Union University is a private historically black Baptist university in Richmond, Virginia. It is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA.
In the landscape of higher education, sense of belonging has emerged not merely as a measure of social comfort, but as a fundamental human need that is vital to educational success and optimal functioning. While the concept is well trodden in undergraduate research, its application to graduate and professional (G&P) education requires a nuanced recalibration. In the G&P context, sense of belonging is defined as a student's perceived social support, a sensation of connectedness, and the experience of mattering-feeling cared about, respected, and valued by the campus community, specifically within their department and discipline. Unlike undergraduate belonging, which often centers on broad institutional affiliation, graduate belonging is tethered to the specific culture of a department, the socialization into a field, and the formation of a professional identity.
Abstract This chapter explores the transformative power of authenticity in leadership, contrasting the superficial allure of accolades with the enduring value of character and integrity. It examines the pitfalls of ego‑driven leadership, including the false sense of identity that arises from attachment to past achievements. Through the African fable of the Elephant and the Hare, the chapter illustrates the dangers of arrogance and the importance of humility, emphasizing that true leadership lies in service, collaboration, and authenticity. Practical exercises guide leaders in managing ego, practicing self‑reflection, seeking feedback, embracing vulnerability, setting authentic goals, and integrating mindfulness. The chapter underscores that sustainable leadership is not defined by titles or accolades but by aligning actions with values, fostering trust, and inspiring growth within teams.
The purpose of this quantitative study is to examine the relationship between African American medical students’ sense of belonging (SOB) and three theory-driven determinants—relational consistency, navigational capacity, and identity-affirming cues—using data from a multi-institutional survey of graduate and professional students in the United States. The study further explores whether these relationships differ based on undergraduate institutional origin, comparing students who earned their bachelor’s degrees from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly White institutions. Findings reveal that all three mechanisms are positively associated with SOB in the expected direction, with relational consistency and navigational capacity exerting stronger effects among HBCU-educated students. Implications for policy, practice, and future research in medical education are discussed.
Abstract Chapter 8, “Find the Gift in Your Scars,” draws inspiration from the African proverb, “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors,” to explore the transformative power of experiential learning in leadership. It highlights how true growth often arises from adversity, with each challenge—or “scar”—contributing to the wisdom, resilience, and adaptability that define effective leaders. These scars are not just marks of hardship but symbols of hard-earned lessons and milestones of personal and professional development. The chapter underscores the importance of embracing setbacks as opportunities for learning and cultivating a leadership culture that values continuous growth. By sharing experiences of both success and failure, leaders foster an organizational environment where resilience becomes a collective strength. It emphasizes integrating these lessons into practice, transforming personal challenges into shared narratives of growth that inspire teams to confront adversity with a learning mindset. Ultimately, “Find the Gift in Your Scars” redefines leadership as a journey where every struggle refines one’s capacity to lead with authenticity, strength, and empathy, turning turbulent seas into opportunities to become a skillful and transformative sailor in leadership.
