Dr. Dhanfu Elston: 30-Second Q&A

Dhanfu Elston, PhD, is Chief of Staff & Senior Vice President for Strategy at Complete College America in Indianapolis.

What are you reading?
Say It Louder: Black Voters, White Narratives, and Saving Our Democracy by Tiffany Cross, a fellow alum of Clark Atlanta University.

What’s a new idea that has struck a chord?
After reading “The Nuclear Family Was a Mistake” by David Brooks, I’ve been thinking about how Americans’ focus on extended family and community evolved, over time, to more isolation and fewer social connections. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us how interconnected we are and the value of shared interests for the common good.

Recent film you enjoyed?
Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Recommend a social-media account or two?
@TheNapMinistry is helping me incorporate rest for my mental health and @LeadershipCures helps its followers make tough decisions with integrity.

What are you optimistic about?
The country’s increased focus on racial justice has provided a unique opportunity to illuminate inequities in higher education and create equitable outcomes for our most minoritized groups. I’m really excited to see that the voices of practitioners and policy leaders, who represent the lived experiences of those that we seek to serve, are becoming more amplified in the field.

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