Interview with University of Central Florida president, Alexander Cartwright

Today we’re talking to University of Central Florida president, Alexander Cartwright.  UCF is fully back in person and President Cartwright says it’s remarkable to see how much students and staff care about each other and what they’re trying to do this semester.  UCF was fortunate enough to receive a large boost this summer in the form of a $40 million gift from MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett. The award will go far at the university.  He says it’s a reflection of what UCF has been able to accomplish.  He also says they will use the money to invest in endowments that will benefit student success, faculty and staff, and all the great research they’re doing.

President Cartwright started at UCF just 16 months ago, so his entire time there has been during the pandemic.  He has taken away some valuable lessons though, with the biggest lesson being around the ability to be adaptive and innovative. To be a successful leader during these times, President Cartwright says you have to be able to show compassion.  There needs to be a willingness to listen and address concerns.  He says it’s also very important as a leader to know that you can’t do everything, and you should empower others to make decisions.  President Cartwright also says it’s important to return to the principle of community.

Seeing the partnerships between universities and community colleges has been powerful.  At the end of the day it’s about putting the students' best interests at the forefront. President Cartwright says it means taking the long-term perspective. Something that he says has served him well is ‘thinking gray’.  This means listening to an argument to see if your mind can be changed.  It means thinking about how you hear what people are saying, thinking about it without a bias.  Thinking gray takes practice, but can really serve you well.

The best advice President Cartwright has ever received was about empowerment, helping the people around you, and valuing the people around you.  He’s a firm believer in the power of recognition.  When he offers others advice it all comes back to how do you show people respect?  How do you show that you value individuals?  He says it’s important for people to know you care, and it’s incredible what people will do when they feel valued.